Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman speaking at the Yates Theatre, with the upgraded seats behind him (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Yates Theatre celebrates significant upgrades

Sep 7, 2019 | 7:00 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – It’s like breathing new life into the performing arts in Lethbridge.

That’s from Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman. He attended the Genevieve E. Yates Memorial Centre Friday morning to celebrate renovations at the facility.

“We now have an upgraded facility, which meets modern standards,” Spearman said.

“There’s some beautiful touches, with respect to the lighting, wooded feature walls, the more comfortable seats, the accessible washrooms.”

Dignitaries take part in a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the Yates on Sept. 6, 2019 (Lethbridge News Now)

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Spearman noted that he recently attended New West Theatre’s latest production, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story and said it was a “tremendous experience”.

“People in Lethbridge can be proud of this theatre. It’s been upgraded and it’s a tremendous place to watch a live performance.”

Spearman said upgrading work on the facility began in 2016 after the City received a $3.5 million Canada Cultural Spaces grant from the federal government.

Backstage at the Yates (Lethbridge News Now)

The provincial government chipped in $6.25 million from the MSI (Municipal Sustainability Initiative) fund and the City of Lethbridge funded the rest of the project costs.

In total, upgrades came out to $13.96 million.

“It’s tremendous that the work has now been completed and we have great spaces for the performers backstage – dressing rooms have been upgraded,” he said.

“We now have something that will attract other theatre groups to come and other live performance people.”

Spearman added that as the upgrades come at a perfect time, as Lethbridge surpassed the 100,000 residents mark earlier this year.

“As we reach 100,000 people, the City of Lethbridge should have world-class facilities, so the upgrading of the Yates is overdue and I’m pleased that the day has come when we now have a wonderful performing arts space and we look forward to building on that in the future.”

Other renovated features include enhanced mechanical and electrical systems, a fire sprinkler system, performance audio/visual systems, acoustic treatments, upgraded finishes like paint, flooring and ceilings, catwalk relocation, a roof replacement, the addition of elevators, signage and a concrete floor under the auditorium.