A new multi-million dollar FieldTurf playing surface is coming to Lloydminster. The shovel-ready project at Holy Rosary High School is hoping to be finished in September.
The Raiders erupted in cheers as officials unveiled the project during an assembly on March 4 in front of more than 800 excited students, staff, and community members.
Nigel McCarthy, director of education for the Lloydminster Catholic School Division, called the new field a “game changer” for local sports.
“With this project, we become the home team,” said McCarthy during a video presentation. “Not just here at Holy Rosary, but for athletes across the entire region.”
Meanwhile, the field will host football, soccer, track, and rugby competitions. It will also allow Lloydminster to attract provincial and national tournaments.
“We spoke to Lakeland College, and they shared their vision of hosting national soccer championships,” said McCarthy. “A dream that now feels within reach.”
A major investment in the community
The project received a $1 million grant from the Government of Alberta. Other significant contributions came from Canadian Natural (CN), the City of Lloydminster, and several local businesses and organizations.
Garth Rowswell, MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright, said government funding for such projects is rare.
“This is actually only the second one-million-dollar project I’ve been involved in since being elected,” said Rowswell. “Not everyone gets this. It takes strong community support and an excellent application to make it happen.”
However, Rowswell credited local donors and organizers for securing the funding.
“The people who put this together deserve all the credit,” he said. “Their hard work made this possible.”
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Boosting local sports and economy
Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers highlighted the field’s impact on the entire city and explained why the municipality supported the project.
“This project benefits everyone,” said Aalbers. “When the school board brought this to us, they made it clear the field would be open to the community.”
The facility will support local track clubs and other athletic programs while boosting Lloydminster’s economy through major sporting events.
“We can now host provincial and national championships we couldn’t before,” said Aalbers. “That means more visitors to our hotels, restaurants, and businesses.”
A year-round training ground
Jeremy Blais, principal of Holy Rosary High School, stressed the benefits for student athletes.
“This outside turf will make a huge difference,” said Blais. “Students and athletes in our community will train year-round on a high-performance field.”
Construction will start immediately following the announcement. Furthermore, the Raiders hope the project stays on timeline.
“We’re working hard to get our athletes on that field as soon as possible,” said Blais.
A legacy for future generations
Canadian Natural operations superintendent, Garnet Zarowny, expressed pride in his company’s contribution.
“We sponsor many projects, but this one is special,” said Zarowny. “We’re donating to a field that will serve kids who aren’t even born yet.”
Meanwhile, Zarowny said the project has personal meaning for him.
“I have three grandkids between one and three years old,” he said. “Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to watch them play here one day.”
Strong community support
A large screen displayed a list of key donors. CN contributed $350,000, while the City of Lloydminster gave $200,000. Other donors included the RM of Wilton ($210,000), Lakeland College ($50,000), and several local businesses.
Blais thanked all supporters for making the field a reality.
“Our students, staff, and community are so grateful,” he said. “This field is going to bring opportunities for athletes all over Western Canada.”
McCarthy agreed, calling the field a “gift.”
“It’s more than just turf and lines,” he said. “It’s a place for future stars and champions.”
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