On September 25, 2025, the Performing Arts Centre Advocacy Group (PACAG) delivered a presentation to the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA), reinforcing its vision for a performing arts centre (PAC) in downtown Lethbridge. The presentation emphasized how a modern PAC would become a cultural centerpiece, stimulate downtown revitalization, and support the region’s growing arts ecosystem.

A Civic Hub and Cultural Magnet

PACAG’s presentation framed the proposed PAC not just as a standalone venue, but as a cornerstone in a broader “Civic Common” redevelopment strategy for downtown Lethbridge. The idea is to build a green, walkable, people-focused civic hub — where arts, business, housing, and public space all converge to create a vibrant, magnetic precinct.

In the words of PACAG’s Dawn Leite, “arts and culture are what bring people together” — and the PAC is meant to attract not just performance audiences, but also residents, visitors, and ongoing investment.

Current Challenges & Capacity Gaps

During the presentation, PACAG laid out the limitations of the city’s current performance infrastructure. Existing venues such as the Yates Memorial Theatre are stretched to capacity and face technical constraints. They are often unable to accommodate larger productions, complex staging, or high audience demand.

PACAG’s message to SACPA was clear: if Lethbridge wants to compete for touring acts, host ambitious productions, and support its local arts community, it needs a facility designed for modern flexibility and scale.

Financial & Strategic Hurdles

No presentation would be complete without acknowledging the financial realities. PACAG’s talk to SACPA addressed the likely price tag of $100 million or more. That said, PACAG emphasized the importance of keeping the PAC in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and maintaining momentum in advocacy.

Questions from SACPA members and attendees also touched on:

• Whether the city might instead invest in smaller, decentralized performance spaces
• The need for a clearer funding roadmap and timeline
• Ensuring broad public buy-in, partnerships with institutions and cultural groups, and political support

PACAG reaffirmed its intention to continue pushing with Council, provincial and federal representatives, as well as the broader community.

Looking Ahead

PACAG left the SACPA audience with a few clear next steps:

1. Mobilize collective advocacy — coordinate across arts groups to present a unified case to city leadership
2. Engage in public dialogue — increase awareness, discussion, and support among residents
3. Form partnerships — with educational institutions, private sector, and funders to build leverage
4. Push for inclusion in municipal budgets — particularly ensuring the PAC remains tracked in the Capital Improvement Plan

The coming months will be critical. With the next city capital budget decision expected in late 2026, PACAG’s ability to maintain focus, engage allies, and build momentum will be vital to keeping the project alive.