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Feb 8, 2024 5:12 PM - The Connect News

Calgary's oldest grand theater on the brink of closure

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The theater celebrated its 112th birthday just two days ago, but today its executive director says it is only a short-term guest after a temporary deal with the landlord fell through.

Calgary's oldest grand theater teeters on the brink of closure. The theater celebrated its 112th birthday just two days ago, but today its executive director says it is only a short-term guest after a temporary deal with the landlord fell through.

Opened in 1912, the Grand Theater was the cultural center of Western Canada for most of its life. Historian Don Smith says it was a center for the display of art.

Smith lamented the tragedy of his golden days. The Grand was sold out 3 years ago. Its executive director tried to strike a deal with a new landlord to keep it afloat, but the deal fell through a few weeks ago.

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