A review of Saskatchewan budgets from 2016 through 2026 shows Lloydminster has not been identified as the site of a standalone provincial capital project over the past decade.
During that time, the city is rarely named in connection with major builds such as hospitals, schools or large-scale infrastructure projects. Community leaders, however, point to other investments by the province.
What the budgets show
Across the budgets reviewed, references to Lloydminster generally fall into three categories:
- Inclusion in province-wide funding lists
- Maintenance or renovation work
- Regional or nearby infrastructure
Examples include school upgrades, hospital improvements and regional water or highway projects.
In contrast, Saskatchewan budgets often identify other communities alongside specific capital investments, including new health facilities, school builds and major infrastructure projects.
Projects through shared funding
The largest recent capital project tied to Lloydminster, the Cenovus Energy Hub, did receive provincial funding.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers said the city was successful in securing provincial support for the project.
“It depends a bit on perspective. When it comes to infrastructure projects, we were successful in securing a $30-million grant through the Government of Saskatchewan for the construction of Cenovus Energy Hub,” Aalbers said.
“Going back to 2020, Saskatchewan was also a major funding partner in the construction of our $80-million wastewater treatment plant.”
City highlights broader support
Aalbers said Lloydminster continues to receive funding through a range of programs and partnerships.
“The City will also receive the following funding from the Government of Saskatchewan: Municipal Revenue Sharing: $2,959,104. Urban Highway Connector Program (annual operating grant): $63,422. Sask Lotteries (distributed to local non-profit organizations): $86,454,” he said.
He added the city continues to raise concerns with the province around policing and health care funding.
Different types of investment
Funding delivered through cost-shared programs and formula-based transfers differs from the standalone capital projects typically highlighted in provincial budgets.
Those projects are often identified directly in budget documents and tied to specific communities.
Lloydminster appears less frequently in that context within the documents reviewed.
Working relationship with province
Aalbers described the city’s relationship with the provincial government as strong.
“We have a strong working relationship with the Government of Saskatchewan, and many leaders, including MLA Colleen Young, are well aware of Lloydminster’s priorities,” he said.
“I have full confidence we are being heard, however, the challenge for our municipality is to continue educating decision-makers on Lloydminster’s unique challenges and securing a strong position among the government’s list of priority investments.”
Advocacy and next steps
Aalbers said the city continues to advocate for projects across multiple sectors.
“The City of Lloydminster works with a variety of community groups and organizations to help elevate the message regarding provincially funded facilities and projects across the city,” he said.
“There are a significant number of asks of various government departments and agencies that are advocated on behalf of the entire community.”
He said broader fiscal pressures also play a role in provincial decision-making.
“The 2026 Saskatchewan Budget clearly shows the province in a deficit position, which creates challenges for decision-makers and influences which budget items are approved.”
Looking ahead
The mayor said efforts to position the city for future investment are ongoing.
“This work began long ago with previous councils, and I have had the honour, alongside various members of Council, to continue positioning Lloydminster for funding with the provincial governments while enhancing our approach to intergovernmental relations,” Aalbers said.
“The work we do on an ongoing basis with the Government of Saskatchewan and our MLA, Hon. Colleen Young, continues to move us closer to future provincial investment in our community.”
A consistent pattern
While Lloydminster continues to receive funding through various programs, the review of budget documents suggests the city has not been identified as the site of a clearly defined standalone provincial capital project over the past decade.
Closing:
The distinction between program-based funding and project-specific investment remains a key part of how provincial spending is presented.
For Lloydminster, that distinction shapes how the city appears within Saskatchewan’s budget documents.
Read more: Lloydminster absent from 2026–27 Saskatchewan budget details
