A Moment with the Mayor: City Assets

I would like to thank those who have reached out inquiring about the condition of various city buildings. These questions have prompted me to write this article to provide clarity. The City of Lloydminster manages a number of assets, including buildings, infrastructure, parks, and recreation facilities, to name a few.

Rather than addressing every asset in detail, I will focus on what has been a significant challenge for the City and Council since 2016. The primary challenge at that time was securing the resources needed to build the new mechanical Wastewater Treatment Facility. This project took three years to secure funding from all respective levels of government. Construction began on the new facility, which was necessary to meet federal environmental requirements that our previous system, built in the 1980s, could no longer satisfy.

City council directed administration to conduct a comprehensive building evaluation and structural review of all City buildings. This process led to the closure of the Community Services Building. Due to its deteriorating state, large, open spaces resulting from its original school design, and the need for significant capital investment, the building was deemed to have reached the end of its life. As a result, it was demolished.

The Lloydminster Fire Department transitioned from a volunteer-based department to a composite model with 24-hour staffing. A review of the Old Fire Hall #1 revealed substantial issues that would have required a significant investment to modernize the building and accommodate the necessary living quarters and support infrastructure. The building was determined to be at the end of its useful life for the purposes we needed. It was subsequently sold, becoming a tax-paying property in the city. A new, modern Fire Hall #1 was constructed to serve our growing community both today and into the future.

The old Emergency Services Building, located on 48th Ave, was also reviewed and found to require a considerable investment to repair. As a result, the building was put up for sale and sold. It was repaired and repurposed.

The Bioclean Aquatic Centre recently received a completely new exterior skin to address the deteriorating condition of its wooden exterior, which dated back to the original construction in 1988. The building review determined that the facility is in good condition overall, and with the new exterior, we hope it will continue to serve the community for many years to come.

The Centennial Civic Centre has undergone two building reviews, one in 2019 and another in 2021. Both reviews highlighted structural deficiencies, and it was estimated that over $27 million would be required to resolve these issues in the short term. However, a definitive timeline for repairs could not be determined. At the time, City Council considered grant funding opportunities and opted to construct Cenovus Energy Hub. As a result, the Centennial Civic Centre is scheduled for permanent closure and demolition due to its end-of-life condition.

The City of Lloydminster remains committed to maintaining and improving its infrastructure to support the needs of our growing community. These decisions are made with careful consideration of long-term sustainability and the best interests of our residents to ensure Lloydminster continues to be a great place to live, work, and play.

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster