Date Range

2004

Description Level

Series

Creator

Lethbridge Living Magazine

Physical Description

Four 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

Spring Issue 2004: Article: Investing in Youth -Ten years of providing youth services is celebrated at Fifth on Fifth. Article: With Grace of Step -The Ukranian cultural group, Troyanda, celebrates ten years. Article: Celebrating Read Alberta Magazines Month - An energetic and talented group of people turn ideas into a quarterly voice of Southwestern Alberta. Article: The Circle of Uncertainty - The third episode by Dr. Jack Reynar introduces use to the Lancaster bomber. Summer Issue 2004: Article: Remembering the Hillcrest Mine Disaster -June 19th, 2004 marks the ninetieth anniversay of a dark day for mining in Canada. Article: Where's the Beef? -The Raymond Burger Baron and Pizza resturaunt in Raymond beckons burger lovers from all over Southern Alberta. Article: The circle of uncertainty -This fourth episode by Dr. Jack Reynar gives an inside view of the bombing raids over Germany. Article: History in Miniatures -An afternoon at the museum of Miniatures is one place to visit in Cardston. Fall Issue 2004: Article: The Horse Spirit Youth Society -Bringing horseback riding back to the Piikani Nation Reserve gives youth a chance to connect with animals and eachother. Article: "I'd sooner be a miner." -Julius Peta recalls his thirty years as a miner at Galt no.8. Article: The Circle of Uncertainty -This fifith episode find Dr. Jack Reynar in the middle of air battles. Article: Musuem on the Move - The gigantic move of artifacts takes time and patience, an organizational system and many pairs of careful hands. Winter Issue 2004: Article: History takes Centre Court -Park Place Mall donates space to the Galt Museum to continue its legacy in Southern Alberta. Article: Connecting -The Newcomers club provides a way to become connected when one moves to Lethbridge. Article: The Grier Block -One of Downtown Fort Macleod's historic buildings is restored to original beauty. Article: The Circle of Uncertainty -Dr. Jack Reynar closes this chapter of his life in WWII. He adds a postscript- a comparison between Royal Air Force and U.S Air Force tactics.

Accession No.

20241055011

Collection

Archive

Less detail