A Moment with the Mayor: Priorities that shape our community
The word priorities can mean different things to different people at different times. My personal priorities don’t always line up with my wife’s priorities, and that can sometimes lead to poor communication, frustration, and different approaches to getting things done.
The same can be said for a community. What one person considers a top priority may look very different to someone else, and balancing those priorities is something the City of Lloydminster works through every day.
Some City priorities are established through legislation and requirements set by various levels of government. Examples include water testing and treatment, wastewater treatment and testing at the Wastewater Treatment Facility, proper cover at the landfill, and water testing and treatment at the Bioclean Aquatic Centre. Our arenas must also prioritize the operation and maintenance of artificial ice plants and associated equipment to ensure both quality ice and cost efficiency.
Other priorities come from the services our residents and businesses rely on. Having readily available protective services, such as police and fire rescue, is something we count on every day. We also expect our garbage to be collected in an orderly fashion, and that service quickly becomes a priority when it is no longer available.
The City provides a wide range of programs and services, with customer service remaining an overarching priority. However, how those services are delivered can change from day to day, much like priorities in our own homes and businesses. We all have responsibilities to fulfill, but circumstances beyond our control can quickly shift our attention to an emergency, a critical incident, or an unexpected event in our community.
Through it all, the City's overarching priority remains providing quality programs and services to the community. How and when those services are delivered is guided by the business plans of various City departments, with the ongoing challenge of balancing the community's wants and needs.
So, where does City Council fit into setting those priorities?
Council helps establish the overall direction for City Administration through core values and a four-year strategic plan. Together, Council and Administration work to respond to the changing needs of our growing community while planning for the years ahead.
Recently, City Council reviewed its advocacy priorities heading into 2027, and many reflect challenges and opportunities that have been part of our conversations for some time.
One priority is addressing red tape and working toward more seamless municipal administration between the City, our two provincial governments, and the federal government.
Another is continuing to advocate for infrastructure grants and project funding, both of which are essential to the long-term health and viability of our community.
We have also heard clearly from residents and businesses about the need for regular scheduled air service connecting Lloydminster and the surrounding region to an international airport. This remains an important priority for our community.
Finally, we recognize the need to bring greater attention to community well-being, including health care, seniors, public safety, mental health, housing, and homelessness. While many of these areas are not direct municipal responsibilities, they have a significant impact on the people who call Lloydminster home.
Priorities will continue to evolve as our community grows and new challenges arise. While we may not always be able to address every need at once, City Council remains committed to listening, advocating, and making decisions that support the long-term well-being of Lloydminster and its residents.
To view the 2025 – 2029 Strategic Plan, visit Lloydminster.ca/StrategicPlan.
Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster