Lethbridge

[Buff]

Originally Posted by frinkprof

Yeah, I grew up on the west side about a 7-10 minute walk from campus. A lot of the houses on the street I grew up on are now rented to students.

You may want to check out a Hurricanes game or two. A U of L Pronghorns game can be fun as well. Fun fact - the Pronghorns won the CIS championship in 1994 under the head coaching of some guy named Mike Babcock. He actually lived quite close to me while he was coaching the team. Kelly Kisio also lived down the street from me in Lethbridge when he was part of the Flames scouting staff.

Former NHL ref Rob Schick used to live in Lethbridge. In RidgeWood on the westside, right next door to a high-school friend of mine. My friend says Schick hated the Flames and had a hard time calling the Flames games fairly. I noticed.

[mikey_the_redneck]

I have lived in Lethbridge for 7-8 years....

Yes, it is laid back

The north-side gets alot of flack for some reason, mostly because of the old neighborhoods I guess.....but I wouldn't call it dirty or un-safe.

OP, you do not feel safe walking around downtown Lethbridge? Hahaha....sorry that is the funniest thing I have heard. Yeah, a few drunken first nations might come up with a unique way to ask you for money, but it far from un-safe. Are you joking?

The west side is so overrated. It is mostly new residential areas with the university and just a handful of bars/restaurants...stuck up people who think the north side is "dirty".............when I know back in college everyone got their drugs from the west-side.....

It is nice to have an influx of hot young women every September attending either the University or LCC...

The wind factor here is overplayed I think. We can have stretches where it is pretty windy for a week or more, but I don't find it that bad. It is kind of like the rumors of Phaneufs' bad attitude. It's overplayed and not really true......

[Orv]

I just moved back to Lethy this past summer after spending 4 years here going to school. I love this city. I'm just a farm kid from Saskatchewan. My wife is a Calgary girl, born and raised. We actually met going to school here. We lived in Calgary for a while - too big for me. We lived in small town Saskatchewan - too small for her. Now we're back in Lethbridge and we love it.

We live on the Northside. Let me tell you this, even when going to school, when people said the "Northside" it kind of creeped me out. What I've learned is yes there are some rough parts of it but to put everything North of the Crowsnest in the same hat is not right. We live in the 'burbs of the Northside (Legacy/Uplands area). It's a great area for a young family (we have a 1 year old). Walking distance from parks and playgrounds. A quick drive from Pavan Park. It takes my wife 15 minutes to get to work in downtown. It takes 20-25 minutes, max, to get around the city. I can't stand the traffic in Calgary so this is huge for me.

I always think of Lethbridge as a small town, with big city amenities. Walking down the street people are usually friendly. Say "Hello" or at least smile. Henderson Lake might be one of my favorite places. We go there to just hang out, go for a walk, have a picnic, etc.

Downtown can be a little sketchy, sometimes. But I think it's getting better. I work two jobs, one requires me to be downtown early in the morning (4am-8am-ish) sometimes. My other job is downtown and when I leave it's around 9pm-11pm. There is some creepy dudes that hang around that area but I usually don't see any when I leave work. One night when I left work there was an empty Costco-size bottle of Listerine on the sidewalk and an empty can of paint thinner in the planter. The next night there was an empty 40 of rum on the step and a smashed bottle on the sidewalk. There is a lot of alcohol/substance abuse down there. No different than most cities though. I saw quite the lineup outside a liquor store at opening the other day.

The Hurricanes suck right now but I really like some of the moves Rico has made and I think they'll be an exciting team next year and really good team the year after. Haven't been to a game yet, but I listen to 95% of them.

The nightlife isn't too bad, if you're into that. I'm not anymore. When I was in college I was. The Roadhouse has closed down (thank god). So if you want to get stabbed or ruffied you'll have to find somewhere else. If I go out I like going to the Soundgarden (over 21 club). Lots of pleather, big hair and Def Leppard!! Kind of like a high end Edmonton club...only classier . Lots of good little pubs though. I love Average Joe's.

Anyways that's my random Lethbridge thoughts. Overall I love this city.

[Dentoman]

Anybody who says it actually isn't that windy is delusional!! 50 km/hr winds are a light breeze there!!

When you grow up in the South, you just live with it and get used to it ... only when you move North do you realize how windy it actually is. I have never seen farmers plowing their fields in February to save the topsoil on their land as the chinook winds fills the ditches with it anywhere else !!
That being said, Lethbridge about as good as a smaller city could be ... close to Waterton, Castle Mountain, Fernie, really has all the amenities of a bigger city just on a smaller scale.

[PyramidsofMars]

Originally Posted by MacDaddy77

I get what you are trying to say but by definition you are using the word in the wrong context.

A martyr (Greek: μάρτυς, mártys, "witness"; stem μάρτυρ-, mártyr-) is somebody who suffers persecution and death for refusing to renounce a belief, usually religious.

