Fort Macleod Mayor Brent Feyter cuts the ribbon to officially reopen the Empress Theatre.
A renovation that ensures the Empress Theatre’s place as a cultural and community hub in Fort Macleod was celebrated Friday night.
Fort Macleod residents, council members, MLA Chelsae Petrovic and Empress Theatre Society members turned out to mark the venue’s reopening after a half million dollar renovation.
“Tonight is more than just reopening doors,” Empress Theatre Society president Jackie Nelson said. “It is about renewing a space that has been at the heart of our community for generations.”
“The Empress Theatre has always been a place where stories come alive, where people gather, where memories are made, and thanks to the incredible support that we have received, we are able to continue that tradition in a refreshed and revitalized way.”
The theatre was closed for eight months last year while a new floor was installed, the seats were refurbished, and the women’s washroom was expanded.
The project received solid financial support, including $125,000 from a provincial Community Facility Enhancement Program grant and $236,531 from the Town of Fort Macleod.
Adding to the fund-raising was $60,000 raised at the Ghostbusters: Afterlife premiere and a “Save Our Seats” campaign carried out by the Empress Theatre Society.
“A key part of this project has been preserving the historical integrity of a theatre we know how important it is to honour the character and story of this building, and that guided every decision we made along the way,” Nelson said. “Our goal was to never replace what was what makes the Empress special, but to protect it and ensure that it can be enjoyed for many years to come.”
The seating was refurbished, rather than replaced, Nelson said.
The original plan was to restore the original floor but once work began it became apparent that wasn’t possible. Instead, a new floor was installed on top of the old one.
“Beyond the physical upgrades, what truly makes tonight meaningful is the community behind it all,” Nelson said, thanking the Town of Fort Macleod for its support and guidance. “Belief in the importance of preserving this historical theater has been invaluable.”
Nelson said the Empress Theatre Society is grateful to the province for its financial support and commitment to the arts across Alberta, as well as the patrons, donors and volunteers.
“Your generosity, whether through time, funding or simply showing up, has made all of this possible,” Nelson said. “This theatre belongs to you as much as it does to anyone.”
The financial contributions to the renovation project are recognized in a new donor board on a wall in the stairwell leading to the theatre’s Green Room.
“It stands as a reminder that this building is not just wood and brick but a shared vision brought to life through community spirit,” Nelson said of the donor board designed by Talon Toth.
“It was a pretty easy decision, and to be able to continue investing in the theatre as our community hub of activities,” Mayor Brent Feyter said, recalling when the renovation was first on a council agenda.
Livingstone-Macleod MLA Chelsae Petrovic brought greetings on behalf of Tanya Fir, minister of arts, culture nad status of women.
Petrovic said time were different when the Empress Theatre opened in 1912, but there were commonalities with 2026.
“Even then, this theater was a source of pride for people in southern Alberta,” Petrovic said. “So for more than 100 years, the Empress has been a place where people came together to enjoy the arts, connect with one another and create lasting memories.”
Petrovic said Friday’s event was not just a celebration of the historic building, but also of community spirit and a commitment to keeping the theatre vibrant.
“That kind of longevity doesn’t just happen by accident,” Petrovic said. “It happens because people care. As with any historic space, preservation and renewal are essential.”
A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on the theatre’s stage, and the audience then moved downstairs to view the donor wall.
Empress Theatre executive director Hunter Gates explained the donor board takes the shape of a sound wave from the song Unforgettable by Nat King Cole.
“This piece of art reflects the heritage of our past and is a testament to what happens when people come together,” Gates said. “Just remember, you all are unforgettable in the best ways.”
Staff took guests on a tour of the theatre and people visited over drinks and refreshments in the Green Room.
The guests were also treated to musical performances by Niall and Megan Jones of The Elk and The Bee in the Green Room, the Chisholm family just off the stage, and Mick and Dona Guyette of the band Don’t Tell Mama on the balcony.
“As we look ahead, we are excited about what’s to come, more performances, more laughter, stories and more opportunities to come together,” Jackie Nelson said. “The Empress Theatre is ready for its next chapter, and we are so glad to have you here to be a part of it.”
