Lethbridge’s incumbent mayoral candidate and a local business group are denying accusations of a conflict of interest.

At a mayoral candidates’ forum this week, concerns were raised that incumbent Blaine Hyggen had allegedly used his position as mayor to benefit a friend of his.

The allegation is in regards to the Lethbridge Lodging Association (LLA) winning the naming rights bid for the building formerly known as the Enmax Centre, which is now called the VisitLethbridge.com Arena.

The City of Lethbridge announced on August 6, 2024, that the LLA would pay $750,000 over five years, or $150,000 annually, for the arena’s naming rights.

Hyggen was among the members of Lethbridge City Council who voted to approve the new name.

The resident who raised the question at the election forum clai

See Full Page