The Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) is proud to be involved in a great program that is having a significant impact on the downtown experience. For years, the BRZ and the City of Lethbridge have struggled with keeping sidewalks, gutters and lanes free of debris. Although the Summer Ambassador Program, which employs high school students, does an excellent job of keeping our streets clean from July through August, the build-up of unsightly garbage during the balance of the year was an ongoing challenge. The Employment Rejuvenation Program (ERP) has changed all of that. The program is a partnership between the Lethbridge Shelter and Resource Centre, the City of Lethbridge (Downtown Redevelopment Steering Committee - DRSC) and the BRZ.

Besides a cleaner downtown, a variety of social benefits are realized as a result of this important program. Shelter clients are paid a minimum wage for the hours they spend cleaning our streets and lanes. The program helps to provide participating clients with the tools necessary to become more employable and to eventually re-enter the workforce. It also provides them with the opportunity to give back to our community.

Everyone is a winner as a result of this program. The community benefits because the downtown is much cleaner. The clients benefit because it has positively impacted their lives in a variety of ways.

The Annual Bright Lights Festival will kick-off the holiday shopping season on Friday, November 20th in beautiful Galt Gardens Park. Santa arrives at 6:00 p.m. and Mayor Tarleck will flick the switch to light one of the largest trees at 6:30 p.m. Santa will then take time out from his hectic schedule to chat with his fans and find out who has been 'naughty' and who has been 'nice'.

Back by popular deamnd this year will be 'Christmas Movies in the Park'. We will be showing a number of Christmas classics during the evening.

Besides Santa and the movies, the traditional hayrides, hot chocolate, hot apple cider and popcorn will be available to attendees, free of charge, courtesy of the Downtown BRZ and participating merchants.

Midnight Madness will also be taking place in conjunction with the Bright Lights Festival. Participating merchants will keep their doors open late and will be providing their valued customers with specials.

So, bundle up the kids and head downtown to take in the lights and festivities on November 20th.

For more information, contact the BRZ at 403 327-9002.