Imagine a 1,000–2,000 seat Performing Arts Centre — a space worthy of Lethbridge’s talent, ambition, and future.
What’s at stake
The Performing Arts Centre is more than a building. It’s an investment in our people, our economy, and our future.
📈 Economic Impact: Stronger arts infrastructure attracts business investment, tourism, and top-tier professionals. In 2023, Alberta’s arts, entertainment, and recreation sector contributed approximately $2.16 billion to the province’s GDP, marking an 8.2% increase from the previous year. This sector employed 22,663 individuals, highlighting its significance in Alberta’s economy.
💫 Community Growth: The performing arts help define who we are. They inspire youth, spark creativity, and shape a forward-looking city.
🌇 Quality of Life: A thriving arts scene boosts pride, engagement, and livability – factors that attract residents and keep them here.
🏙️ Safety and Security: Vibrant public spaces filled with positive activity help create a safer and more connected downtown.
Where are we now…
The journey toward a Performing Arts Centre has been decades in the making. Today, real progress is underway. City Council has confirmed the Performing Arts Centre as part of the Civic Common Redevelopment Strategy — a major step forward in making this long-awaited vision a reality.
The next milestone will be securing approval during the City’s 2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) deliberations. With Council’s support, we can move from planning to building a facility that will serve Lethbridge for generations to come.
Timeline snippet:
✔ Three Studies Completed
✔ Community Consultation
✔ Location Confirmed: Civic Common
🔄 Civic Common Redevelopment Strategy – Redevelopment Scenarios (current state)
⏳ CIP 2026 Approval
⏳ Next steps
Why Now?
Lethbridge is growing. Our population has surpassed 111,000 and is expected to reach over 157,000 by 2052.
We host over 1,500 arts-related events annually, yet we have only one traditional performance venue readily available to the community and touring groups.
The Genevieve E. Yates Memorial Centre, our one main venue, is booked to 96% capacity and lacks essential features such as accessible washrooms, a fly system, modern acoustics, and proper dressing rooms.
Many local and touring groups are forced to perform in bars, churches, and gyms – spaces that lack both comfort and theatrical functionality.
We’re Falling Behind
Lethbridge has just 8 performance seats per 1,000 residents – one of the lowest ratios in Canada.
Medicine Hat has 19 performance seats per 1,000 residents, and Red Deer has 16 performance seats per 1,000 residents.
Lethbridge Performing Arts Centre 