Working together to embrace the opportunities of today and the possibilities of tomorrow

Transcription

1 FALL 2017 Team Lethbridge Working together to embrace the opportunities of today and the possibilities of tomorrow Team Lethbridge Working together for a stronger Alberta Team Lethbridge consists of 19 diverse partner organizations working together to raise awareness of how the city of Lethbridge contributes to the province. Team Lethbridge is based on the core principle of collaboration and strives to identify how we can better work with our government representatives to support the long-term success of Alberta. We look forward to building momentum as we align our efforts to the governments priorities of strong families, strong communities, healthy environment, diversified 21st century economy, quality education and improved public health care. Our Team is excited to come to Edmonton again from November 7-9, We believe Lethbridge has a lot to offer the province, the country and the world. This newsletter provides an overview of all of our Team Lethbridge participating organizations. Our vision is to foster a community, province and nation that are not only ready to embrace the opportunities of today but also the possibilities of tomorrow. Thank you for the efforts you are making as our political leaders to create a healthier, more economically diverse, innovative, dynamic and sustainable place in which all our organizations, businesses and citizens thrive.

2 SAVE THE DATES Team Lethbridge is returning to Edmonton November 7-9, 2017 We look forward to meeting with you and thank you for your efforts on behalf of the citizens of Lethbridge and our province. For more details or to arrange an appointment time, please contact: Shilpa Stocker Table of Contents Alberta Health Services - South Zone...3 Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge...4 Canadian Home Builders Association - Lethbridge Region...5 Chinook Country Tourist Association...6 City of Lethbridge...7 Economic Development Lethbridge...8 Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce Lethbridge College Lethbridge Construction Association Lethbridge & District Association of REALTORS Lethbridge & District Exhibition Lethbridge Family Services Lethbridge Lodging Association Lethbridge Police Service Lethbridge School District No Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization Lethbridge Sport Council University of Lethbridge MLA Message Alberta Health Services South Zone Serving Our Communities in the South Alberta Health Services (AHS) vision is Healthy Albertans. Healthy Communities. Together. AHS provides a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. AHS works to ensure that Albertans are getting the right care, in the right place, at the right time, no matter where they live in the province; to simplify the health system by looking at care delivery through the eyes of Albertans and their families; to make the system more efficient through local and site-based decision-making while reducing redundancy. Alberta Health Services (AHS) South Zone serves Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and the surrounding areas from Oyen to Milk River and Blairmore to Irvine. AHS South Zone is responsible for delivering care to 300,000 residents. AHS South Zone has offices in 17 communities, with 14 acute care health centres, including two regional hospitals in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. There are about 7,300 employees, 2,000 volunteers and 500 physicians. AHS South Zone works closely with primary care physicians through the Chinook Primary Care Network. Katherine Chubbs, Chief Zone Officer, South Zone Phone: Katherine.chubbs@albertahealthservices.ca Website: albertahealthservices.ca/south-zone.aspx

3 Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge Enriching Lethbridge The Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge (AAC) is a not-for-profit organization created to advance the arts by supporting artistic endeavors that enhance the quality of life for individuals, create a rich cultural environment and help to build a stronger community. The arts are an indicator for a healthy community and are drivers for positive social change. Arts organizations in Lethbridge improve the quality of life and health for people of all ages and abilities through programs such as visual arts programs for adults with special needs and Housing First clients. AAC member arts organizations and artists also provide opportunities for students at all levels to engage in arts activities through educational programs. These activities are known to improve the overall social and scholastic success of students and is recognized as a positive influence with hard to engage students. The AAC endeavours to provide arts opportunities and spaces to attract and retain creative and innovative people to the city in support of a diverse local economy. Suzanne Lint, Executive Director Phone: Suzanne@artslethbridge.org Website: Canadian Home Builders Association Lethbridge Region (CHBA-LR) At the Heart of Building Lethbridge Communities Canadian Home Builders Association Lethbridge is a non-profit industry organization that serves nearly 4,000 individuals including home builders, developers, suppliers, trades and service professionals. CHBA-LR advocates for what matters to the residential construction industry; acting as the central point for information, education and business development. The CHBA-LR firmly believes in educating today s youth on the options and possibilities a trade career can give them. CHBA-LR believes that those employed in the residential housing industry are leaders in building great communities. Incentives and grants for young apprentices are critical in maintaining a level of professionalism, quality and integrity for an industry that plays a vital part in the lives of many. CHBA-LR collaborates with all levels of government to ensure affordable, healthy, vibrant and successful communities that include homes, schools, employment opportunities and safety. This is done through reducing regulatory barriers, increasing efficiencies and encouraging stakeholder engagement with professionals in the industry. By building strong communities, CHBA-LR helps to attract migration, create jobs and strengthen Alberta s overall economy by striving to keep Lethbridge and the province competitive in today s global economy. Kristen DeMone, Executive Officer Phone: Executiveofficer@chbalethbridge.com Website: 4

