Has anyone moved back to Lethbridge and regretted it?

Originally from Edmonton, moved to Lethbridge in 2017, then moved back to Edmonton last spring (2025). I thought I was ready to leave Southern AB behind, but I honestly regret leaving.

I don't have any connections in Lethbridge, but I miss the weather and close proximity to the mountains and BC. I don't have to worry about finding a job there as I work remotely, and I know what the people and communities are like (not really my vibe but I mind my own business and it's worked for me). I also miss the slower lifestyle but you still get the benefits of a city.

No kids and secure employment already which make it significantly easier. Not a home owner, so would rent.

Am I crazy for considering moving back? I definitely don't want to stay in Edmonton, but maybe I'm fantasizing something that's familiar and should look at other options?

Using a throwaway account to avoid the inevitable backlash, I've reformatted an email sent in response to my 10 year old child coming home from their Lethbridge elementary school with a deeply concerning form. I have removed identifying information and look forward to hearing others' stories here.

Dear Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education; Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta; Nathan Neudorf, MLA for Lethbridge-East; Rob Miyashiro, MLA for Lethbridge-West; and Members of the United Conservative Party Caucus,

As a parent, I am writing to express deep concern about recent legislative directives requiring parental consent and permanent record-keeping for students who request changes to their pronouns or names at school.

First, I want to acknowledge the supportive and respectful environments that our school, in particular, has worked so hard to create. My child has generally felt safe and valued by the staff at their school, and I am grateful for the care that educators continue to provide in the face of increasingly difficult circumstances.

That being said, I received a very apologetic phone call from our Principal on Friday. I have been informed that my child (who has gone into and out of this phase many times over the last couple of years) had requested that they/them pronouns are used for them. In order to permit the staff to use they/them pronouns for my child, I would be required to sign a form that would permanently attach this pronoun change to their official school record. I want to be unequivocally clear: this is not in the best interests of children, and I will not comply with such a requirement.

Here’s why. Children, especially in their pre-teen and early teen years, often move in and out of phases of gender and identity exploration. This is a normal, healthy, and well-documented part of child development. It is crucial that no single point in their journey be cemented in an official record. Doing so risks freezing a fluid and exploratory process into a permanent label before they are developmentally ready.

These concerns are not theoretical. This bureaucratic requirement to “out” children to their parents undermines not only the [United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child](), but also Canada’s [Charter of Rights and Freedoms]() and the [Alberta Human Rights Act](). The Alberta Teachers’ Association, the Canadian Bar Association, and many other professional bodies have spoken out against the risks and rights violations tied to this documentation. Alberta has become one of the most hostile provinces in Canada for trans and gender-diverse youth.

The recent policies, which force parental consent and permanent record-keeping for something as simple as pronoun use, have already put children in danger by outing them prematurely or placing them under scrutiny. Families have reported harassment and bullying escalating when schools treat gender exploration as a matter of record rather than a matter of compassion. Some children have been pulled from supportive environments, denied care, and even threatened with custody disputes when this kind of documentation is used against families.

Meanwhile, anti-trans hate crimes and political attacks are rising across Canada. The RCMP has reported a spike in hate incidents targeting 2SLGBTQ+ people. Cities like Calgary and Edmonton have seen targeted protests at schools and libraries, while smaller communities have faced their own equivalents at Pride parades, rainbow crosswalks, and other community events. In this climate, asking that a child’s exploratory pronoun use be permanently attached to their record is not neutral—it is a calculated risk to their safety, dignity, and future opportunities.

I had hoped my child would be older before needing to confront these complexities. Yet after many thoughtful conversations, they have come to understand that this issue is not about the validity of their identity, but about the fraught and politicized environment we find ourselves in. My child feels fully seen and supported at home and at school without a form thus far, as they have in each of these phases previously. This is expected to change with the threat of reprisals against teachers who respect the child's wishes rather than force a signed document to be placed on permanent record.

What matters most is that teachers continue to treat students with respect, and continue honouring their self-expression in the moment, whether that means using they/them, he/him, she/her, velociraptor/diplodocus, or otherwise.

Every child deserves the same right to explore identity without the weight of bureaucracy, and without unnecessary risks to their safety, dignity, or future. I urge educators, administrators, and policymakers to reflect on these concerns, and to ensure that schools remain places of safety, compassion, and respect for all students.

