www.lethbridge.ca
Located in Southern Alberta, Lethbridge is one of the few Alberta cities that does not rely heavily on oil and gas. Not prone to the cyclical up and downs that plague the province's northern oil-based municipalities, Lethbridge has flourished. The city has witnessed strong in-migration, expanded post-secondary education facilities, and a more diversified economic base over the past decade.
Functioning as the southern gateway into Alberta, Lethbridge has access to both national and international markets. Offering an extensive system of highways, the region facilitates the movement of goods and people. Job growth, economic diversification, major transportation improvements and an aggressive Economic Development Team have helped Lethbridge to become a magnet for new residents, new development and new businesses.
Canadian Business Magazine has once again placed Lethbridge in the top 50 of Canada's Best Places to Live. The rankings of the communities are based on 16 indicators, including weather and air quality; prosperity (including average household income and discretionary income); affordable housing as well as lifestyle (crime rates, population growth and volume of health care professionals). Lethbridge continues to move up the list.
Having first appeared in the Top Alberta Investment Towns in 2006, Lethbridge returns to our list for a fourth time. The region's economics have shifted in Lethbridge's favour along with a stronger and more aggressive Economic Development Plan.