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It’s not a tax bill — not yet. But owners of income-producing property in Lethbridge are getting an estimate of what they may be paying.
Assessment notices have been mailed covering about 2,100 revenue-generating properties, city officials say. They include stores, offices, apartment buildings and industry.
Owners are being asked to check them, and call city taxation officials soon if there are any questions or concerns. The valuations are based on an estimate of what the property could have sold for on the open market last July, they point out.
“We are asking owners of these properties to review their assessment valuations,” says Stan Dilworth, the city’s assessment and taxation manager.
The notice also includes an estimate of this year’s property tax, based on the assessment. But Dilworth said those figures won’t be firm until the city receives requisitions for the provincial education tax as well as the Green Acres Foundation levy.
Later in spring, he adds, the city’s 36,000 residential owners will receive a combined assessment and tax notice. Along with the business property taxes, they’ll be due on June 29.
Unapproved tattoo shop closed
Alberta Health Services is urging anyone who got a tattoo at an unapproved home operation in southern Alberta to be tested for hepatitis and HIV.
The province has shut down Sandra Wiltzen’s tattoo parlour in Lethbridge.
Health officials say the shop did not have proper sterilization equipment.
Individuals may have been exposed to the hepatitis and AIDS viruses.
Officials say the operator was given 30 days to provide Alberta Health Services with a complete list of clients, but has not done so.
Cancer awareness night with the ’Canes
It’s time to face-off in the fight against cancer with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Relay for Life.
The puck drops Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. as the Lethbridge Hurricanes take on the Regina Pats in Western Hockey League action. Come out and show your continued support for Relay for Life by participating in the Chuck-a-Puck and raffle. Proceeds benefit the mission of the Canadian Cancer Society and the fight against cancer.
Pre-tickets can be purchased at the Canadian Cancer Society Office at 317 10 St. S. at a price of $15 for adults, $10 for students and $9 for youth.
Jeans for Teens campaign at Park Place
Park Place Shopping Centre is giving shoppers a chance to save money by donating to charity.
Park Place’s Jeans for Teens sale continues until Feb. 12, giving shoppers the opportunity to donate their gently used jeans to receive deals and coupons at participating stores for new jeans. Shoppers can drop the jeans off at the denim wrapped box across from Guest Services. Once they do that, they can pick up coupons from Guest Services for deals on new jeans at participating stores. (Aeropostale, Sears, Hot Gossip, Bluenotes) Each person that donates will receive one set of coupons during the sale.
All of the jeans that are donated will be given to local charity.
Park Place marketing manager Jarod Neithercut said in a news release, “The idea originally came from Aeropostale; they did this last year. We wanted to jump on the opportunity to make it a much bigger event and to get as many pairs of jeans for donation as we possibly could. Our best chance to do this was to include more tenants and give shoppers a chance to get something new at a discounted price. We were stunned with how well our E-Waste round-up was received so we’re hoping people have just as many old jeans as old electronics.”
Open house showcases cadet opportunities
Even in landlocked southern Alberta, there are “Oceans of Opportunity” for youth ages 9-18 in the Navy League of Canada, Lethbridge Branch.
The Navy League will hold its Youth Agency Open House Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. at “The Ship,” 1708 10 Ave. S. Keynote speaker will be Mayor Rajko Dodic. It’s also an opportunity to learn about the Navy League’s cadet programs.
Those who plan to attend the open house are asked to RSVP by calling Mrs. Jessie Mason at 403-394-3331.
The Navy League Cadets for youth ages 9-13 uses a naval theme as the platform to help participants develop self-discipline, respect for others, leadership skills and being part of a team, among other characteristics. While the program introduces cadets to what the Navy is all about, cadets are not members of the Canadian Forces.
City hiring census takers
It’s that time of year again.
The city is starting to hire census-takers to help chart the yearly growth.
“Residents of Lethbridge who enjoy walking are invited to apply,” says Aleta Neufeld, the acting city clerk. Application forms are available online at www.lethbridge.ca/census.
Successful applicants will be required to attend a two-hour training session in March, then start knocking on doors over a three-week period starting April 1.
City residents 18 and older are eligible to apply until Feb. 17. Forms are also available at the service counter on the second floor of City Hall.
Last spring, the city reported a population of 87,882.
