Southern Alberta Art Gallery set for $7.7M modernizationBy Lethbridge Herald on August 6, 2026. Herald photo by Patrick Wachter The team around the art gallery projects gets together for a group photo with construction hats on Wednesday Herald photo by Patrick Wachter The team around the art gallery projects gets together for a group photo with construction hats on WednesdayBy Patrick WachterLethbridge HeraldThe Southern Alberta Art Gallery Maansiksikaitsitapiitsinikssin (SAAG) will undergo a major $7.714-million modernization and expansion project, the City of Lethbridge announced Wednesday. The project also introduces a third-party operated café and catering kitchen to help support the long-term sustainability of the gallery. Speaking to reporters, Mayor Blaine Hyggen praised the gallery for securing external funding to reduce the cost to municipal taxpayers. Addressing public safety and downtown revitalization, Hyggen said adding vibrant community hubs helps displace concerns regarding safety in the downtown core, particularly around Galt Gardens.