Translation Services in Lethbridge – Economic Profile
With a population of about 95,000 people in its metropolitan area, Lethbridge is the fourth largest city in the province of Alberta. It is located 210 km southeast of Calgary and close to the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Lethbridge is the region’s commercial, distribution, financial, industrial and cultural center. Its economy, which has always been based on agriculture, is now increasingly diversifying. The most important economic sectors include health care, education, retail, and hospitality.
Some of the most important companies based in Lethbridge include Canadian Freightways, Minute Muffler and international shipping company H & R Transport.
In 2006 the city cooperated with SouthGrow Regional Initiative to create the Southern Alberta Alternative Energy Partnership in order to promote business related to alternative energies such as wind power, solar power and biofuel.
In 2004 Lethbridge was elected Cultural Capital of Canada. The city features a vibrant cultural scene and many attractions. The most important sites of interest are the Lethbridge Viaduct, also known as the High Bridge, Indian Battle Park, and Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. In addition, Lethbridge is home to many venues promoting the arts including the Galt Museums and Archives, Southern Alberta Art Gallery, and the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery.
Three institutions of higher education make Lethbridge a bustling college town as well. More than 14,000 students, or 20% of the city’s population, are enrolled at the University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge College and Red Crow Community College.
The city’s ethnic makeup is very diverse and features many international immigrants. The most prevalent groups include Chinese, Japanese, Hispanics, South Asian, Southeast Asian, Filipino, Arabs, as well as many European immigrants such as Germans, French, Dutch, Hungarian, Polish, Italian, and Ukrainian. In addition, there is a significant Native Canadian population. Multiculturalism and cultural heritage in the city are promoted by the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association.
The city’s diverse economy, its burgeoning cultural scene, its international community and its broad academic offerings have created a significant demand for multi-lingual services in Lethbridge.
