The Alberta budget has not provided any specific funding for the proposed Lloydminster Place events centre.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers in looking through the provincial financial statement says they are still seeking some clarity from the government on if there is a place where funding for the project would fit. He notes the matter will not be coming back to council at this time.
“Until we have some updates, it’s still in a holding pattern for now. We are still waiting to hear from the Saskatchewan-Canada grant application. As well, we will continue to let Alberta know that we are continuously looking for a funding partner from them as well. So it’s a little bit of a hold right now.”
The Alberta budget offered support for the Border City in a few other areas noted the mayor. The municipal sustainability initiative grant is going up by almost $150,000 compared to last year. As well the FCSS or Family and Community Social Services grant is going up by some $23,000 and there is a small funding increase for libraries across the province. The exact dollar figure is not yet available.
The FCSS grant saw $385,000 being allocated to 13 Lloydminster non-profits for 2023. Officials are to indicate where the extra $23,000 will be utilized.
Aalbers adds they will still look to the MSI capital grant which is expected to increase next year.
“The bigger money that we receive from the government of Alberta comes from the MSI capital grant and that is not going to see a lot of increase until next year. We were always hoping that it would come this year. It would potentially lessen some of our demand on our reserves that the city funds projects with.”
With Saskatchewan to deliver its budget on Mar. 22, Aalbers said that conversations will continue with both Alberta, Saskatchewan and the federal governments as the city seeks funding for the Lloydminster Place events centre.