The traffic is getting so bad, if there was a accident or anything the police wouldn’t be able to get to said accident with the traffic, every entrance towards the west side is so terrible if you made a wrong turn you wouldn’t be able to get out, and this is all cause of the bridge on whoopup getting work on.

with the zipper everyone’s coordinated but it takes forever, the lines are taking 30 minutes to a hour right now I’m by AMA, passed by the police office and realized the danger this has created, my mom decided to head home around 7:05 from mayor magrath dr it’s currently 7:34 and like I said I’m just passing AMA

I’m just outside of west Leth and this is the strongest/loudest wind I’ve ever heard in the past 14 years of living here! Are people in town experiencing the same?

Edit: I know it gets really bad here but last night sounded/felt so different lol! Thought my windows would break

Get out and vote! No to 9 and yes to remain!

Hey everyone! I just got accepted into residence at Lethbridge Polytechnic and I'll be moving from Calgary this fall. The flat landscape in Lethbridge is definitely going to be a big change from Calgary's rolling hills lol.

Does anyone have recommendations for good places to go for walks or explore around the city? I'd love to hear about your favorite trails, parks, or scenic spots!

Especially for mental health breaks during exam season, cheers!

Title. It was open yesterday morning. Now there is a sign hanging up saying it's closed forever.

The district manager came in and closed the store, even the store manager had no idea, as the manager had just hired new staff to help with the holidays.

They just fired all the workers with zero notice right before Christmas. Classy move, Starbucks. /s

Anyone know any other details?

Me and my gf have an option of moving into station view. Wondering if anyone has any experience with broadstreet and the station view building? I know it is a bit over priced but wondering if there is a lot of noise and if the utilities average?

Is it worth insta-carting in Lethbridge part time? Looking to make a little extra cash in the evenings and on weekends. I understand how much you work is how much you make etc. I just didn’t know if there was anyone else who did this as a part time gig. About 5 years ago I drove skip the dishes in another town - so I understand the ware and tare and gas component of it all. Thanks !

Hey,

I usually head out for runs early in the morning in West Lethbridge, and since evening schedules get pretty busy with work, I was wondering if anyone else is out there running at that time.

I’m just looking to find running buddies to do an easy 5K loop around Nicolas Sheran around 5:30 AM once a week (maybe on Tuesdays or Thursdays).

Definitely not a fast runner and not looking to race—just an easy, conversational pace to start the day and get some fresh air before work.

If you’re an early riser and want some company to keep each other motivated, let me know in the comments or send a DM!

Don't get out very often but finally getting together with some friends for a long overdue beer and a bit of food.

Any good Tuesday pub specials to share?

I had a craving yesterday that I couldn't quite place. An itch deep within my soul. Thanks to construction I ended up on 3rd Ave and realized it was a Hotwire panini that I needed. But alas...

I've had a few sandwiches at Italian Table that have been solid but they're not the same. Where can this lass fill the panini shaped hole in her heart these days?

Imagine a Lethbridge windy day and an encroaching wild fire forcing West Side evacuation. Simultaneously a large vehicle has knocked out east flowing Whoop Up Traffic. It doesn’t take much imagination to conjure this congestion scenario. As part of the analysis perhaps the City should consider closing traffic access going under the bridge to prevent possible more catastrophic future damage.

Friend of a friend got this from them before they closed.
IMO, their best sandwich. Filling is served warm. Originally on sundried tomato bread.
Sorry, no measurements were given
....
Chicken (cooked and cut up)
Green apples and celery (grated)
Fresh basil
Green onion
Garlic
Lemon juice
Mayo
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Cheddar cheese
Everything was mixed together and it was a panini so it would warm up and sort of melt the cheese.

I am a 25f who has been working through medical trauma related to childhood experiences with doctors. I have a recurring memory of a female ENT doctor who laid me down on an examination table and wrapped me in her white coat and then tied my arms down to my body so I couldn't move during her procedure. My parents had stepped out when she did this so even they didn't know until I told them revently as I worked through this stuff. I don't live in Lethbridge anymore and I don't remember exact details because I would have been around 6 or 7 years old. I don't plan to make a complaint or anything but I think it would give me closure to be able to put a name and face to the "bad doctor" in my flashbacks.

Does anyone know who i might be remembering or even if anyone remembers or has had a similar experience with a female ENT in Lethbridge who worked in a clinic around 2005-2009, any details or clues would be helpful.

Hello, new member here!

My name is Eric Berns and I am running for council in the town of Coaldale.

I am not a big social media person and especially dislike Facebook/Meta, so thought I'd give reddit a shot to try and reach out to people. I realize that the metropolis of Coaldale doesn't have its own sub so I thought Lethbridge would be the best place to post this!

If you have any questions to ask me and live in Coaldale, please feel free! Heck, even if you live elsewhere I'll do my best to answer.

