A group of volunteers and community members in Crowsnest Pass is working to raise 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, believes that bringing the theatre back to life could be a catalyst for the community, both as a performing arts center and as a driver of economic revitalization in downtown Coleman. The revived Roxy would provide a venue for local community groups such as acting groups, the Crowsnest Pass symphony, and the music festival. Additionally, programs would be put in place to engage youth in activities at the theater.
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 winning project. Finalists include 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. Crowsnest CanDo, a local organization dedicated to creating recreational and cultural improvements in the community, 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 funds would be used to restore the historic facade and exterior features such as the neon sign, the Pepsi mural, brickwork, doors, and aluminum cladding. However, there is still much work to be done on the interior of the building, including new insulation, siding, and an HVAC system. The Roxy Theatre holds a special place in the community’s history, as it was built in 1948 following a fire that destroyed the previous venue, Coleman’s Palace Theatre. It was run by a local family for 35 years, with cherished memories shared by Brian Dobek of working at the theater with his family.
The Roxy Theatre closed in 2003 due to a decline in the local industry and has remained empty ever since, making it one of the last of its kind still standing. Donald Budgen, treasurer for Crowsnest CanDo, describes the theater as a “Quonset theatre,” one of only three remaining in Canada. Online votes for Canada’s Next Great Save are being collected until May 7, and if the Roxy Theatre is selected as the winner, an anonymous donor has pledged to match the $50,000 donation. The restoration of the Roxy Theatre is seen as a crucial project for the community, not only as a cultural hub but also as a way to preserve an important piece of heritage for future generations.
