Food Trade in Lloydminster

A New Era for Lloydminster’s Food Industry

The approval of the Lloydminster Food Trade Pilot is a thrilling development for our community. This initiative opens up new opportunities for local businesses by enabling seamless food trade across provincial borders. It not only strengthens our local economy but also showcases Lloydminster as a leader in innovative trade solutions. This project is set to transform the way food businesses operate, offering increased competitiveness and fostering a vibrant culinary scene.

View the Chamber’s News Release Here

Read the Canada.gov Announcement Here

Access to Net Care in Alberta by Saskatchewan Clinics in Lloydminster 

Renewed 2025 

 ISSUE: 

Although the hospital in Lloydminster has access to Net Care (online patient records) in Alberta, the clinics on the Saskatchewan side of the border do not have access to Net Care, and this poses a problem with information sharing between hospitals and treatment centers in the provinces. Further, Saskatchewan licensed doctors are denied access while taking on Alberta patients. 

BACKGROUND: 

Because Lloydminster is situated on the border of Alberta and Saskatchewan, for many years there have been major issues around health care in Lloydminster. One of the issues is the sharing of patient information online between Alberta health care professionals and Saskatchewan health care professionals. 

This does cause dangerous and life-threatening situations if the local health care professionals and referral center providers have no way to access that pertinent information that is imperative for appropriate treatment. Often tests need to be repeated causing delays in treatment and costs to the health care system. 

In 2012, a committee was formed with local government, community members, and representatives from both Alberta and Saskatchewan government’s health departments to consider ways to make health care in Lloydminster more streamlined and patient centered. A memorandum of understanding was signed by the then health ministers of Alberta and Saskatchewan. One of the items agreed upon by this committee was that the cross-border accessibility of patient files was imperative. Otherwise, it puts the citizens of Lloydminster and surrounding area at risk. Although these individuals pay the same tax dollars to their respective provincial governments, they continue to receive sub-standard health care. The appropriate sharing of information would be an initial step to solve this issue. Alberta Bill 46 was passed in late 2020 which allows Netcare access to Saskatchewan licensed doctors, however the administrative work is still pending and we have yet to see this implemented. 

RESOLUTION: 

The Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce advocates to the City of Lloydminster, the Government of Alberta, and the Government of Saskatchewan, in cooperation with their respective health authorities, for the immediate resolution to patient data sharing issues between the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. 

Local Business Preference in Procurement and Purchasing Policy 

Issue 

The City of Lloydminster’s procurement policies are currently underutilizing local businesses, limiting opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and community investment. Contracts are often awarded solely based on cost, overlooking the broader benefits of supporting local businesses that contribute to the city’s prosperity. A structured procurement strategy that emphasizes local engagement, economic impact, and best-value selection would strengthen Lloydminster’s business community and foster long-term sustainability. 

Background 

Lloydminster’s business community is a cornerstone of the city’s economy, yet local contractors and suppliers are increasingly losing out on contracts—even when their bids are competitively priced. Although the City’s Procurement and Purchasing Policy1 promotes fairness and transparency, it presently provides no consideration for local businesses when price differences are negligible. As a result, contracts are often awarded to out-of-town competitors based on small pricing differences, missing valuable opportunities to reinvest in the local economy. 

The New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA)2 mandates open and non-discriminatory procurement practices for contracts exceeding specific thresholds. However, local preference is permitted for contracts below $200,000 for construction and $75,000 for goods and services. The City of Lloydminster’s Procurement Policy, Section 5.4, supports this by allowing the encouragement of solicitation from local businesses for purchases below these thresholds.  

Additionally, Section 10.13 of the policy requires that purchasers obtain written quotations from a minimum of three bidders for: 

• Goods and services between $10,000 and $75,000 (Section 10.1.1), and 

• Construction between $25,000 and $200,000 (Section 10.1.2). 

