History and Heritage

A History on the Border

Lloydminster is a vibrant bi-provincial community straddling the border of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Approximately 32,000 people call Lloydminster home and the city was recently ranked among one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada.

The Lloydminster area was first settled in April 1903 with the arrival of the Barr Colonists, approximately 2,600 people from England. The new settlement was named in honour of Reverend Lloyd for his efforts in leading the colonists. The first part of our city's name Lloydminster is named after Reverend Lloyd and the last part from the word minster, meaning 'mother church.'

The newly founded hamlet was situated astride the fourth Meridian. When the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan were created in 1905 and the fourth Meridian selected as the inter-provincial boundary, the Village of Lloydminster was split in two.

The Alberta portion of the divided community was incorporated as a Village in Alberta on July 6, 1906, while the Saskatchewan portion was incorporated as a Town in Saskatchewan in April, 1907.

The two communities were amalgamated into a single municipality – the Town of Lloydminster – on May 20, 1930.

Division and Amalgamation

This peculiar situation resulted in the duplication of all municipal functions such as the creation of two separate municipal councils, two municipal offices and two fire departments. Common sense prevailed and the two communities were amalgamated into a single municipality - the Town of Lloydminster, by an Order-in-Council of both provinces on May 20, 1930. On January 1, 1958, the Town of Lloydminster received its charter as the City of Lloydminster and became the tenth city in both provinces.

The Lloydminster Charter

The Lloydminster Charter is provincial legislation, approved by the Province of Alberta and the Province of Saskatchewan. Any amendments to the Charter must be approved by the two provinces through orders in Council.

The Charter provides the framework for administration and governance for the City of Lloydminster. Through provincial legislation, it gives Lloydminster City Council the same authority that is provided to municipal governments in other Alberta and Saskatchewan cities. It is a document that recognizes the unique challenges our civic government faces due to our location on the provincial border. Where possible, it provides authority to apply legislation from one province to the entire City, thus enabling a "seamless" city where possible.

The Charter is updated periodically when other provincial legislation that governs municipal councils is updated. The two provincial governments enacted an updated Lloydminster Charter effective January 1, 2013.

To learn more, view the Lloydminster Charter.

Heritage Day

Heritage Day is an annual community event that honours Lloydminster`s humble beginnings, rich heritage and agricultural roots. Hosted at Weaver Heritage Park, Heritage Day is held on the Civic Holiday Monday in August.

Discover Lloydminster's heritage through activities that offer unique glimpses into our past at the Lloydminster Museum + Archives. Explore our community origins and learn how our historical properties are cared for with our Archives team.