Date Range

2011

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 2011: Article: Gone but not Forgotten -Visiting Ghost Towns in Southern Alberta-the Retlaw Area. Article: Voice and Music -Lethbridge's Vox Musica Choral Society. Article: Man's Best Friend Comes Calling -Learning About Lethbridge's new St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. Article: The Man behind the Mayor -Lethbridge's 28th mayor, Rajko Dodic. Mar-Apr Issue 2011: Article: Gone But Not Forgotten - Visitng Ghost Towns in Southern Alberta- the Woolford Area. Article: Embracing the Issues - The Southern Albertan Council on Public Affairs. Article: A Desire to Serve -Volunteer Lethbridge, bringing non-profit organizations and volunteers together. Article: Breaking a Leg - The Chinook Regional One Act Festival Comes to Lethbridge. May-June Issue 2011: Article: These Boys Love Their Toys -Celebrating 50 years with Lethbridge's Le Barons Car Club. Article: Gone But Not Forgotten - Visiting Ghost Towns in southern Alberta-The Whisky Gap Area. Article: Lights, Camera, Action - What do you do when NBC calls? The minds behind Lethbridge's Rambunxious Entertainment tell us. Article: The Sport and Art of Dressage - We learn about dressage from the Chinook Country/Alberta Dressage Association. July-August Issue 2011: Article: Gone But Not Forgotten -Visiting Ghost Towns in Southern Alberta- The Kimball area. Article: Bon Odori - An invitation to celebrate and dance at the local Bon Odori Festival. Article: Southern Alberta Soaring -The Southern Alberta Gliding Association- getting its members off the ground and into the air. Article: Bridge Country Raceway - Keeping Racing alive in Southern Alberta for over 20 years. Sept-Oct Issue 2011: Article: Gone but not Forgotten -Visting Ghost Towns in Southern Alberta- The Tavers Area. Article: LA Ink - Tattoos and tattooing in Lethbridge, the art and what you should know. Article: Getting our Ghoul on, Lethbridge Style - Ever wonder how Halloween used to be celebrated in Lethbridge? Ever wonder is there are any local ghost stories. Well, let us tell you a story or two... Article: Lethbridge Fire Fighters Pipes and Drums - Representing and Honouring the work and sacrifice of the Lethbridge Fire Department's men and women. Nov-Dec Issue 2011: Article: Gone But Not Forgotten -Visiting Ghost Towns in Southern Alberta- The Lille Area. Article: Women of Distinction - The YWCA Lethbridge and District celebrates 35 years of recognizing the contributions women have made to our community through the annual Women of Distiction Awards. Article: A Prairie Christmas Dinner -Exploring what early settlers to the Southern Alberta Prairies would have enjoyed for Christmas Dinner. Article: The Angels are Back - Lethbridge Family Services Angel Tree Program starts November 21.

Accession No.

20241055018

Collection

Archive

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