Image courtesy: Darren Rathwell

By Darren Rathwell

Participants interested in re-opening theatre

Tour of Monarch Theatre held for potential owners, operators

Feb 10, 2022 | 5:04 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – A tour of the Monarch Theatre was held today as the city looks to push forward with reviving the still shuttered operation, but it remains unclear what the future holds for it.

About 10 potential owners and operators turned out to examine the Monarch on Thursday afternoon, following a call for expressions of interest on its future late last month.

The historic operation closed last summer after it was sold to the City of Medicine Hat by the City Centre Development Agency upon the CCDA’s dissolution at the time.

City Hall officials say they’re hearing worthwhile ideas on how to proceed with the Monarch but didn’t comment on whether any stipulations may be attached if the theatre is sold to a new owner.

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“The City of Medicine Hat recognizes (the Monarch) is an important part of the vibrancy for our entertainment district… and we’re looking for ideas in the community as to what does vibrancy look like now, and that may be different from what it looked like two years ago, or 10 years ago,” said Aaron Nelson, the city’s manager of cultural experiences and events.

Options include selling the operation to a new owner, leasing out the property, or having someone come in to operate, but no decisions have been made.

Among the Monarch tour participants Thursday was an official with REDI Enterprises, which serves those with disabilities. Josh Hudson told CHAT News the company may want to use the classic facility as an employer of its clients.

“It’s an amazing building,” Hudson, REDI’s operating manager said. “It’s a really important part of the culture and heritage of Medicine Hat. There’s a lot of opportunity here. There’s a lot of work to be done. I think REDI is definitely interested and capable in doing something interesting with the building. We’ll just have to see how it pans out I guess.”

But Hudson says he hopes the Monarch will continue to operate as a theatre, no matter how the city proceeds with it.

Other participants in Monday’s tour CHAT News spoke with also expressed interest in keeping the operation open as a theatre.

The deadline for expressions of interest is Feb. 28.