LETHBRIDGE, Alta. (March 19, 2004) — Southern Alberta truckers longing for a major rest area near Lethbridge won’t have to wait too much longer.

The County of Lethbridge approved a bylaw to rezone an area just east of 43 Street into rural commercial land yesterday, opening the door for developers to apply for the necessary permits and begin construction of a $5 million travel centre.

Other than a few small fuelling stations, there are currently no stops between Calgary and Shelby, Montana. Lethbridge is located just a short drive from the Coutts border crossing, which handles about 120,000 trucks a year.

Plans for the truck centre include a large fueling station, two restaurants; an eight-bay truck repair centre, tire shop and lounge with laundry, shower, and business and entertainment facilities for drivers.

While Southern Alberta and cross-border truckers welcomed the news, some local residents still plan to fight the plan, the Lethbridge Herald reported. Several nearby neighbours are concerned the travel plaza will increase noise pollution in the area and bring property values down.

If an appeal is made it will be up to an appeal board to make a final ruling before any construction can begin.

— from the Lethbridge Herald