A Moment with the Mayor: Looking ahead into 2024

The new year is upon us, and it comes with the arrival of snow. For some, the thought of snowball fights, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling is still just wishes, but the first snow reminds us that these opportunities are still on their way! It really looks like one way or the other, this is going to be the shortest winter on record with temperatures that we have only been dreaming about. Many new snowblowers were purchased, and it looks like we are entering a time when you can put them to use. 

At the City, the team is split about winter and the weather. We have a team responsible for making outdoor arenas and park maintenance. They’re just itching to get things into full swing. And then there is the roads team that has now started to prep for the throws of winter and snow to arrive. As we all know, the timing and the volume of snow we receive are totally out of our control. The roads crew has been keeping busy with some fall and winter projects to this point, but I think they are looking forward to the real deal. 

Planning activities and projects are in full swing in and around the city. City teams are making plans for the 2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games, road and construction projects and a multitude of projects to maintain and improve our facilities around the city. Based on my calendar invites, numerous organizations are a buzz with planning galas and events that will be hosted in our community with guests expected from near and far. 2024 is looking to be quite the year.

As you read this article, the Astec Safety Curling Challenge featuring world-class curlers will be hosted at the Lloydminster Golf & Curling Centre to a sold-out crowd. The Lloydminster Exhibition will play host to many events in the coming months, including the Cattlemen’s Call in January, Agrivisions in mid-February and the GMack Prospect Steer and Heifer Show in March. 

Numerous community events are hosted by various organizations and will help to fill your winter schedule if you are interested. The Lloydminster Fish and Game Association has its annual Gun and Outdoor Sportsman Show on January 20 & 21, followed by the Family Wildlife Awards Banquet on January 27. The annual Cutter Rally for Cancer is scheduled for February 24. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for Winterfest on Family Day, February 19, and gather with family and friends at one of the great locations around the city as we celebrate. 

There are many opportunities on the horizon for fundraisers and celebrations. The Kinsmen and Kinettes Telemiracle Steak Night on February 3, and the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser walk on February 24. More details about these and other events can be found online. City event information is available at Lloydminster.ca/events. 

We look forward to seeing you around the city!  

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster