Looking forward to 2026, Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers says it’ll be business as usual.
In 2025, the City of Lloydminster saw the long-awaited opening of the Cenovus Energy Hub. The city even hosted its first concert in the Hub.
“I think it was well received, certainly there’s a lot of learning that the city came away (with),” said Aalbers.
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Work continues to bring more concerts to the Border City.
“I understand they’re being worked on. And again, just ask for patience as the final details are worked out,” he said.
In terms of work the city has on the horizon, it’ll be smaller-scale capital work.
“We’re going to see some capital projects, but you’re not going to see the capital projects that we’ve experienced for the last number of years,” said Aalbers. “We’re back to water, sewer and roads.”
Asset management will also be a key issue as the cost to maintain infrastructure continues to climb.
“Asset management’s going to be talked about more and more at the city council table,” said Aalbers.
A large project on the horizon is the work needed on the water treatment plant.
“The water treatment plant, there’s some significant work that needs to be done there. Because that’s a core, as core as it gets,” he said.
The city recently applied for grants to help fund that work, Aalbers says if work does happen, it likely won’t be this year.
“Chances are next year, depending on how the grant cycle goes,” he said.
The work will ensure better reliability for water in Lloyd.
“It won’t affect the quality of the water, it will just enhance the reliability and that’s really what it’s all about is ensuring the reliability is always there,” said Aalbers.
With the interim budget approved, more upgrades are coming to the downtown.
“We’re going to go back into the downtown. So, that will be worked on for one more block of the downtown,” he said.
This year also will see the next edition of Lloydminster’s Heavy Oil Show.
“The 2026 edition of (the) Lloydminster Heavy Oil Show will be presented in September in the city,” Aalbers explained. “That’s terrific again, an industry that plays such a huge role in our community.”
New eventgoers will be able to experience new technology in the industry while connecting directly to industry professionals.
“You’ll be able to talk to producers, you’ll be able to talk to spokespeople and R&D, as well as business development folks,” he said.
Aalbers says heavy oil is quite unique. The event may also bring Saskatchewan and Alberta premiers to town.
“What I understand, both premiers have tentatively committed to attending the luncheon on Wednesday,” said Aalbers.
Still speaking to oil, Aalbers expressed his concern with current prices.
“Right now, oil prices are not what I consider sustainable, which is challenging for our producers,” he said, noting he hopes it stabilizes.
While 2026 may not be as flashy as 2025, with a major capital project wrapping up, Aalbers says there’s still big opportunities ahead.
“I think 2026 has some huge opportunities,” he said. “I think 2026 will be a year to see how the economy continues to roll in Canada and the two provinces and how it relates to Lloydminster.”
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