Lethbridge is once again teaming up with its twin city in Quebec.
In 1967, Saint-Laurent signed a twinning arrangement with the southern Alberta municipality as part of a Canadian Centennial initiative.
The two communities host exchanges every year, alternating between students and seniors. For 2025, the exchange will involve residents 55 and over.
This year’s program will start with participants from the Quebec borough traveling to Lethbridge from July 3 to 10.
This will be followed by the Lethbridge group going to Saint-Laurent from August 6 to 13.
Participants are matched up with others based on common interests and stay at each other’s homes for seven nights.
Group activities take place during each trip to allow travelers the chance to experience each other’s communities, with two days set aside for free time to explore.
As part of the agreement, costs associated with the excursion, including plane tickets, public transportation, activities and meals, are covered by the municipalities. Those wanting to participate must apply and meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident of Lethbridge;
- Be 55 or older as of June 1, 2025;
- Be able to participate in activities that could involve walking more than five kilometres per day;
- Be willing to represent themselves as an ambassador for Lethbridge
Additionally, any other residents in a participant’s home over 18 must be able to pass a criminal background check. Participants must have a private bedroom to host someone in their home for the entirety of the exchange and be willing to stay in the home of their twin in Quebec.
Although the exchange is with a community in Quebec, knowledge of French is not required, and participants will be accompanied on the trip by one employee and one elected official from the City of Lethbridge.
Applications can be filled out online. The City says applications will remain open until the positions are filled.
