Council votes to temporarily relocate LCSC

Lloydminster, AB/SK – The Lloydminster Regional Archives and programming traditionally held at the Lloydminster Cultural and Science Centre will relocate following City Council’s decision at Monday’s Council meeting.

After months of deliberation, community engagement and facility and feasibility studies, Council voted to negotiate lease rates, up to a term of 10 years, for a facility that will provide space for the temporary relocation of the Lloydminster Cultural and Science Centre (LCSC).

“We are pleased to move forward with a plan that will allow us to continue providing quality art, culture and heritage programming for the benefit of our region,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “Council and Administration sincerely appreciate the feedback received through our a recent LCSC survey, through which more than 400 residents expressed their hopes and ideas for the future of art, cultural and heritage services. We look forward to working with our residents and stakeholders in establishing a long-term plan for this important community resource.”

Included in the motion brought forward to Council on June 22, 2020, was a request by Administration to permanently close and plan for the decommissioning of permanent exhibits and demolition of the Lloydminster Cultural and Science Centre facility with a date to be determined at Council’s direction.

Permanent exhibits at the LCSC currently include the Imhoff Art Gallery, Fuchs Wildlife Exhibit and the OTS Heavy Oil Science Centre. At the same time, regular specialized classes and courses, education programs, tours, meeting spaces, Book Club, and the Window Shop, a unique gift shop, will be provided within the temporary location.

The services provided by the Heritage Society, Richard Larson Association and LCSC Advisory Committee will not be interrupted due to the relocation of the LCSC.

The leased commercial space is expected to have a one-time capital cost of nearly $1.5 million with annual operating expenses estimated to remain the same at about $1 million per year. The estimated 10-year operating budget, including capital expenses, is slightly more than $13 million.

Administration and Council acknowledge the community’s input and desire to construct a new facility; however, the construction of a new facility is estimated at around $17 million.

“We have received a tremendous amount of input from the community, which we are grateful for. The city has a strong arts and culture community, and we respect the desire to advance,” said Mayor Aalbers. “Presently, we are unable to build a new facility due to existing capital needs that require significant investment.”

Relocating the LCSC to a temporarily leased premise will allow Council, City Administration, community partners and the public the opportunity to set priorities and assign roles matching the City of Lloydminster’s identity and interests relating to future planning requirements.

BACKGROUND

Multiple inspections, along with third-party assessments have been conducted confirming the LCSC building is at the end of its useable, serviceable lifespan. Discussions and recommendations concerning the LCSC building transpired during the following meetings:

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