A group of volunteers and community members in Crowsnest Pass are raising money to restore the historic Roxy Theatre, which has been empty for 20 years. Fred Bradley, a member of the building committee for Revive the Roxy Theatre, sees the revival of the theatre as a catalyst for the community, not only as a performing arts centre, but also as a driver of economic revival in downtown Coleman. The restored Roxy would provide opportunities for local community groups to have performances on stage, including acting groups, the Crowsnest Pass symphony, and the music festival. Additionally, programing will be offered to engage youth in activities at the revived theatre.
The Roxy Theatre is one of 12 heritage sites in the running for Canada’s Next Great Save, a national competition that offers a $50,000 contribution to the winner with the most online votes. Finalists in the competition include historical sites such as the Nanton Grain Elevators in Alberta, Welland Central Fire Station in Ontario, Cape Bear Lighthouse and Marconi Station in Prince Edward Island, and St. Andrew’s Lodge in British Columbia. The local organization Crowsnest CanDo took on the Roxy project in 2020 and has raised $500,000 to stabilize the building’s foundation.
If the Roxy Theatre wins the grand prize, the money will be used to restore its historic façade, including the neon sign, Pepsi mural, brickwork, doors, and aluminum cladding. However, there is still much work to be done on the interior, such as new insulation, siding, and an HVAC system. The theatre was built in 1948 after a fire destroyed the previous venue, Coleman’s Palace Theatre. For 35 years, it was operated by a local family, with cherished memories shared by Brian Dobek of working in the theatre as a child. Despite closing in 2003 due to changes in the local industry, the Roxy Theatre remains one of the last of its kind standing.
Donald Budgen, treasurer for Crowsnest CanDo, describes the Roxy Theatre as a Quonset theatre, one of only three still existing in Canada. The uniqueness of the theatre has garnered support in the Next Great Save competition, with online votes being collected until May 7. If the Roxy Theatre is chosen as the winner, an anonymous donor has pledged to match the $50,000 donation. The restoration of the Roxy Theatre represents a significant cultural and historical preservation effort in Crowsnest Pass, with the potential to revitalize the community and provide opportunities for local performers and youth to engage in arts activities. The efforts of the volunteers and community members involved in the Revive the Roxy Theatre project demonstrate a commitment to preserving the heritage of the area and ensuring a vibrant arts scene for future generations.
