Which projects would you like to see your tax dollars spent on?
Lethbridge city council is trying to make those decisions this spring, faced with a number of proposals worth tens of millions of dollars.
Potential projects include relocating the Lethbridge Fish & Game Association shooting range, as well as rejuvenating and expanding Exhibition Park.
“It’s a project that fulfills multiple needs in the community through a single project,” said Rudy Friesen, Exhibition general manager. “You’re finally getting that space in the community we don’t currently have.”
$25-million is the ask from the Lethbridge & District Exhibition, with plans calling for 250,000 square feet of trade and convention space as well as a dirt floor agriplex.
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The Exhibition is putting up $15-million, with a total price tag set at $90-million with help from other levels of government.
“It’s tough to find a convention centre in Canada that operates sustainably and we’ve found a way to do that,” said Friesen.
Relocation of the shooting range from Peenaquim Park is a smaller request, asking the city for $18-million.
“To contain things properly, you need to have good dirt berms,” said Allan Friesen, the range operator, of the cost of earth moving. He estimates one berm has roughly $900,000 worth of dirt.
In three phases over eight years, the group would acquire land within 15 minutes of the city. Construction would include five outdoor ranges and a new indoor facility.
“It could be quicker, but we’ve broken it into three phases,” said Friesen. “The idea is to be respectful of the other projects, so we’re phasing it in over time to make that happen.”
Council also heard from Galt No. 8 Mine Historic Society on Monday, a group renewing efforts to develop the old mine into an interpretive tourist heritage site.
Funding the project would cost roughly $4-million. Plans include preserving the site’s remaining structures, while offering rides, theatrical acts and activities educating students on the energy industry.
Monday was the final day of capital funding requests. Residents will now have their say on all projects over the next month through open houses. Council will then debate which projects to include in early May.
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