You, sir, need to take a class on the Philosophy of Language. This is akin to crazy fundies in the US saying that because the dictionary said marriage was between a man and a woman marriage is between a man and a woman only, ignoring the numerous examples of the use of the Latin verb for 'to marry' in descriptions of same sex marriages in the late Roman republic and early empire (before Christianity).

Besides, I don't believe in the concept of martyrdom, I am an atheist, I just thought it was a powerful sentiment, especially considering the source (a former jihadist and currently an imam in London whose mosque is regularly attacked by Muslims who call him an infidel for advocating secularization and progressiveness).

[PyramidsofMars]

Originally Posted by mikey_the_redneck

OP, you do not feel safe walking around downtown Lethbridge? Hahaha....sorry that is the funniest thing I have heard. Yeah, a few drunken first nations might come up with a unique way to ask you for money, but it far from un-safe. Are you joking?

No, I feel safe enough, I feel much safer in Calgary. I don't know if it's just my being used to downtown Calgary and Kensington, but I've been out really late and near some really sketchy areas and not felt threatened at all. I dunno, downtown Lethbridge, specially near the Alec Arms and such, seems kinda seedy. Maybe it's just that Calgary looks richer, an unconscious prejudice on my part.

The wind factor here is overplayed I think. We can have stretches where it is pretty windy for a week or more, but I don't find it that bad. It is kind of like the rumors of Phaneufs' bad attitude. It's overplayed and not really true......

Agreed! I really struggle with wind chill, but even on the worst day it hasn't been that bad. The only time it was really terrible was when I had a hat on and was walking to SaveonFoods, crossing the bridge, and suddenly out of nowhere a huge gust came along, blew my hat off my head and nearly knocked me off the bridge. And I'm not a light guy either.

[DionPlett]

Lived there as well for a few years. I lived on the North Side as well, it's not nearly as bad as people make it out to be. I never once had a problem where I lived, lots of good people living over there.

It's a good city,there are worse places to live. The university and college keep it vibrant if you want to say that. I loved the river valley and the coulees for biking, seemed like there was hardly anyone down there ever. Good area for quick access if you're into fishing and hunting or recreation like skiing,camping etc.. there are a couple nice little 9 hole golf courses around there and cheap too.

Jobs and careers can be challenging there, that's why I moved here.

[mikey_the_redneck]

Originally Posted by DionPlett

Lived there as well for a few years. I lived on the North Side as well, it's not nearly as bad as people make it out to be. I never once had a problem where I lived, lots of good people living over there.

It's a good city,there are worse places to live. The university and college keep it vibrant if you want to say that. I loved the river valley and the coulees for biking, seemed like there was hardly anyone down there ever. Good area for quick access if you're into fishing and hunting or recreation like skiing,camping etc.. there are a couple nice little 9 hole golf courses around there and cheap too.

Jobs and careers can be challenging there, that's why I moved here.

Haha.....that is because the dog walkers are afraid of the mountain lion sitings down there........and no I am not kidding.

About the golf courses...........there are tons of great courses in the surrounding communities.

[badradio]

Originally Posted by PyramidsofMars

-my God, there is a ton of hate here for the Natives, more than the Arabs have oil, though it seems nobody has a problem with those who are productive or are students etc.

I thought that to when I first moved there... then I lived there for three years and now I know why. Moved to Medicine Hat a year and half ago, which is aesthetically nicer and less crime, but I miss a few certain things, mostly the people, but they have a great little music scene happening there. A good art community. Definitely more liberal than a lot of places in AB. Awesome pubs too! The wind never really bothered me, it might now that I haven't been there for awhile. I would go back if it wasn't for the lack of jobs, same reason I'm leaving here too...

[flamesdyehard]

Originally Posted by badradio

I thought that to when I first moved there... then I lived there for three years and now I know why. Moved to Medicine Hat a year and half ago, which is aesthetically nicer and less crime, but I miss a few certain things, mostly the people, but they have a great little music scene happening there. A good art community. Definitely more liberal than a lot of places in AB. Awesome pubs too! The wind never really bothered me, it might now that I haven't been there for awhile. I would go back if it wasn't for the lack of jobs, same reason I'm leaving here too...

I find Lethbridge to quite a bit nicer than Medicine Hat personally. Sure Lethbridge has it's shady areas, but other than near the river, nearly all of Medicine Hat looks kind of slummy. Plus Lethbrige is closer to Calgary, closer to the mountains and has the university. Just my personal opinion.

[ricoFlame]

I love lethbridge and the time I spent there. Great place to live.

[Buff]

Originally Posted by mikey_the_redneck

Haha.....that is because the dog walkers are afraid of the mountain lion sitings down there........and no I am not kidding.

About the golf courses...........there are tons of great courses in the surrounding communities.

I've been here since 1986. Spent a lot of my time mountain biking in the coulees, from the College down to Pavan Park. Never have I seen or heard of anybody encountering a mountain lion. Rattlesnakes, yes, especially down by Paradise Canyon. Lots of deer. Even a few homeless people (homeless people living down by the river? Egads!).

