Community at core of new City & University partnership

Working together to set Lethbridge up for success is the focus of a new partnership agreement between the City of Lethbridge and the University of Lethbridge. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focuses on operational strategic goals, reinforcing the long-standing partnership and shared commitment to the Lethbridge community.

"We’re excited to see what administrative opportunities we can create together, to benefit the community we serve now and into the future,” says Lloyd Brierley, City Manager. “The MOU provides a guide to future collaborations with the University, while celebrating the shared history we’ve enjoyed too.”  

Whether you’ve lifted weights at the Centre for Sport and Wellness on campus, taken Kindermusik classes at Casa downtown or celebrated a Pronghorn win at the Community Sports Stadium, the decades-long partnership is firmly embedded with community in mind.

“The University was founded through the persistence of a forward-thinking group of citizens almost 60 years ago and our growth and success has been linked with the growth and success of the city,” says Dr. Digvir Jayas, president and vice-chancellor of the University. “This partnership agreement establishes a framework that will allow for continued collaborative opportunities, which have proven to be highly beneficial to both our campus community and Lethbridge and area citizens.”

This MOU builds on the existing partnership between the City and the University, while offering a more strategic path forward with shared operational and administrative priorities. The City was an engaged stakeholder in the development of the University’s newly launched Strategic Plan. The MOU supports and directly connects to areas of the plan and wider community needs.

One of those needs and shared values within the MOU, is ensuring Lethbridge and region have a skilled and resilient workforce. One that can meet the needs of today and tomorrow. The MOU highlights the importance of students as knowledge-makers and cultural contributors through applied learning, research, and volunteer experiences.

"My work-integrated learning experience and continued engagement with the City of Lethbridge have helped me to apply my knowledge from the classroom to the work world, building important professional and critical thinking skills along the way,” says ULethbridge undergraduate student Taylor Manns. “I have been lucky to have worked on projects with the City that ask vital questions about where we live, including those surrounding urban planning and how municipalities approach challenges — such as population retention. These experiences with the City have been immeasurable for my advancement as a student and as someone who will soon be entering a career."

The success of the MOU is anchored in communication and commitment to collaboration. Working together to support each other's goals and objectives will ultimately benefit the community for years to come.

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