Council votes for city admin to hunt for new shelter spot

The need for shelter and housing for the homeless population in Lethbridge has been a hot button topic over the past few years. An official motion at Tuesday’s City Council meeting was brought forward asking city administration to conduct a long term response for those in need of shelter and housing.

That includes a permanent shelter for our most vulnerable during the bitterly cold winter months and during the scorching hot summer months. Council voted unanimously to move forward with the motion.

Nick Paladino was one of the councillors that wrote up the motion, “I think council is still waiting for some real options to either buy, lease or rent and finally approve a more permanent solution. This motion is presented to express a sense of urgency on this matter.”

“This does give definitive direction to administration to continue that work and actually report back to council with a set date, which I think is extremely important,” states Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen.

The other councillor to put his name on the motion was John Middleton-Hope, “There is now clear direction that this is an initiative of council and we want this to be moved forward expeditiously.”

City officials say provincial funding of $1 million is available if the City of Lethbridge is able to find a location for the shelter and provide the necessary approvals. City admin will report back by Q2 of 2023 with their findings.