The ribbon was cut in three separate phases, on Oct. 1, 2025 to officially open the new Cenovus Energy Hub.
Lloydminster’s newest events facility, built at a cost of $101.3 million boasts of two NHL-sized hockey rinks and an outdoor ice surface.
Among the government contributors were the federal government and Saskatchewan. Energy Minister and MLA for Lloydminster, Colleen Young referenced her previous involvement on the public school board as she charted the prospects of the new events facility.
“Some of you may know that before I began working in politics, I served on the Lloydminster Public School Board for 20 years. It taught me the value of community and bringing people together, especially through sports, community events, music and culture. The benefits that those experiences bring, especially for young people, are priceless. They contribute so much to how people grow up and carry themselves in the world. It builds character. When I look around at this awesome new facility, I’m positive. I know that it will serve the very same function for generations of young people to come.”
John Soini, Executive Vice-President at Cenovus Energy shared how important it is for the company to invest in the community where its staff works. He noted since 2023, the company has invested $10 million in various community efforts and groups.
“The Cenovus Energy Hub is more than just a building. Sitting between Cenovus Place and our Upgrader Complex, the Cenovus Energy Hub represents an anchor point for the community, including our staff – a place where families can come together, where youth can thrive through sport and play, and where inclusive, innovative programming can bring people of all ages and abilities together. As a landmark of unity, progress, and community, reflecting the spirit of the region and the people who power it.”
Inclusion
A singular distinction was given to the members of the Female U13 Blazers who won the Chevy Good Deeds Cup in 2022, which provided $90,000 to provide inclusive features to the facility.
Tracy Simpson, Executive Manager of Community Development for the City of Lloydminster spoke about the inclusivity changes which the girls hockey team advocated for.
“We ensured our timekeeper boxes were wheelchair accessible so all parents could participate. We ensured both ice surfaces were sledge hockey ready with roomy player boxes and visibility windows in the boards. We designed shower stalls in all dressing rooms to be individual so that athletes have privacy and respect, and we included barrier free seating at all levels of the facility so every spectator had a great view. These young ladies demonstrated a social consciousness and compassion far beyond their years and for that they deserve our admiration and thanks.”
Simpson invited the U13 Blazers to stand and be recognized for their advocacy and contribution.
Economic potential
Mayor Gerald Aalbers, looking back at the build over the last two years, sees the new facility as a game changer for the city and the wider region, along with its economic impact.
“The Cenovus Energy Hub is first and foremost a community space but make no mistake it’s also a powerful economic engine. By adding a flexible modern indoor facility to our city’s infrastructure, we open the door to new new revenues, new opportunities, and new visitors to our community and area.”
Government of Canada
The federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, Gregor Robertson noted that the new facility is a “great example of what happens when communities dream big and governments
invest.”
“The federal government is proud to support this project, which will bring people together for major concerts, sporting events, and conferences, while strengthening Lloydminster’s social and economic fabric for generations to come.”
The new facility replaces the 58-year old Centennial Civic Centre. The Cenovus Energy Hub will be home to the Lloydminster Bobcats, Bandits, Steelers, Lancers and Lakeland Rustlers Women’s hockey team, along with many other user groups.
On the entertainment front, the next matter will be the first concert to hosted at the 4,500 seat arena. Details of that could be coming later this fall.
Quick Facts
• Government of Canada – $16,463,508
• Government of Saskatchewan – $16,665,000
• City of Lloydminster – $52,177,669 to secure federal and provincial funding
• Regional Municipality of Wilton – $500,000
• Cenovus Energy – $5 million toward the facility in a 15-year naming rights partnership
• Fundraising efforts raised $6.35 million (including contributions from naming sponsors)
• Estimated yearly visitors: 170,000
