Alberta theatre restoration breathes new life into historic venue

In Coleman, Alberta, the Roxy Theatre, a historic Quonset-style venue built in 1948, has remained closed for 20 years yet is now the focus of a significant restoration effort. Once a popular locale, its condition has deteriorated; essential features such as heating, flooring, and seats have been removed, exposing the structure's vulnerabilities. Nonetheless, the building's entrance and lobby retain original architectural elements, hinting at its former glory. The community, led by a committee including former Alberta cabinet minister, recognized the theatre's potential as a performing arts centre and received provincial historic resource designation in 2022. The restoration project has garnered support through federal and provincial grants, with a total estimated cost of $4 million. Fundraising efforts have been crucial as local advocates strive to preserve this piece of history, noting that only three such theatres remain operational in Canada and 20 in North America. The push for restoration follows a failed demolition attempt years prior, highlighting changing perceptions of the theatre's cultural significance. Community leaders like Don Budgen and Crowsnest Pass Mayor Blair Painter emphasize the economic benefits and cultural revitalization that a restored Roxy Theatre could bring. Painter recalls his childhood memories of attending movies there, expressing optimism about its future role in attracting visitors to Coleman-hosting various events and performances. The Mayor's sentiment reflects a broader local consensus that this initiative could revitalize the town and its arts scene. As the project progresses towards a proposed completion date in December 2027, community efforts seem to gain momentum, aiming not just at restoring a building but at reviving the cultural heartbeat of Coleman. The historical context surrounding the Roxy Theatre has evolved; as Quonset-style theatres have dwindled in number, their value from a historical perspective has risen. This endeavor signifies more than mere construction; it represents a community's aspiration to reclaim its heritage and boost local engagement through the arts.