4 Chinook Country Tourist Association (CCTA) Supporting, Connecting and Inspiring the Visitor Economy Chinook Country Tourist Association (CCTA) is a stakeholder-driven, not-for-profit organization that has been serving the tourism industry in southern Alberta since CCTA s mission is to support, connect and inspire the visitor economy by providing marketing and management services and support to its stakeholders and partners. CCTA supports infrastructure investments in the City and region as they are needed to make Lethbridge more attractive. A performing arts centre, convention and trade centre, and additional attractions allow for more people to view Lethbridge as a desirable destination. CCTA believes that transportation is key to moving people to and through the City and region. The twinning of Highway 3 would be a great asset to move people along the south part of the province especially since many use rubber tire to travel. CCTA s vision is simply: growing the visitor economy and tourism industry in our region and Lethbridge is a destination for tourism which has a sizable impact on the local/regional economy. Nikolaus Wyslouzil, Executive Director Phone: nikolaus@chinookcountry.com Website: City of Lethbridge Partnering with the Government of Alberta to Create Jobs and Grow Our Economy As the hub of southern Alberta, Lethbridge is an attractive place to live, play, work, learn and do business. We strive to foster an environment in our city that s attractive to business and investment. We continue to diversify our local economy while helping to provide a richer, broader array of career, social, recreational and cultural opportunities for our residents. Provincial investments in Lethbridge have been used to maximize value for the community through reliable infrastructure and efficient transportation networks as well as increasingly diverse recreational and cultural amenities. The City of Lethbridge continues to seek affirmation of the Province s long-term commitment of funding to support capital infrastructure investments through a funding program to replace the Municipal Sustainability Initiative. The City of Lethbridge also advocates that a portion of revenue from the provincial carbon levy be made available to municipalities in the form of a grant program that we can use to make municipal facilities and operations more energy efficient. Independent studies and investment magazines continue to rank Lethbridge highly in terms of cost competitiveness. Our city is well positioned for growth with an expanding industrial park and abundant serviced land. The City of Lethbridge is committed to collaborating with the Government of Alberta to maximize local economic opportunities, diversify our economy and create jobs which will in turn contribute to our province s prosperity. Chris Spearman, Mayor Phone: mayor@lethbridge.ca Web: 6

5 Economic Development Lethbridge In the Business of Building Community An arm s-length organization supported by the City of Lethbridge, EDL is governed by a 25-member volunteer Board of Directors who represent a diverse range of expertise, industries and interests within the community, including education, business, art, culture and recreation. As stewards of the economic strategy for Lethbridge, EDL serves as a support system, a community collaborator and a proactive advocate for the future evolution, growth and prosperity of Lethbridge. EDL draws from the strengths of our community through partnerships with business, government and post-secondary along with community and social services to promote job growth and economic diversification. And we are committed to working collaboratively under a strong, common vision to promote this city as a place for enterprise where businesses and citizens alike can thrive within a welcoming community. As EDL continues to advocate on behalf of the city it serves, it is also working to understand the characteristics of our place that residents value the most. These perceptions create the foundation for clearly defining the Lethbridge brand, which EDL will continue to develop through Initiatives such as Team Lethbridge are the key to building a community that is a bright choice for business, innovation and people. Trevor Lewington, Chief Executive Officer Phone: Trevor@chooselethbridge.ca Website: Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4 Where students are cherished and achieve their potential Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4 is a 15 rurban division that serves the educational needs of over 5,000 students in fifteen schools across Lethbridge and five rural communities. This Catholic Faith community is dedicated to providing each student entrusted in its care with an education rooted in the Good News of Jesus Christ. Publicly funded Catholic education strengthens Alberta s internationally recognized education system and is a key component of parental choice. Lifelong learning begins early and is vital for the future success of all students. An investment in early learning is an investment for life. Holy Spirit Catholic School graduates communicate effectively, collaborate with others, engage in high levels of critical thinking, and help solve the many problems of this world with creativity and resourcefulness. To guide the continual improvement of the education system, community engagement and effective partnerships are vital with parents, elders, students, post-secondary institutions and the community at large. Our combined investment in our students, from their early years to graduation, will allow Alberta to develop and grow a healthy and diversified 21 st century economy. Chris Smeaton, Superintendent Phone: smeatonc@holyspirit.ab.ca Website: 8

