‘Sign of more activity’: Lethbridge’s population grows in 2024

Lethbridge is seen on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.

Lethbridge continues to grow, according to new population estimates released by Statistics Canada on Thursday.

According to Statistics Canada, Lethbridge was home to 111,400 residents as of July 1, 2024 – a 4.1 per cent increase from 2023.

“This is good news for the city,” said Coun. Nick Paladino.

Lethbridge’s population has grown at an average rate of three per cent a year since 2021, when it was estimated to be 102,097.

“Anytime you see north of two per cent population growth – and certainly when it’s higher than three per cent – that’s a pretty good indicator that people are coming to the area,” said Trevor Lewington, CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge.

He says while it’s good to be attracting people to the area, there’s a balancing act between growing too fast and keeping up with that demand.

“Population growth can put stress on infrastructure and services, but population growth is a sign of more activity,” he said. “It’s a sign of a growing city and more interest in our community, and ultimately brings more people to participate in the economy by buying goods and services and increasing the size of labour force for local business.”

Paladino says the figures will come in handy when advocating for recruitment of doctors and retention of students.

“We have an infrastructure problem with sewer and water, so we’ll be looking for money for upgrades on that, and population figures will be a big priority for that.”

While Statistics Canada has Lethbridge listed as the fourth-largest city in Alberta -- only 1,517 people behind Red Deer -- the Lethbridge Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) is different.

The CMA for Lethbridge – which includes surrounding communities like Coalhurst, Raymond and Coaldale – is now at 139,844 residents, while the Red Deer CMA is 112,759, making Lethbridge the third-largest city in Alberta.

“Strong population growth across Alberta is a reflection of some of the government’s policies around lower taxation and the ‘Alberta is Calling’ messaging,” said Lewington. “It’s certainly seems to be resonating across the whole country.”

According to Statistics Canada, Medicine Hat now has an estimated population of 67,909, while Taber has 9,433, followed closely by Coaldale at 9,433.