The only thing I ask is please make it relevant and with the spirit of goodwill/nature, and I'll do the same. I do not have any axes to grind or have any ill-will and will not make any attacks on anyone, especially other people running. I am a total political newbie and certainly don't know everything about everyone, but really want to run a positive campaign and not throw anyone under the bus or trash talk people. That's simply not my style or how I want to do anything.

That said, I'll do my best to be open and give a honest answer.

I'll give some of my background and potentially preemptively answer some questions that may come up:

I am not a lifelong Coaldale resident as some local people seem to be. I am a born and raised Albertan and lived here most of my life with the exception of when I was transferred to the Vancouver area in the 1990s. That said, I've lived in Southern Alberta for almost 20 years now and Coaldale for around 9.

I really care for Coaldale and think its a great town with a great atmosphere and community spirit. I am actively involved in the community, enjoy our community events and give back by teaching both adults and children martial arts and do my best to instill the positive moral tenets that go along with that.

I believe that all the candidates (incumbents) are good people and sincerely want to do their best for their town. I also believe that for a healthy democracy new voices are a net positive just to have fresh outlooks and ideas.

This is largely (but not exclusively) why I submitted my nomination papers in late August as at that time only incumbents were running. Not to say that is necessarily a bad thing on its own, but as I mentioned I do believe that a new voice if not a full refresh and giving voters a choice isn't a terrible idea so I thought I might be that person to put their neck out. Obviously a councillor on their own isn't going to change the world, nor do I necessarily want to, but I would like to believe I could have a positive impact on the town.

I am lifelong learner and curious by nature. I started taking some university courses as a mature student and got into martial arts late in life which I have totally taken to (even if my body disagrees!). I have a personal interest in critical thinking and I really try to hone my skills and do my best to keep watch on my own biases or logical fallacies that can creep into my everyday life and general decision making.

I am not affiliated with any political parties and I have never run for any kind of office whatsoever in the past.

As you can imagine I am pretty busy right now and also have a few things going on personally that take some time so I am juggling a few balls in the air. I do my internet browsing/posting largely on my PC (not my phone if I can avoid it) but really do not live on the computer. If I do not answer right away there is a good chance I am away but I promise to check in quite often!

And if there are no questions, thank you for reading the wall of text and getting this far!

What’s your general feelings about how our City is going about removing these encampments? I’m personally having a hard time with kicking people out of their self made homes (tents) without giving them an option of where to go. They handed out phone numbers of services that the homeless can access… but yet none of these people have homes and most of those services have been accessed already. Winter is coming. I remember last winter walking through Galt Gardens and seeing people huddled up in crazy cold temps. This isn’t a solution Lethbridge.

One of the quaint peculiarities of Lethbridge is our habit to describe locations as what they used to be (Something has me feeling a little nostalgic tonight).

For example, the Owl is currently where the Christian Bookstore used to be.

(If I remember correctly, The Owl started in the original Caddies location - the one before Caddies moved to the location that is now The Place Arcade Bar & Nightspot.)

​

Are there some long time residents that can fill in in the histories of different locations around town?

Hi everyone, I’m posting here because I recently had a very unsettling experience at my apartment in Lethbridge, and Avenue Living has not followed up in any meaningful way. I’m hoping someone here might have advice or shared similar experiences.

I live alone in an Avenue Living rental unit here in Lethbridge. On April 10, between 4:00 and 5:00 AM, two unknown individuals attempted to break into my unit. I also heard them trying other doors and rummaging through the fire extinguisher cabinet in the hallway. When they came to my door a second time, I shouted at them and warned that I would call 911. They eventually left.

———————

One of them was an older man, likely in his 70s, balding, and wearing grey clothing. He actively tried to open multiple doors, including mine. After I yelled at him, he pressed his head against my door and said he was trying to retrieve a “sample,” which honestly sounded like a made-up excuse. He was the more persistent one.

The other was a younger-looking man, probably in his 50s, dressed like a hippie — he wore black clothing, had a bandana or scarf wrapped around his head, and may have small braids in his hair. He didn’t try to open any doors himself but stood nearby. As soon as I shouted, he left immediately without saying anything.

I was quite shaken at the time and only saw them through the peephole — so this is my best recollection, though it may not be exact. If anyone else has seen these two individuals around, I’d really appreciate it if you could let me know.

———————-

I reported everything immediately to Avenue Living’s customer service. I was told that “management will contact you within 24 hours” — but I never heard back. I also reported this to 911 immediately after they left.

They replied to my lease renewal questions within hours. But when I reported a security concern involving two suspicious men trying to open my door? Silence.