6 Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce The Voice of Business The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce is the voice of the business community, representing in excess of 770 business members in the Lethbridge area. As a community-based, volunteer business organization, the Chamber promotes and enhances free enterprise for the benefit of the social and economic environment of the city of Lethbridge. The Chamber wants to ensure that Lethbridge is one of the top cities in Canada in which to live and do business. Lethbridge is Alberta s best example of a diversified economy and is welcoming to families and business, is competitive in taxes and services, and provides strong employment and investment opportunities. Although strong in agriculture, food production, transportation and alternative energy, labour continues to be an ongoing issue in our community, from trade shortages, to aboriginal opportunities, to ensuring our post-graduate students have attractive and competitive opportunities to stay in our community. The Chamber continues to provide solutions to the business community, to provide a stable and secure working environment through advocacy from our policy and engagement committees and task forces. A better community means better business conditions and the Chamber works for a better community for everyone. Karla Pyrch, Executive Director Phone: karla@lethbridgechamber.com Website: Lethbridge College Leading and Transforming Education Lethbridge College welcomes more than 6,500 students and apprentices each year, promoting an inclusive and healthy environment that nurtures the health and well-being of all students. Lethbridge College is dedicated to improving the lives of learners and communities through the recognition and respect for the distinct cultures, languages, histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous people and Indigenous-centered education. Lethbridge College s vision of leading and transforming education in Alberta focuses on academic transformation, collaborative partnerships, resource innovation and people development, while developing capacity for leading change through engagement. Lethbridge College is facilitating learning and innovation to meet the needs of the student and employee of today and of tomorrow. Collaborative Centres of Excellence have been identified in areas of agriculture, justice studies and people development, which are guided by consultation with industry partners and in-house expertise to optimally integrate, but not be limited to, applied research, educational experiences and corporate training. Lethbridge College continues to be relevant and sustainable in a changing environment, providing relevant, high-quality education through excellence in teaching and learning as well as applied research. Paula Burns, President and CEO Phone: paula.burns@lethbridgecollege.ca Website: 10

7 Lethbridge Construction Association Building Lethbridge for Tomorrow The Lethbridge Construction Association (LCA) continues to strengthen industry practices through advocacy, education, resources and safety training, access to commercial tender opportunities, apprenticeship scholarships, and community collaboration. Established in 1954, the Association has grown to over 270 members, consisting of general contractors, trade contractors, suppliers and manufacturers in institutional, commercial and industrial construction in southern Alberta. LCA supports predictable funding of infrastructure and capital improvement project spending throughout Alberta. This allows for the steady flow of construction rather than boom/bust cycles of spending. Construction is Alberta s third largest employer, employing one in nine working Albertans and impacts families in all areas of southern Alberta. LCA believes that stable, sustainable infrastructure spending and government policy are crucial in building Alberta. In building a stronger Alberta, LCA encourages the supply of a qualified and skilled work force through apprenticeship programs, scholarships and increased training opportunities in the southern region. LCA is passionate about working to improve the construction industry as it builds Lethbridge for tomorrow. Erin Low, Executive Director Phone: execdir@lethconst.ca Website: Lethbridge and District Association of REALTORS Ensuring Safe Habitation The Lethbridge and District Association of REALTORS (LDAR) is a member service organization made up of nearly 300 REALTORS consisting of Brokers, Associate Brokers and Associates, covering a 150 km radius. LDAR supports and engages REALTORS in the Lethbridge District, utilizing the MLS system and relevant technologies while advancing professionalism. LDAR advocates for increased consumer protection, security in transactions and housing affordability. Within these priorities, LDAR encourages the province to improve Home and Property Inspections standards of practice in the industry and increase consumer protection. With land titles affecting all Alberta consumers buying and selling homes in the residential real estate sector, LDAR encourages enhancements to the Alberta Land Titles Registry System, moving towards a 24/7 access to the system. Research shows the land-transfer tax hinders housing affordability and presents barriers to home ownership by adding additional costs to a home purchase. As a result, LDAR urges the province to explore alternative tax levers to the land-transfer tax for municipalities. Lethbridge is a great place to work, learn, live, visit, play and raise a family. LDAR believes it s that balance that makes it so appealing as a model for the future. Cathy Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer Phone: eo@ldar.ca Website: 12

