Roxy Theatre in Coleman National Historic Site nominated for competition
The Roxy Theatre in Coleman National Historic Site in the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass has been nominated as one of the 12 finalists for the National Trust for Canada’s The Next Great Save competition this year. The Next Great Save invites heritage advocates from coast-to-coast to make a case for a $50,000 cash prize that can help to protect, adapt, renew and improve Canada’s historic places. Below are some key reasons why Roxy Theatre was selected as one of the finalists for the competition:
• The Roxy Theatre was constructed in 1948 as a theatre and movie house on the main street in Coleman after a fire destroyed the original opera house.
• Until its closure in 2003, the Roxy Theatre played an integral role in the cultural and entertainment life of the community of Coleman.
• The Roxy Theatre is on the local heritage inventory and was designated a Provincial Historic Resource in 2022.
• With its pristine acoustics and classic lines, the Roxy is one of three surviving Quonset style theatres in Canada, and its restoration will see those heritage values maintained for future generations.
• Restored as an arts and cultural hub, the Roxy Theatre will be a catalyst for economic renewal of historic downtown Coleman which has suffered economically since its coal mine closed many years ago. In addition a restored Roxy will facilitate a growing regional arts scene and create a needed cultural and entertainment hub for the Crowsnest Pass. The revived Roxy will also provide programming for youth activities and screen movies as the community’s movie theatre closed in 2019. A restored Roxy Theatre will become a dynamic cultural centerpiece, revitalizing the local arts scene, preserving history, enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors, and contributing to the economic and social vitality of the community.
Online public voting will take place between April 18 and May 6 on the National Trust’s competition website www. nextgreatsave.ca and members of the public can vote once per day to support the projects they are passionate about. The winner and runners-up will be announced on May 7.