“We’re announcing in partnership with the City of Lloydminster that the region’s newest events facility will be called the Cenovus Energy Hub,” says Jon McKenzie, Cenovus President & Chief Executive Officer.
Cenovus in a statement has indicated it’s investing $5 million towards “naming rights, construction and programming” at the events centre which will be located near 40 Avenue and 36 Street.
McKenzie delivered the news on Tuesday at Cenovus headquarters in Lloydminster, along with city officials, Friends of Lloydminster Place and the Cenovus team. He sees investing in the communities where they do business as essential. Also, McKenzie says that the calibre of the people who they employ is what has made their operation a success.
“When the opportunity came up to invest in this fantastic facility – we jumped on it. The Cenovus Energy Hub is going to be, as I said, a fantastic facility. One that will serve as a cornerstone for the community, through connecting people and providing recreational activities in the celebration of this great region.”
McKenzie notes the investment in Lloydminster is their largest community investment and he sees it as one of the ways to show how important the community is to Cenovus.
Elder Shirley Gervais shared greetings and a blessing – and the event was also graced with the presence of both Alberta MLA Garth Rowswell and Saskatchewan MLA Colleen Young.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers, in his remarks, thanked the Cenovus family for its “incredible support.”
He notes the forthcoming entertainment and sport venue will be a hub where everyone “can come together to celebrate our rich culture.” He sees the new facility as attracting regional and national tournaments to the benefit of the Midwest economy and “showcasing Lloydminster as a desirable tourist destination in Canada.”
“The ripple effects will be felt by businesses, hotels and restaurants – contributing to the growth and prosperity of our entire region. We stand united in our commitment to the Cenovus Energy Hub. It is a place where sporting legends are born, cultural celebrations will flourish, and unforgettable music and live performances will captivate our souls. Together, let us build a legacy that our community will cherish for years to come,” says Aalbers.
At the cost of $93.9 million, work on the new events centre is expected to begin later this year and officials state it will be open by winter 2025.
In April, the Federal government and the province of Saskatchewan announced joint funding of $33 million to support the project. The City, at that time, also committed some $16 million to the project.