8 Lethbridge & District Exhibition A Central Hub for Connection and Celebration Lethbridge & District Exhibition is a non-profit Regional Exhibition that strives to provide to the people of the Lethbridge and Southern Alberta an agricultural and community gathering place at which they can participate in events, conduct business, learn, and be entertained. Exhibition Park is an economic and tourism driver for Lethbridge and is the largest facility of its kind in southern Alberta. This vibrant, community-focused organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors representing the varied interests of the region. Since 1897, Lethbridge & District Exhibition has been a central hub for connection and celebration in southern Alberta; a place where the divergent perspectives of agriculture, urban interests and culture meet on common ground. Over the years there has been significant and growing demand for Exhibition Park facilities. As well, the community s need for a convention center remains unmet. Exhibition Park has created a development plan for a facility that will meet both these needs. Rudy Friesen, General Manager Phone: rudy@exhibitionpark.ca Website: Lethbridge Family Services Because Family Is Important Lethbridge Family Services is a highly-accredited, charitable human services organization that improves the well-being and quality of life for individuals and families in Southwestern Alberta. As part of the community since 1910, LFS employs 375+ staff, is Lethbridge s 16th largest employer, and serves nearly 7,000 individuals and families annually. Through first-rate social and community health services, Lethbridge Family Services has been at the forefront of settlement services for immigrants and refugees, community-based home health care, supporting over 1,100 citizens to remain in their own homes for as long as possible through stages of illness and aging, a full range of psychological services including counselling, outreach and education, and a broad continuum of services for people with disabilities. These services strengthen the communities that LFS serves, and the individuals and families within them. Lethbridge Family Services believes that the family, more than any institution, shapes the personality and character of every person; that the nature of life in society is, in large part, determined by the quality of family life. Lethbridge Family Services is committed to assisting individuals and family units to improve their functioning at home, at work, and in the community. Throughout the years and decades, Lethbridge Family Services has played a major role in the identification and development of needed services, and is committed to collaboration as a means of efficiently and effectively meeting community needs. Sandra Mintz, Chief Executive Officer Phone: smintz@lfsfamily.ca Website: 14

9 Lethbridge Lodging Association (LLA) VisitLethbridge.com Lethbridge Lodging Association (LLA) is a partnership of Destination Marketing Fund (DMF) collecting accommodations businesses that attract and increase visitors to Lethbridge through the development of partnerships, events and activities that raise awareness of Lethbridge, grows hotel/motel occupancies and benefits our community. LLA envisions that Lethbridge is the hub of tourism experiences in southern Alberta. Tourism is one of the leading industries in the province of Alberta and is supported by accommodations properties to cater to the needs of visitors from all parts of Canada and beyond. Recognizing the importance of all players in the tourism industry, LLA partners strategically with organizations such as the ENMAX Centre to create new and sustainable tourism opportunities in Lethbridge and market accommodations to increase additional overnight stays in Lethbridge. The association s website, VisitLethbridge.com, promotes Lethbridge as the ideal destination for both corporate and leisure travel with entertainment options for all ages. Bruce Primeau, President project@visitlethbridge.com Lethbridge Police Service Courage. Safety. Service. The Lethbridge Police Service has 172 sworn officers, 64 civilian support staff and more than 50 volunteers who serve the citizens of Lethbridge and strive to make the city a safe and inclusive community for all residents and visitors. We recognize the ability to build and maintain a safe and sustainable community goes beyond emergency services. It is imperative that law enforcement work in partnership with social service providers, community organizations and all levels of government to address complex social problems in order to break the cycle of crime. The current crisis around the abuse of opioids and other illicit drugs has created a critical need for prevention, harm reduction and treatment options and the City of Lethbridge continues to seek support for comprehensive wrap-around services. Supporting all of our citizens is an investment in Alberta s future and LPS will continue to work to find meaningful and innovative solutions to maintain a vibrant, diverse and strong community that we are all proud to call home. Robert A. Davis, Chief of Police Phone: Robert.Davis@lethbridgepolice.ca Website: 16

