Economic hardship may be dominating the headlines in Alberta this year, but Lethbridge is coming up roses again and again. And the local brain trust couldn’t be more proud.
Somewhat insulated from the volatility of oil markets, our city offers economic stability through diversity and in recent years, a dedicated effort to enhance prosperity through technology and innovation.
Specifically, Economic Development Lethbridge and the municipality have been working hard to put Lethbridge on the map as an “Intelligent Community.” The Intelligent Community project, based out of New York, recognizes that sustainable growth does not happen in disconnected silos. Rather, a community can leverage technology and innovation to help stakeholders be more connected and open with each other; in turn, that community becomes a more vibrant, dynamic place to work and live.
So far, Lethbridge has proven itself to be in lockstep with this theme. This fall, within just a year of the initiative being launched, the Intelligent Community Forum named Lethbridge, Alberta as one of its Smart21 Communities of 2016.
Technology is really an enabler for every business and every sector today. I think most people recognize that it’s a technology driven future and we want to make sure that Lethbridge is built for the future.
Trevor Lewington, CEO, Economic Development Lethbridge
Lethbridge recognized internationally as ‘intelligent community, Global News, October 23, 2015
What could be better news for a mid-sized city whose young people have often felt the need to seek opportunity in the bigger centres? As Lethbridge continues to expand and diversify existing and new sectors, it may prove to be more recession-proof than ever. And once again, the windy city proves that it can be THE best place in Alberta to live, work and play.
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