The Centennial Civic Centre will not be sold, with city officials confirming no one has stepped forward to purchase the aging facility ahead of its planned demolition.
During the April 7 Lloydminster regular council meeting, administration confirmed the option had been explored, but ultimately went nowhere.
“Administration has met with a few community members and organizations who expressed interest in purchasing the building … at this time, no parties are interested in pursuing the purchase any further.”
That confirmation closes the door on months of speculation around the future of the facility.
Back in November 2025, The Border Pulse reported the building was not for sale despite public confusion at the time. Council had only directed administration to explore what a sale could look like, not to list or sell the property.
Tuesday’s update shows how that process played out. The option was explored, interest was tested, and no deal materialized.
Coun. Justin Vance said the city did its due diligence before reaching that point.
“I just want to say I appreciate the administration for exploring options to sell the facility … I’m glad that we looked at every option before we’re going to go to the demolition route,” Vance said.
“At the end of the day, if anyone’s upset, they had their option, their chance to come forward and gain this facility … no one came forward so this is where we’re at,” he added.
Administration noted the building is now becoming more of a liability than an asset as it sits unused and continues to require monitoring and upkeep.
Coun. Michele Charles Gustafson said the process was handled appropriately.
“I really think it’s important that you gave due diligence to some time for the community to explore a second life for the building,” Charles Gustafson said.
“And now you get to respect giving the items inside a second life … and I think you’re doing it respectfully,” she added.
That second life will come through a series of public auctions, where items from the Civic Centre will be sold alongside other city assets, including seized and unclaimed property.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers noted interest is already building, with residents reaching out about specific items.
Administration confirmed the Civic Centre contents will be included in a larger citywide auction.
“We typically do a citywide auction every year … this year is just a larger scale one,” administration said.
The auction will be held online, a move officials say increases reach and participation.
Coun. Jim Taylor raised questions about the cost of maintaining the building as it sits vacant.
“That’s a question that I’ve been asked, what’s the cost of it sitting empty or the process up until the point of demolition?” Taylor said.
Administration said those figures can be brought back to council at a later date.
Behind the scenes, crews continue daily checks on the building while preparing items for auction and final decommissioning work.
The ice plant has already been shut down and cleared of chemicals, with remaining work focused on removing usable materials before demolition begins.
The city expects to secure a demolition contractor for the Civic Centre this summer, with teardown planned for the fall. The project carries an estimated cost of about $1.43 million.
Once the building is gone, administration will return to council with options for future use or sale of the land.
For now, the path is clear. The opportunity to purchase the Civic Centre has passed, and the focus has shifted to what comes next.
Read more: No, you can’t buy the Civic Centre, Yet