10 Lethbridge School District No. 51 Engaging our students so they are innovative thinkers and contributing citizens Lethbridge School District No. 51 serves more than 11,000 students from early education programs to grade 12, providing high quality learning experiences through a broad range of educational programs in 21 schools and four institutional programs. Lethbridge School District No. 51 believes in the importance of supporting family and community and that children flourish when they come to school ready to learn. Government recognition and support of the formalized Early Education programs that exist in schools would contribute to collaborative service delivery at an early age, appropriate facility capacity allocation, and seamless transition to the K to 12 system. Additionally, the connection between health and education is critical, especially with respect to family support services, and mental health prevention and intervention. The district supports implementation of a flexible, studentcentered, inclusive curriculum with supporting technologies that develop the attributes and competencies necessary for active contributing citizens in Alberta s vibrant communities. Program resourcing and serving the unique needs of a student population that continues to grow in diversity are ongoing priorities. Additionally, Lethbridge School District No. 51 is challenged with student population growth outstripping facility space with capital project approval an immediate priority need. Cheryl Gilmore, Superintendent Phone: cheryl.gilmore@lethsd.ab.ca Website: Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) Making a Difference to Seniors Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) is a multi-service, not-for-profit charity, which strives to encourage an active, healthy community that is learning, growing and making a difference. By 2031, it is projected that one in five Albertans will be a senior citizen indicating a substantially growing demographic. LSCO is preparing for a new and expanding generation of seniors population, striving to meet their changing needs and advocates for the Provincially Integrated System of Seniors Centres model. Funding for seniors organizations is available from a variety of sources, with one being provincial FCSS funding which continues to be important in light of the fact that costs to operate these services have risen. While raising the awareness of elder abuse and prevention measures is of concern throughout the province, LSCO (through the Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response Network or LEARN) provides the only case manager for Elder Abuse victims south of Calgary. In 2016, LEARN received a Provincial Inspiration Award for Leadership in Elder Abuse Prevention. LSCO advocates for the continuation of funding for Elder Abuse services and supports. LSCO believes a strong seniors community is built through community involvement and a focus on proactively addressing vital issues such as elder abuse, seniors housing opportunities, fair taxation, adequate health services and affordable, accessible in-home and community supports. Rob Miyashiro, Executive Director Phone: rmiyashiro@lethseniors.com Website: 18

11 Lethbridge Sport Council Your Voice for Sport Lethbridge Sport Council (LSC) provides leadership for the enhancement and development of sports, sport organizations, and sport facilities in Lethbridge, fostering inclusive and quality sport experiences for all. LSC advocates for sport and provides a local voice for sport provincially and nationally. LSC is focused on growing sport tourism, looking for ways to address event rights-holder fees, travel costs, infrastructure, sport venue way-finding signage, community events, sport event legacies and sport development overall. In addition to growing sport tourism to benefit Lethbridge and southwestern Alberta, LSC assists sport organizations and individuals by linking them to, and providing them with sport and sport business related education, support services and linkages to the community. It promotes the development in sport organizational leadership, coaches, officials, and volunteers. The advancement of physical literacy for all ages through education, promotion of Canadian Sport for Life, and development and utilization of programs throughout a person s lifespan is a key focus for LSC. Susan Eymann, Executive Director Phone: susan@lethbridgesportcouncil.ca Website: University of Lethbridge Student-Centred, Research-Enriched The University of Lethbridge (U of L) is a student-centered, destination university well known for its unparalleled student experience in a research-rich environment and attracts students from Alberta, Canada and around the world. Along with its exceptional undergraduate programming, the U of L offers graduate programming in all of its faculties and is mandated by the Province of Alberta as a comprehensive research university conducting leading research in many different important areas critical to the success of our province. Home to leading research centres and institutes across disciplines, U of L researchers are responsive to emerging economic and societal needs and play a major role in driving the southern Alberta economy and elevating quality-of-life for the regional population. Phase II of the Destination Project will see the revitalization of University Hall to support world class social science research at the U of L, its globally recognized art collection, and Indigenous students. The U of L announced the creation of a new School of Liberal Education in April 2017 which will ensure students are better prepared to solve problems in the 21st century and to succeed in future careers. The U of L is located in the heart of a vibrant farm and ranching community, has faculty members with unique expertise in this field, as well as areas such as biotechnology, remote sensing, economics and management. Michael J. (Mike) Mahon, President and Vice-Chancellor Phone: mike.mahon@uleth.ca Website: 20

12 Lethbridge is a community of forward thinking citizens enthusiastically working towards the same goal to proactively build a first-class city and province. Our relationships with the people in the Government of Alberta and Government of Canada are very important to us. That s why our organizations are participating in a collaborative approach to sharing our stories about Lethbridge and working with government leaders to create a bright, optimistic future. Team Lethbridge has put a tremendous amount of work into the November visit to the Legislature. My colleagues and I look forward to hearing of the many ways Lethbridge, its community leaders and key organizations contribute to the Province s success. Team Lethbridge c/o Economic Development Lethbridge 308 Stafford Drive South Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2L1 Shannon Phillips, Minister Environment and Parks, Minister Responsible for the Climate Change Office, MLA Lethbridge-West. Team Lethbridge exemplifies what community is and why Lethbridge is such a strong, thriving community. Working together to grow economically and working together to grow as an inclusive community is what they do publically and in every conversation. Apart from the people in my community, Team Lethbridge is the second reason why I love Lethbridge. Sincerely, Maria Fitzpatrick, MLA Lethbridge-East For more information, call or visit