‘We heard loud and clear’: Lethbridge’s mayor says council’s top priority for 2026 is set

As the calendar changes to 2026, Lethbridge's mayor is eyeing key work and initiatives. Part 2 of our sit-down with Blaine Hyggen.

As the calendar switches over to 2026, Lethbridge’s mayor is eyeing key ongoing work and initiatives over “new shiny things.”

Blaine Hyggen was re-elected in October for a second term as mayor.

He expects capital budget deliberations will make 2026 a busy year for a city council that has welcomed three new members.

He’s excited to have those new councillors at the table.

“I’ve seen three new colleagues that have joined those that were re-elected,” Hyggen said.

“And how they have been so energized, especially during this orientation process, and the questions they are asking and the engagement they have is just absolutely amazing.”

Hyggen says this council’s top priority will be to remain focused on finances and watch the city’s spending closely.

“We heard loud and clear, this council, when we were campaigning, to hold the line ... to focus on needs and not just wants,” he said.

“Taxes were a big part of that.

“It’s clear from citizens, and so we’re trying to find efficiencies around the community and around our services that we provide.”

Hyggen says that means not a lot of spending on “new shiny things.”

He says only necessary items will see his approval.

He says he’s looking forward to pushing forward key ongoing work and initiatives the most.

“Keeping our infrastructure, our water (and) wastewater moving forward so we can expand, construction, new housing and just working with our partners out in the community,” he said.

“We’re going to a capital budget next year, and the focus is to keep the current infrastructure running efficiently and look for other possible savings so we do not have to increase taxation in the future.”

To make that happen, Hyggen expects the budget will be tight.

He says an area Lethbridge residents could be freer with is in the compassion they show.

“Resolutions are made to be broken, some people say, (but) it’s one I hope is not broken—that we can be kinder in Lethbridge,” he said.

“Just remember to help those that are less fortunate, not just at Christmastime, but throughout the year.

“It is extremely important.”