LLOYDMINSTER — What started off as a hope and a dream became a full-fledged reality as the grand opening of the Cenovus Energy Hub was held at the new facility, Oct. 1.
The Hub, which was originally to be named Lloydminster Place, came with a price tag of $101.5 million, with contributions coming from various levels of governments, local businesses and community groups and residents. Designed with everyone in mind, the state-of-the-art facility is a collaboration of many organizations and groups coming together to create an inclusive space for everyone. When the U13 Female Blazers defied all odds and were named the first female team to win the 2022 Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup, the team donated $90,000 of their winnings back into their community to ensure the building would be accessible for everyone.
The grand opening ceremony was held in the main lobby of the Hub, with guest speakers including Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers, the Honourable Colleen Young, Minister of Energy and Resources and Lloydminster MLA, John Soini, Executive Vice-President, Upstream – Thermal & Atlantic Offshore for Cenovus Energy and Tracey Simpson, project leader and executive manager of Community Development Services for the City of Lloydminster.
Following the opening remarks, three ribbons were cut for the official opening of the facility before special guests were invited back into the building to stand on centre ice, recreating an image that was taken when the ground was broken. Guests were treated to refreshments and socialization before the free skating and barbecue began.
About the facility
Designed for year-round use, the facility offers three ice surfaces — two indoors and one outdoors. The Event Arena seats 2,500 with the capability to expand to 4,500 seats with floor seating. The Co-op Community Arena holds 500 seats.
At the ground level, the scorekeeping booth and flexible dressing rooms have been built for wheelchair accessibility, and the penalty boxes have windows for sledge hockey players to continue to watch the game while serving out their penalty. Keeping with accessibility, telescopic railings and barrier-free washrooms have also been installed throughout the facility.
A fully operational kitchen is also on site, and although a liquor license has not been acquired, it is in the process.
The outdoor arena boards were a part of Scotiabank’s Hockey Day in Canada in 2014, which have been in storage ever since the event. While they do show some wear and tear, Simpson did say they would be in good condition for when the snow flies. The ODR was also designed to be cleared by the facility’s Zamboni as well.
All parties involved that were involved in the community project were glad to see the day come when people began to use the facility, including the first Bobcats game on Sept. 21 with 1,827 fans.
“This hub is a game changer for our community, the city and the greater area. It’s an investment in our economy, our identity and our future that comes after us. Projects like this don’t just come around often. This takes vision, commitment and a shared belief in what’s possible and today we’re seeing the possibility come to life in the most tangible way. Cenovus Energy Hub is first and foremost a community space,” said Aalbers during the opening ceremony.
Simpson said there are talks of a couple of possible concerts that could be making their way to the border city in the new year, with announcements slated within the next few months.