Hybrid buses offer passenger comforts
Lethbridge Transit rolls out five hybrid-drive coaches on the road this month, representing the latest in energy-efficient vehicle technology. Not only will they save on fuel as they pull away from passenger stops, but they'll recharge their batteries as they brake.
"It's a parallel hybrid system," explains Richard Reron, maintenance manager for the city's transit, school bus and Access-a-Ride services.
The five New Flyer hybrids, which arrived over the holiday period, were purchased through the province's "Green Trip" incentive plan. During his last visit here as premier, Ed Stelmach announced a $6.1-million grant which will cover 10 full-sized transit buses and five Access-a-Ride vehicles — all using hybrid technology.
While their prime mover is a diesel engine, the "EP 40" technology promises fuel economy of up to 60 per cent, compared with a conventional drivetrain — and exhaust emissions cuts up to 90 per cent. The 280-horsepower General Motors engine is linked to an Allison electric drive system, with the torque and infinitely variable gear ratios of a traction motor in a trolley bus or an LRT vehicle.
Reron says riders will appreciate some inside-the-bus improvements as well. There's high-backed seating — and more seats — as well as more headroom in the back of the bus. For drivers, there are some added protection and comfort features as well.
Transit plans to retire most of the remaining high-floor GM "Classic" buses and sideline two of its four small "community buses," noted for their rough ride and uncomfortable seating. Later this year, there are also plans to add hybrid-powered Access-a-Ride buses.
Public school district approves calendar
Planning a vacation? It may get a little easier now that Lethbridge public school district has approved its 2012-13 school calendar.
Students in the Lethbridge public school district will start the 2012-13 school year on Sept. 4 after the Labour Day weekend.
The Christmas vacation will go from Dec. 24, 2012 to Jan. 4, 2013 with classes resuming on Jan. 7. The Easter break is scheduled from March 29 to April 5, 2013 with classes starting again on April 8. School will end for students on June 27, 2013 and on June 28 for staff.
Other parts of the calendar, such as professional development days, will be posted on the district website once they’re finalized.
Community Foundation accepting grant applications
In continuing its support of charitable organizations, the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta has announced that grant applications for the spring 2012 cycle are being accepted.
Applications will be accepted until Feb. 15.
Organizations must be registered with the Canada Revenue Agency, be in association with a municipality, or a school district. Grant applications, as well as more information on eligibility and funding criteria, can be found on the Community Foundation website (www.cflsa.ca). The Community Foundation staff is also available to assist organizations with their grant applications at 403-328-5297.
With two granting cycles per year, the Community Foundation focuses on awarding grants in four key areas: Arts, Culture and Heritage; Environment and Conservation; Health and Wellness; Human and Social Services; Recreation and Leisure. In 2011, 59 Community Impact Grants totalling $306,775 were awarded to deserving organizations in the areas served — from Nanton to Waterton and from Grassy Lake to Crowsnest Pass.
"The funding for our Community Impact Grants is generated from the investment income of permanent endowments established by generous donors over the past 45 years," board president Barb Cavers said in a news release.
"Through our annual grants program, donors can be confident that the Foundation is able to identify and support a wide range of community projects in southwestern Alberta."
Since 1966, more than $6 million in grants has been awarded to charitable organizations in southwestern Alberta.
Get out on Winter Walk Day
Lethbridge College’s Be Fit for Life will be among the thousands of Albertans participating in the Winter Walk Day on Feb. 8.
Step up and join Lethbridge’s community event Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Henderson Lake. Registration for the event starts at 5:45 p.m. in front of Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens.
Last year, more than 100,000 Albertans participated and collectively walked more than 2.4 million minutes. Participants are expected to reach over 120,000 this year.
If you are unable to participate in the event with the group, simply walk outside for at least 15 minutes and then visit www.shapeab.com to submit your walking minutes.
For more information, contact Chelsea Purves at the Lethbridge College Be Fit for Life Centre, 403-320-3202 ext. 5742.
Interesection closed
The Intersection of 2 Avenue North and 28 Street North will be closed to traffic until Feb. 21 at 5 p.m.
This closure is necessary to accommodate a watermain installation, according to a city news release.
Detour signs are in place to guide motorists around the closure, local traffic will be permitted with no thoroughfare. Motorists are asked to follow the posted detours and drive with caution.
Highway 3, 5 Avenue North, Mayor Magrath Drive North and 31 Street North serve as alternate routes.
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