There are some entrances to the mines down in the coulees. Haven't been near them in a few years, but they should be sealed off better now than 15 years ago. Back around 1989 there was a huge deal about jr.high aged kids in a satanic cult who made a pact to commit suicide. I knew a couple of the kids as they were in my class. Rumor has it that the so called cult would hang out in the mines... now that scared me away from the mines. The house that the kids also hung out in was demolished and rebuilt to get rid of the stigma of the group. It was quite serious news for small town Lethbridge back then.

Back in my partying days, there was quite a good bar scene, and I hear that it is still good now. Essie's was the place to be and there would be a two hour long lineup on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Thankfully my buddies and I knew the bouncers and could usually walk right on in. We'd have to wait for the head doorman to be distracted or go on break... that guy didn't let anybody play favorites. Goose Loonie's was a popular place for underagers to go, it was also popular for people to drop in on before going to Essie's as they had $1/drink from 8:00 to 10:00. It has since undergone a couple of name changes, but I still hear it refered to as The Goose. The Roadhouse became the place to be for a while, but I had hung up my party hat by then. I didn't know it is still closed down. The Roadhouse and Caddie's both changed ownership and closed down so many times it isn't even funny.

[Buff]

Originally Posted by flamesdyehard

I find Lethbridge to quite a bit nicer than Medicine Hat personally. Sure Lethbridge has it's shady areas, but other than near the river, nearly all of Medicine Hat looks kind of slummy. Plus Lethbrige is closer to Calgary, closer to the mountains and has the university. Just my personal opinion.

The Medicine Hat and Lethbridge relationship is akin to Edmonton and Calgary, just on a smaller scale. You like one or the other. Medicine Hat and Edmonton are both slummy, Calgary and Lethbridge are great places to be.

[Buff]

To the OP. Are you a car enthusiast? I recommend checking out Street Wheelers. It happens the 1st or 2nd weekend in July every year. Hard to miss as 3rd avenue and Mayor Magrath drive are packed with powerful cars making lots of noise, going fast, while thousands of people sit in lawnchairs along the side of the road. Its really a fun weekend if you like cars.

[Acey]

I love it here. Wouldn't live anywhere else in Alberta.

[jayswin]

For those of you that live in Lethbridge; Have you heard the song "All Hell for a Basement" by Big Sugar?

I remember the lead singer Gordie Johnson explaining that it had something to do with Lethbridge, but I can't remember what he said. Anyone know the story?

I'm a workin' man
But I ain't worked for a while
Like some old tin can
From the bottom of the pile
From the bottom of the pile

[Chorus]
I have lost my way
But I hear a tale
About a heaven in Alberta
Where they've got all hell for a basement

My words are like a rope
That's wrapped around my throat
Wash my mouth with soap
For words unfit to quote

Chorus x2

And now I'm free to go
But time cannot remove
The only life I know
Now only time will prove
Yes only time will prove

If I have lost my way
Cuz I hear a tale
About a heaven in Alberta
Where they've got all hell for a basement

Yeah I have lost my way
But I hear a tale
About a heaven in Alberta
Where they've got all hell for a basement

[Orv]

Originally Posted by Buff

...The Roadhouse became the place to be for a while, but I had hung up my party hat by then. I didn't know it is still closed down. The Roadhouse and Caddie's both changed ownership and closed down so many times it isn't even funny.

The Roady just "officially" shut down last weekend. Rumor has it, it will open up again in a month or so as something else. I know the owner of Average Joe's is opening Coyote Joe's Rock & Country bar. That should be pretty good. Haven't heard where it is opening, but on their Facebook page it says it should open in late February. They've got Prism booked for March!!

[mikey_the_redneck]

Originally Posted by Buff

I've been here since 1986. Spent a lot of my time mountain biking in the coulees, from the College down to Pavan Park. Never have I seen or heard of anybody encountering a mountain lion. Rattlesnakes, yes, especially down by Paradise Canyon. Lots of deer. Even a few homeless people (homeless people living down by the river?

I heard this on the radio, but it was a while ago now...
There were also mountain cat sitings in the Brocket/Fort Macleod area...

[Ford Prefect]

The province of Saskatchewan owes a great cultural debt to Lethridge for Pilsner beer.

Edit: And the province of Alberta owes Lethbridge a cultural debt for Brocket 99.

[BlackArcher101]

Originally Posted by flameswin

For those of you that live in Lethbridge; Have you heard the song "All Hell for a Basement" by Big Sugar?

I remember the lead singer Gordie Johnson explaining that it had something to do with Lethbridge, but I can't remember what he said. Anyone know the story?

I'm pretty sure that was about Medicine Hat, "The Gas City", which was coined to have 'All Hell for a Basement". The signer of Bug Sugar then took it and made a song from it (I believe he was from Medicine Hat).