Emergency response times are set to be improved on the west side thanks to a new road.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Lethbridge city council approved up to $315,000 under the Major Capital Project Reserve for the construction of a temporary gravel road.
It would connect Great Bear Boulevard West and Metis Trail West, adjacent to the Copperwood neighbourhood and areas further north.
Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services’ deputy chief – communications and strategy, Kevin McKeown says this will cut down “a significant amount of time” for responders.
On the west side of Lethbridge, Fire Station 2 is located just off Whoop-Up Drive and Jerry Potts Boulevard and mainly serves the areas of Copperwood, Garry Station, the Crossings, and Country Meadows. Meanwhile, Fire Station 5, which opened in 2021, is located on Great Bear Boulevard West. Fire Station 5 is currently disconnected from Metis Trail West.
“If there is a call within Station 2’s area of the westside or in Copperwood, we’re currently limited by having to drive around,” McKeown states, adding the gravel road will almost serve as a direct shortcut for emergency responders.
He adds that the gravel road will be reserved for emergency response vehicles only and is not intended for public use.
McKeown says the pathway could also help offer relief for Station 2 crews, noting if they are out on a call and Station 5 must respond to Station 2’s coverage area, they will have quicker access to it. “They have more coverage and can get to those areas that Station 2 covers quicker, which is better for response,” he remarks.
Construction on the gravel road is expected to start in the spring of 2026 and is anticipated to be completed later in the year.
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