Date Range

2017

Description Level

Series

Creator

Lethbridge Living Magazine

Physical Description

Six Issues

History Biographical

Lethbridge Living magazine was founded in 1994 by Robins Southern Printing, then owned by Lethbridge mayor, David Carpenter. From the onset, it was decided that the magazine would publish quarterly, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring. The founding principle behind the magazine was that Lethbridge is a far more interesting and diverse city than most people could imagine. That proved to be correct as the subsequent human-interest stories that it featured were to prove. At the core of this new, glossy magazine were Rick Gillis, publisher; Len Phillips, general manager, Darcy Novakowski, editor/art director; and Martin Oordt, associate editor. The magazine had an incredibly strong group of feature writers who were responsible for its outstanding content. It also worked closely with several local photographers to ensure the quality of the finished product. Lethbridge Living enjoyed the support of dozens of local businesses who recognized the importance of a quality format to advertise their products and services. Initially, the magazine was printed on Robins’ new four-colour press and distributed through Canada Post throughout the city. Cost of printing and distribution were the major expenses that this new magazine encountered. Robins Southern continued to publish up until the Winter edition of 1996, when it was purchased by Martin Oordt and his wife, Mary who continued it successfully for several more years. Tim and Jenn Rempel purchased Lethbridge living in late 2006, taking over its operation in January 2007. Jenn had been a writer and photographer for the magazine for a number of years prior. During their tenure as the magazine’s publishers, Jenn took on the editorial tasks while Tim took on the sales tasks. The magazine went from publishing four issues/year to six, and the team grew from three to five full-time employees and approximately 15 freelance staff, as well as offering a number of home delivery positions. Practicum placements for College and University students were also offered. The publishing umbrella of Lethbridge living grew to include approximately 20 publications/year as different organizations sought to partner and distribute with the Lethbridge living brand. In 2017 the magazine was sold to Dana Inkster. While working as the Communications Officer at The Galt Dana Inkster decided to start a new chapter as Owner and Publisher of Lethbridge Living Magazine to complement her passion for storytelling as a documentary filmmaker. She was able to make the purchase with the inheritance from her biological mother Majorie McKenzie Lethbridge Living was able to reach it 25-year milestone. Mercedes Fawns and Melissa Villeneuve served as editors in these years. The COVID pandemic devasted local businesses that were lifeblood of Lethbridge Living as local advertisers since its inception. The 21st Century impact of social media stories, digital advertising and the exponential increase in the cost of printing and distribution, 2020 marked the end of the glossy magazine era for Lethbridge Living. Dana Inkster decided to make the community archive accessible by donating all hard copies to the Galt Museum & Archives in 2024.

Scope and Content

Jan- Feb Issue 2017: Article: Volunteer Lethbridge - Connecting with Volunteer Lethbridge is beneficial for both non-profit organizations and individuals who wish to donate their time. Article: A Legacy of Service: St. Michael's Ladies Auxiliary - With the changing role of women in our society, volunteer service organizations such as the St. Michael's Ladies Auxiliary are facing challenges recruiting new members- are we seeing an end to this type of service? Article: Feed the Need - Local initative provides free essentials to those in need. Article: Celebrating Canada! - looking back at how our community has celebrated Canada throughout the years. Mar-Apr Issue 2017 Article: Get Active Through Sport - The Lethbridge Sport Council is inviting residents to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary by getting active. Article: 30 years of Silver and Gold -The Lethbridge Community Band Society celebrates 30 year in our community. Article: Creating Community Connections - Working to strengthen our inclusive and culturally diverse community and build connections: Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society and Opokaa'sin Early Intervention Society. Article: Vimy Ridge and its Legacy - Looking back at how the battle of Vimy Ridge affected our area and those living here today. May-June Issue 2017: Article: Let Your Colours Show - Take part in Lethbridge's Pride Fest. Article: Making an IMPACT -Pop-up Health and Community Services Events, a new way to ensure access to primary health care services, are showing successful results in our city. Article: Remembering Camp No.133 - Looking back at how German PoW Camp No.133 affected our area and those living here today. Article: A Slice of Paradise on the Prairies -The Coutts Centre for Western Canadian Heritage. July- August Issue 2017: Article: Listening to the River -Gain a deeper understanding of the importance of the Oldman River. Article: A Sporting Social Scene - The Lethbridge Sports and Social Club invites members of the community to make friends through trying new physical activities and taking part in social events. Article: Famous and Royal Visitors to Lethbridge -Looking back at famous and royal visitors who came to Southern Alberta over the years. Article: Where the Wild Things Are -Get acquainted withe some of the critters who live near and in our community. Sept-Oct Issue 2017: Article: An Equestrian Dream -The Lethbridge Community Equine College is saddling up to launch it's indoor campus in January 2018. Article: Lethbridge College: Then and Now - A glace at Lethbridge College's 60 year journey. Article: Autumn Anniversaries - Learn more about Southern Alberta history and some of the important anniversaries coming up this fall. Article: Flying to the Rescue - The Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) Nov-Dec Issue 2017: Article: Bringing Light to Lethbridge - Community support brings Nikka Yuko's Winter Lights Festival to fruition. Article: Then and Now: University of Lethbridge - A glance at the University of Lethbridge's 50 year journey. Article: A Generous Community - Lethbridge residents have come together as a community throughout history to help those in need, not just in Southern Alberta, but across Canada as well. Article: YQL Benevolence - Learn more about the generous spirit of our vibrant and diverse community.

Accession No.

20241055024

Collection

Archive

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