From youth sports to shuttles for seniors: City invests in community projects that open doors for all

The City of Lethbridge is investing more than $1.2 million to help local non-profits create more inclusive, accessible and welcoming spaces for residents.

Funding was awarded to 26 community projects today through two grant programs:

• The Make-Your-Mark (MYM) one-time funding grant, which caters to small and mid-sized projects
• The Community Capital Project Grant (CCPG), which supports larger projects that require matching funds

Lethbridge Sport Council received approximately $25,000, through the MYM grant, to purchase a sanitization system and storage space for redistributing used sports equipment. The project helps reduce barriers for young people who may not be able to afford new gear.

“We know that access to equipment is one of the biggest barriers to sport participation for many families,” says Susan Eymann, Executive Director, Lethbridge Sport Council. “This project allows us to safely clean and store donated gear so it can be reused by kids who need it. It’s about making sure every child has the chance to play.”

The sanitization system uses ozone technology to disinfect equipment without water or harsh chemicals. It is safe for all materials and helps extend the life of donated gear.

“The number of applications we received shows how dedicated our community is to building spaces and services that welcome everyone,” says Andrew Malcolm, General Manager of Community Social Development. “Whether it’s opening the door for kids to play sport or providing transportation for seniors so they can stay active, these projects help make Lethbridge more inclusive and accessible for everyone.”

During, and immediately after, the COVID-19 pandemic, the CCPG was undersubscribed due to economic challenges that hindered organizations’ ability to complete projects. This led to a balance of approximately $600,000 of CCPG funds that went unspent.

In December 2024, Council approved the creation of the MYM program using the unspent grant funding to ensure the funds were still available to support the community.

“The projects selected for grant funding truly reflect the spirit of our community. Council is proud to support projects that bring people together and make our city more inclusive,” says Mayor Blaine Hyggen. “I’d also like to extend a thank you to all the organizations who applied for these programs. The number of quality projects submitted for consideration were outstanding.”

The MYM Grant received 57 applications, totaling more than $2.2 million in project funding requests from community organizations.

The MYM grant funded 20 projects, including:

• A creative hub for the BIPOC Foundation
• Accessibility upgrades at Hungarian Canadian Old Timers’ Society
• Communication boards at playgrounds for the Lethbridge School Division
• A new shuttle bus for Nord-Bridge Seniors

The CCPG awarded more than $600,000 in grants to six projects, including:

• A multi-sport dome at the University of Lethbridge
• A new playground at West Coulee Station
• A welding facility at Winston Churchill High School

For a full list of the MYM and CCPG grant funding recipients, head to lethbridge.ca/grants.

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Read this article on the City of Lethbridge website.