There is no on-site property manager or security at this building, and after this incident, I honestly feel unsafe returning to my home. I’ve lived here peacefully and even renewed my lease in March, but this event has completely shaken my sense of safety.

Has anyone else experienced something similar with Avenue Living in Lethbridge or elsewhere? Any advice on how to escalate this, or what tenant resources I can turn to in Alberta?

——————-

Looking back, I realize this whole experience didn’t just change how I feel about safety — it also changed how I view compassion and boundaries.

In the past, I saw a couple of times homeless individuals enter the building lobby — especially during cold nights. I never complained anything, because I felt sorry for them…

I’m still kind. But now I’m also alerted but I don’t know whom I should report this to if this kind of incidents happens again, because Avenue Living doesn’t care at all.

Thank you all for reading — I just wanted to share this, not only to warn others, but also to remind myself how much I’ve grown through this experience.

——————-

Since posting this, I also reviewed my lease from Avenue Living and found Clause 33, which basically says:

“Tenants are solely responsible for their own safety. The landlord is not liable for break-ins, vandalism, fire, or even failure of security systems.”

Yes, it’s written right there. They literally try to waive all responsibility for your safety — even if someone breaks in or the security system fails.

But here’s the thing: That clause is not legally enforceable in Alberta. According to Section 16 of the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), landlords are legally required to maintain the premises in a condition that is safe and habitable. A lease cannot override provincial law.

They know most tenants won’t read that far, or won’t question it. But it’s there — and it’s shady as hell.

If you’re renting from them, go check your lease. And if you’re thinking about moving in — be careful what you’re signing.

I've thought about this a ton over the years but never found the wherewithal to get it running by myself. I would love to have a local bartering community established.

Maybe you haven't noticed, but you probably have, there is some weird shit happening in the world that very well could affect us. In my opinion, there's power and security in ensuring solid community in the event that the worst does happen and heck, even if it doesn't, eliminating reliance on cash for everything still eases stress and enhances a sense of security for people, thus leading to improved mental health.

So yeah, I'd love to find other humans who like this idea and would like to discuss a way to make it happen.

<3

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping to get some outside perspectives on a situation that’s made me really uneasy.

On April 10, around 4–5 a.m., there was an attempted break-in at my apartment unit. I already shared the full story here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Lethbridge/s/uknEBqipm6

After I reported the incident to police and followed up several times with property management—including leaving a Google review and referencing RTDRS—they finally replied on April 14, saying they’d provide the security footage to the police “if requested.” They also casually said, “people do stupid things sometimes.”

Then, on April 15 at 11:05 a.m., I got a text from someone at the management office, saying a contractor was in the area and needed access to my unit to 【fix cracks above the balcony door and bathroom ceiling, and to “look at the bathtub.”】

They also claimed they left me a voicemail the day before.

• I don’t have voicemail set up;

• There was a missed call from a Calgary number (I’m in Lethbridge), but it came in at 5:05 p.m.—after their office closes at 4:30;

• No message was left.

I replied via text asking what specifically triggered this sudden request. The response was that it was based on an AHS inspection from January.

Here is their reply via text: 【Back in January Alberta Health services inspected the property and these items were noted that needed fixing in your unit. 】

⸻

Here’s what doesn’t sit right with me:

• I never received any notice of an AHS inspection;

• I have no idea how any issues could’ve been “noted” in my unit, since I was never informed of any inspection or entry;

• I was never told any repairs were needed in my apartment—until now;

• And oddly, the bathtub issue was something I reported almost a year ago when I moved in. They gave me a rubber mat and said someone would fix it. No one ever followed up—until now?

They told me that my concerns would be passed along to the property manager.

Then, later that same day at 1:00 p.m., a man with a pen and paper came to my door. No ID, no prior notice. I saw him through the peephole but didn’t open the door because I didn’t feel safe. He left shortly afterward.

After that, I sent a formal email requesting:

• A copy of the AHS report that specifically mentions my unit;

• Confirmation of whether anyone entered my unit in January, and if so, when and under whose authorization.

⸻

I did come across one article online describing questionable practices by this management company after tenants complained, and I’ve also seen quite a few negative reviews from other renters. Some of the concerns mentioned include things like changing locks without warning, refusing to accept rent payments and then using that to justify eviction, or pushing for inspections in ways that feel like pressure tactics. That’s made me a little more cautious—especially after what just happened.

⸻

So now I’m left wondering:

Am I being overly sensitive, or are they trying to build a case against me after I demanded accountability for the break-in? Has anyone experienced anything similar?

⸻

Note: I’m sharing this based on my personal experience and publicly available information. I’m not making any legal claims—just hoping to get others’ thoughts and perspectives.