Despite the flexibility of these policies, local businesses continue to miss opportunities due to the absence of pricing incentives. For instance, bids from local businesses that are within 5% of the lowest bid receive no additional consideration—overlooking the broader economic benefits of supporting local suppliers, such as job creation, community engagement, and economic reinvestment. 

 It is also important to clarify that in instances where no bids are received from local businesses, the City shall not be required to award a contract locally. Participation in procurement opportunities remains the responsibility of all suppliers, including those based in Lloydminster. Implementing a local preference policy would help address this gap. Allowing Lloydminster-based businesses within a 5% price differential to receive preferential consideration for contracts under NWPTA 

1   https://www.lloydminster.ca/media/skejhray/120-05-procurement-and-purchasing-policy.pdf 

2 http://www.newwestpartnershiptrade.ca/pdf/NewWest_Partnership_Trade_Agreement_2016.pdf 

3  https://www.lloydminster.ca/media/skejhray/120-05-procurement-and-purchasing-policy.pdf 

Public Infrastructure to Support Community Growth (Public Transportation) 

Renewed 2025 

ISSUE: 

Many residents of Lloydminster, including college students, seniors, low-income individuals, and immigrants, rely on public transportation to access education and employment opportunities. With a population of 31,5821, the city would benefit from a public transit system. To address this need, a small-scale pilot project should be introduced. 

BACKGROUND: 

1. Several organizations have voiced their support for an alternative transportation model. These organizations include: The Learning Council, Lakeland College, Inclusion Lloydminster, Social Services, Pioneer Lodge, Bea Fisher Centre, and the Native Friendship Centre. These organizations have clients and employees who require public transportation. 
2. Other communities in Alberta and Saskatchewan of similar size or smaller have public transportation, including: Banff/Bow Valley (pop. 8,305), Cold Lake (pop. 17031), Fort Saskatchewan (pop. 26,580), Hinton (pop. 9,817), Leduc (pop. 34,094), Spruce Grove (pop. 37,645), Whitecourt (pop. 9,721), Moose Jaw (pop. 33,665), and Prince Albert (pop. 37,756). 
3. Public transportation has a positive economic impact on communities. Every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $5 in economic returns.
4. The retail and hospitality service sector has expanded significantly in the past decade; these industries employ lower-income workers who may find the lack of public transportation a barrier to employment. 
5. The lack of sidewalks on many main streets makes it dangerous for students, seniors, and others who must rely on walking. A public transportation system would provide a safe and reliable alternative, especially in winter. 
6. A made-in-Lloydminster pilot project could be introduced. For example, starting with three used 24-passenger buses, with two operating on routes. Available grants for public transit:                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It may be beneficial for the City to partner with an organization such as Border City Connects, which could offer the services under a lean, cost-efficient model with City. Up to $5 million for zero-emission transit solutions. Additional federal transportation grants can be found here: Government of Canada Public Transportation Grants Eligible applicants can seek grants of: Up to $50,000 for planning and design projects. Up to $3 million for capital costs (e.g., vehicle purchases, digital platforms).

• 2024 Transportation Master Plan: 

• • Since this policy was last updated, the City of Lloydminster has completed a Transportation Master Plan (2024), which outlines strategies for improving mobility and transit options. 

• • This plan provides a foundation for future transit development and should be considered in the implementation of a pilot public transportation program. 

• • • The full 2024 Transportation Master Plan can be accessed here: Lloydminster Transportation Master Plan

  RECOMMENDATION: The Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce recommends that the City of Lloydminster launch a small-scale pilot public transportation program, aligned with the 2024 Transportation Master Plan, to assess feasibility and community impact.

PST on Lodging 

2025 

ISSUE:  

Lloydminster has always strived to be a seamless city. Whether businesses are located on the Alberta side or Saskatchewan side, businesses should be able to compete on a level playing field. Hotels on the Saskatchewan side of Lloydminster are required to charge and remit PST, where their Alberta counterparts are not required to charge and remit PST.  Hotels in Lloydminster Saskatchewan have raised concerns that they are losing a substantial amount of business to Lloydminster Alberta hotels due to this tax disparity.  

