Lethbridge Mayor pleased with funding towards Chinook Hospital’s catheterization lab

The Alberta government in it’s Budget 2026 announcement has revealed that its allocating more than $34 billion over the next three years towards strengthening the health care system, with $4.9 billion going towards health infrastructure. A portion of that will go towards cardiac care in southern Alberta.

Over three years, $59 million will go to develop a cardiac catheterization laboratory at Lethbridge’s Chinook Regional Hospital, plus enhanced ICU capacity at Chinook and the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.

In a statement Mayor Blaine Hyggen says the city is excited at the announcement of the $59 million in funding for hospitals in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.

“I was pleased to attend the budget announcement in Edmonton, on behalf of Lethbridge City Council.

“We are excited at the announcement of $59 million across the next three years dedicated for developing a catheterization laboratory and enhancing intensive care unit (ICU) capacity at Chinook Regional Hospital and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. We are also encouraged by the Provincial Government keeping the other existing commitments to Lethbridge and the region, such as the Southern Alberta Medical Program at the University of Lethbridge.”

“It will take some time to review the entire scope of the 2026 provincial budget, including discussions with our Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, to see the full picture for our city. We look forward to working with the provincial government in the coming weeks and months to learn more about what this proposed budget means specifically for Lethbridge.”

“As always, Lethbridge City Council will continue to advocate for the supports we need in our city to best serve our residents. ”