Census 2016: Lethbridge fifth-fastest growing city in Canada
The upgrade in status is exciting news for the city.
“In a good year, we grow by two per cent and in a bad year we grow by two per cent,” Mayor Chris Spearman said. “I think that’s great for investors that we have rock-solid growth and I think it’s important for our city in terms of planning for infrastructure going forward into the future.
Spearman said the steady growth is mainly thanks to young families continuing to settle in the city.
“Projects like the Henderson pool and the leisure centre will certainly be of interest to young families,” Spearman said. “Having the second-largest leisure centre in Alberta is certainly going to be a magnet for growth in the future.”
Lethbridge’s own 2016 municipal census shows 96,828 residents, up 2.1% over 2015,, Red Deer’s own 2016 municipal census shows 99,832 residents, down 1% over 2015. Could it mean in 2017 Lethbridge would have a population of 98,261, while Red Deer would have a population in 2017 of 98,833?
The Mayor suggested growth could be due to accommodating young families, a large leisure centre, the Henderson Pool and no mention of downtown redevelopment. Could Red Deer learn from this? Lethbridge has Henderson Lake Park, which started as a man made slough. Red Deer has Hazlett Lake the largest lake in Red Deer just waiting for development.
Henderson Lake Park Henderson Lake Park is one of Lethbridge’s premier parks featuring a 24 hectare man made lake, mature trees and groves, gardens, picnic shelters, playgrounds and over 7 km of trails.
The Park is home to numerous annual community celebrations including Canada Day Festivities, the Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival and many community runs and walks. Whether you’re a family with small children, an exercise or sports enthusiast, a non-motorized boating enthusiast, a fisherman, a horticulturists, or someone simply looking to get out for a walk this park is definitely for you.
The lake is perfect for kayaks, canoes and paddle boats alike and provides easy access to the water via the boat launch and dock. The dock is often used by fishermen looking to catch Pike, Perch or Whitefish (provincial fishing regulations apply).
Interested in how we keep the water clean at Henderson Lake.
For the nature, exercise, and history enthusiasts there is a 2.5 km trail around the lake and another 4.3 km trail around the perimeter of the park providing ample opportunity for one to stretch their legs, check out all of the local wildlife, or view the commemorative and historical markers and displays located throughout the park. There is also plenty of open space in the park which is often used for ultimate frisbee. There are also great little areas for you to put down a blanket and enjoy a good book, have a picnic or simply relax and watch the world as it goes by.
For families with children Henderson Lake Park has three playgrounds: one located on the north side of the Park just off Parkside Drive, one at the end of the park, and the third located behind the Henderson Lake Pool. The playgrounds feature climbing apparatus, slides and swings. The playground on the north side of the park near the dock is completely accessible. After the kids are done playing families can enjoy a picnic at one of the many picnic tables located throughout the park, or for something more formal one can book a covered picnic shelter.
Henderson Park is also home to the Demonstration and Rose Gardens. The Rose Garden is located in the northwest corner of the park and commemorates 9/11. The Demonstration Gardens are located east of the Tennis Courts and celebrates the contributions of Communities in Bloom to the Community.
Henderson Park is surrounded by a multitude of facilities like the SLP Skate Park, Henderson Horseshoe Pits, the Henderson Lake Golf Course, the Henderson Outdoor Pool, Spitz Stadium, Henderson Park Ice Centre, Henderson Tennis Courts and Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden.
Henderson Park has something to offer absolutely everyone and there isn’t a day where you won’t see families, exercise enthusiasts, seniors, people out exercising their dogs, fishermen, boaters, golfers, and just about everyone else under the sun out enjoying this wonderful park. From the photographic opportunities to the areas for quiet solitude and reflection to the exuberant playgrounds, to the trail system that is linked to the rest of the south side, this park is sure to meet everyone’s needs.

Hazlett Lake Park?
Hazlett Lake Park is ready for development. It is located north of 11A and just east of Hwy2. There is 3.000 acres up for development. Expectations of 20,000 plus new residents. It is the same distance from Taylor Bridge as the Collicutt Centre.
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.Will the city learn from the success of Lethbridge and give this consideration? Blackfalds is the 2nd fastest growing community and some of their success comes from the Abbey Centre. Sylvan Lake is growing and it has a new recreational complex opening very soon. Penhold grew quickly after investing in their new multiplex.
The interesting thing is you do not hear much about successes being due to huge investments in downtown redevelopment. Some things to think about, right?

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