BACKGROUND: 

The City of Lloydminster straddles the border of Alberta and Saskatchewan with a population of 31,582, where 37% (11, 843) lives in Saskatchewan and 63% (19,739) lives in Alberta.1  As a bi-provincial city, Lloydminster businesses need to compete within their industry with businesses who face a different set of laws, regulations and taxation. Lloydminster strives to be one seamless city so that whether your business is located on the Alberta side or Saskatchewan side, businesses can compete on a level playing field. PST has always been one of those issues for Lloydminster which has the potential to create an unlevel playing field for Saskatchewan businesses. Thankfully, the Government of Saskatchewan has recognized this and has provided Lloydminster with a PST exemption, “with the exception of vehicles, lodging, telecommunication services, electricity for commercial users, and insurance contracts, businesses are not required to collect PST on sales to individuals or businesses when the goods are shipped to or picked up in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan and are intended for use or consumption within the city limits”2.   

We have heard concerns from hotels on the Saskatchewan side of Lloydminster that they are required to charge and remit PST and are losing business to Lloydminster Alberta hotels who do not have to charge PST. This loss of clients is especially noticeable in terms of commercial clients who book a large volume of hotel rooms for staff and contract workers. Similarly, recreational clients for sports groups booking large blocks of rooms have concerns of the additional PST that they would not need to pay on the Alberta side of Lloydminster.  Individuals who book multiple nights have also raised the concern. This tax discrepancy in Lloydminster is creating an unlevel playing field for the Lloydminster Saskatchewan hotels.   

RECOMENDATION: 

The Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce recommends that the Government of Saskatchewan includes lodging as being exempt of PST in the City of Lloydminster. 

Reinstating and Expanding Air Service at Lloydminster Airport (CYLL) 

ISSUE: Lloydminster Airport (CYLL) currently lacks scheduled passenger air service. Previously, the airport offered daily roundtrip flights to Calgary (YYC), operating at over 80% capacity. The termination of these services has adversely affected residents, businesses, and economic development in the region. Reinstating and expanding air service is essential to enhance quality of life, support business growth, and improve regional connectivity. 

BACKGROUND: 

1. Catchment Area: The primary market area for CYLL encompasses a 70-kilometre radius, serving approximately 63,500 people and 23,000 households. The secondary market area extends to a 150-kilometre radius, including about 200,000 people and 78,000 households.
2. Economic Impact: The total airline travel market value for the Lloydminster area is estimated at $44.3 million, with only a small fraction previously captured by CYLL. The absence of scheduled air services has likely diverted significant economic benefits away from the local economy.
3. Infrastructure and Development: The 2024 Lloydminster Airport Master Plan Update outlines several key infrastructure developments to support the reinstatement and expansion of air services: 

• • Terminal Building Enhancements: Plans include expanding and modernizing the terminal to accommodate increased passenger traffic and improve amenities. 

• • Runway and Taxiway Upgrades: Upgrades to runways and taxiways are proposed to support a wider range of aircraft and ensure compliance with safety standards. 

• • Apron Expansion: Expanding the apron area will provide additional aircraft parking and facilitate more efficient ground operations. 

1. Community Support: Surveys indicate strong community support for reinstating air services, with 94% of respondents expressing willingness to use CYLL if flights to desired destinations are available. Preferred destinations include Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Vancouver/Abbotsford, Regina, Toronto, Winnipeg, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Mexico. 
2. Business and Investment Attraction: Reliable air service is a critical factor for businesses when selecting locations for investment. The lack of scheduled flights may deter potential investors and hinder economic growth in the region. 

RECOMMENDATION:  

The Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce urges the City of Lloydminster to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to reinstate scheduled passenger air services, expand destination offerings, and invest in infrastructure upgrades to enhance air traffic capacity and improve the passenger experience.