Lethbridge steps up: A community-driven approach to housing solutions

Photo credit: City of Lethbridge

Lethbridge, a dynamic and growing city in southern Alberta, is advancing efforts to address housing affordability and meet the diverse needs of its residents. With support from the Government of Canada and a strong commitment to evidence-based planning, Lethbridge is transforming housing challenges into opportunities for inclusive growth.

In 2024, Lethbridge completed a comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) – a detailed report that outlines the community's current and future housing needs. The findings revealed a clear challenge: affordability pressures are growing, especially for renters and vulnerable populations. Nearly one in ten households are in core housing need, and vacancy rates have dropped to just 0.6 percent, making it harder than ever to find a place to live.

In response, the city is investing in solutions that reflect local priorities. Through its Affordable and Social Housing Capital Fund, Lethbridge has supported 10 housing projects, creating up to 415 new units, most of which are designated as affordable for at least 20 years. These projects support residents across a range of circumstances, including seniors, Indigenous people, newcomers, and individuals in recovery.

Lethbridge is also improving its response to homelessness by launching a real-time By-Names List of individuals currently experiencing homelessness, to help coordinate services and monitor progress toward stable housing. The tool supports data collection and strengthens collaboration amongst service providers. The city has rezoned land, donated property to expand shelter capacity, and reviewed its Land Use Bylaw to allow for more flexible development across the entire housing continuum, including supportive and transitional housing.

"The completion of Lethbridge's HNA has given us a clearer, data-driven picture of the community's housing pressures," says Andrew Malcolm, General Manager of Community Social Development. "While housing pressures exist across all income levels, the assessment highlights a significant shortfall in supportive housing units, which are the most complex to deliver due to the need to align funding streams that differ not only in source but also in structure as capital dollars are long-term, while operating funds are typically short-term and subject to renewal. With this evidence-based foundation and a standardized HNA template, the city is now better positioned to measure progress and collaborate on targeted housing solutions that reflect the diverse needs of our community."

Collaboration is at the heart of Lethbridge's approach. The city is working with non-profits, developers, and other levels of government to align housing efforts with infrastructure planning and community needs. These efforts are guided by the updated Municipal Housing Strategy, which sets out clear goals and actions to increase housing supply, improve affordability, and support priority populations.

Through shared responsibility and a commitment to inclusive growth, Lethbridge is building a community where everyone can thrive. The Government of Canada is proud to support municipalities like Lethbridge as they advance practical, coordinated, and inclusive housing solutions for the future.

Learn more about Lethbridge's housing initiatives or read the city's Housing Needs Assessment.