Despite recent headlines suggesting otherwise, you can’t own the Centennial Civic Centre, at least, not yet.
Confusion appears to stem from a misinterpretation of council discussions during last week’s budget meetings.
Exploring options, not selling yet
City council has only discussed the possibility of exploring options for the building, not authorizing a sale. During last week’s budget deliberations, councillors directed administration to report back on what a sale process could look like, including potential value, safety costs, and demolition logistics.
Councillor Justin Vance said the move was about transparency and due diligence, not divestment.
“We’re going to return that back to administration to see the logistics on it, see if it’s possible, and just see if we can entertain the option of it,” Vance said. “Even if there’s no one that cares to purchase the facility, we did our due diligence and in full transparency put it out there for anyone that’s wanting to, you know, put your money where your mouth is.”
Demolition still budgeted
The city’s 2026 draft budget includes $1.4 million for demolition of the aging arena, alongside several other recreation and culture capital projects. However, the administration confirmed demolition is not yet scheduled and could be delayed if the council directs otherwise.
City Manager Tracy Simpson told councillors the Civic Centre will remain in the city’s care into next summer, with about $200,000 budgeted to heat, insure, and secure the building while options are reviewed.
“We haven’t taken any actionable steps to put it on the market per se,” Simpson said. “If there was a direction to put it on the market more formally, we could do that. It’s not a project we would do over the winter.”
Simpson said waiting would not add significant new costs beyond ongoing maintenance, but reminded council that the longer demolition is delayed, the higher future costs could climb.
“I do know it was significantly more expensive to tear the Coliseum down 10 years later than it was in the year they closed it,” Simpson said.
Council is divided but open to public interest
Several councillors expressed different views on whether to move ahead with demolition or test the market first.
Councillor David Lopez questioned whether the city should rush to demolish the facility and asked if any formal bids or expressions of interest had been received.
“I don’t like demolishing things,” Lopez said. “I just think we need to look at it. I didn’t see anything where people were, the tender was put out, or any bids and tenders for sale or anything like that, so I’m just curious if we had done that.”
Mayor Gerald Aalbers agreed the public deserves clarity.
“If somebody was so willing to come forward, I would support it,” Aalbers said. “It would clear the air completely, I would hope, because people seem to be somewhat confused.”
Councillor Jim Taylor said a formal listing would make the process more transparent.
“It’s also hard to purchase a house if it’s not listed for sale,” Taylor said. “If we list it in a full transparent way and have it for a three-month period and no one bites, then put it to bed.”
Councillor Michele Charles-Gustafson said giving residents a chance to come forward could help close the discussion once and for all.
“If we say, ‘Folks, it is now your time to step up,’ then at least the opportunity is there,” Charles-Gustafson said. “If no one knocks, then I think we need to just grieve and say goodbye.”
Councillor Michael Diachuck added that listing the property briefly could also help resolve community confusion.
“If we go through it, even post it 30 days or 60 days, I don’t care what it is, our budget is in place,” Diachuck said. “If we don’t have to spend the $1.4 million, great. My biggest concern is if someone buys it and doesn’t do anything with it.”
Cost and reclamation questions
Taylor also asked how the $1.4-million demolition estimate was determined and whether any materials could be salvaged.
Administration said the quote came from an experienced demolition contractor and included site cleanup and backfill costs. However, officials cautioned that asbestos and other safety issues make salvaging materials complicated and costly.
“The challenge is how you get those materials out effectively with the labour and safety requirements,” the administration said. “Getting those out safely is the hardest part.”
For now, the Civic Centre remains standing, at least through next summer, while administration prepares its report and council weighs whether to sell, save, or finally say goodbye.
Editor’s note: The Border Pulse independently verified these details using council transcripts and city budget documents to clarify recent public confusion about the Civic Centre’s status.
Read more: No, Lloydminster council has not approved a 3.9 per cent increase
