Date Range

2014

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 2014: Article: Then & Now: Getting Around - In this series, we take a look at whether Lethbridge has changed throughout history; for better, for worse and in some cases, not at all. Article: Celebrating 20 years of Lethbridge Living - The first issue of Lethbridge Living rolled off the presses in Spring 1994. This year we take a look back through our archives and revisit some of our favourite people, articles and ads. Article: Project Clean Sweep - Lethbridge's Clean Sweep program offers its participants hope for the future, a regained sense of identity and pride in day's work well done. Article: Meet Lethbridge's New Mayor and City Council - On October 21, 2013 we went to the polls to elect Lethbridge's new mayor and city council. Here's who we selected. Mar- April Issue 2014: Article: Poetry in Transit - Lethbridge City Buses offer residents an opportunity to check out some of the best Canadian poetry. Article: A Fresh Take on Nature -A look at the newly renovated Helen Schuler Nature Centre. Article: Then & Now: Let's Do Lunch. - In this series, we take a look at whether Lethbridge has changed throughout history; for better, for worse and in some cases, not at all. Article: Pow! Bam! Zap! Kapow! -Kapow Comics, Cards and Games explodes onto Lethbridge's comic book scene. May-June Issue 2014: Article: Homegrown Hockey Legend: Vic Stasiuk -From Playing for the Lethbridge Native Sons to the Detriot Red Wings and winning three Stanley Cups, local hockey legend Vic Stasiuk shares memories of his life an NHL career. Article: Landing the Trick - Years in the making, Lethbridge's SLP Skate Park finally opened its gates to the public on a cold, snowy, windy day in January, and has been packed ever since. Article: Then & Now: Coal Mining in Lethbridge. -In this series, we take a look at whether Lethbridge has changed throughout history; for better, for worse and in some cases, not at all. Article: Nishikaze -Check out Lethbridge's only anime and manga festival on June 28. July-Aug Issue 2014: Article: Mentoring, Assisting, and Transforming Youth. -Learning about Lethbridge's MAT Youth Centre. Article: Then & Now: The First World War - In this series, we take a look at whether Lethbridge has changed throughout history; for better, for worse and in some cases, not at all. Article: Understanding the By-election Process -The fourth municipal by-election in Lethbridge's history saw Bridget Mearns elected back to city council. Why do we need by-elections? How do they work? And are they really necessary? Sept- Oct Issue 2014: Article: Then & Now: Gorcery Stores - In this series, we take a look at whether Lethbridge has changed throughout history; for better, for worse and in some cases, not at all. Article: Hestia Homes - Assiting young adults who are homeless, YWCA's Hestia Homes Program provides them with the support they need to find full-time employment, pursue educational opportunities, and learn how to live independently. Article: Beyond Your Front Door -Lethbridge's Beyond Your Front Door Initiative invites you step beyond your front door and connect with your community. Article: Now There's a Sweet Idea! - Everyone has a chance to be a kid again at Lethbridge's Sweet Ideas candy store. Nov-Dec Issue 2014: Article: The Black Devils -Remembering the First Special Service Force. Article: The Newly Renovated Lethbridge Animal Shelter -Check out Lethbridge's upgraded home for our four-legged friends. Article: Then & Now: Commercial History - In this series, we take a look at whether Lethbridge has changed throughout history; for better, for worse and in some cases, not at all.

Accession No.

20241057021

Collection

Archive

Less detail