(Image Credit: File Photo/CHAT News)

By Jesse Gill

Historic Building

Major funding announced for Monarch Theatre’s roof restoration project

Feb 23, 2026 | 12:46 PM

The Monarch 1911 Society has announced that significant funding has been secured for the roof restoration project at Medicine Hat’s historic Monarch Theatre.

This was identified as one of the most urgent needs through a building conservation plan completed by heritage consultant Jeanie Gartley and engineered drawings by PH McNally, which assessed the building’s structural condition.

A plan requested by the Monarch 1911 Society, which purchased the historic building in 2023, to ensure its long-term sustainability.

Funding announced on Friday includes:

• $65,000 from the City of Medicine Hat through a City Capital Grant
• $125,000 in CFEP funding from the Government of Alberta
• $50,000 from the Saamis Rotary Club
• $10,000 from the Medicine Hat Rotary Club

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The group stated the $250,000 in funds will be applied directly to the roof restoration project to help protect the building structure, safeguard its interior, and ensure the theatre remains operational for future generations.

Brian Robinson of the Monarch 1911 Society said this project is a powerful example of collaboration at its best.

“Government, service clubs, foundations, private donors, and community partners coming together with a shared goal: preserving a historic community asset,” Robinson said.

The restoration efforts are led by Rotarians, working to preserve the oldest purpose-built single-screen movie theatre in Canada.

The society added that early support from Jim Sodero made the building purchase possible, and the Yuill Family Foundation became the first foundation to support the Monarch, helping establish early momentum for the restoration efforts.