In a day and age where streaming services like Netflix are king, movie theatres are struggling to stay afloat.
One study from the Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors found that 60 percent of independent movie theatre operators in Canada operated at a loss between December and February 2024.
For those who grew up spending lots of time in movie theatres, accepting that movie theatres are dying is a hard pill to swallow.
Some people remember their first date when they struggled to find the courage to make a move as The Notebook played in the background.
Others recall buying tickets to PG-13 movies just to sneak into R-rated films like Evil Dead that left them quaking in their boots.
These memories last a lifetime, but unfortunately, movie theatres do not. Such is the case with the Wales Theatre in High River, a town about 70 kilometres south of Calgary.
The historic theatre is now up for sale for over one million dollars.
The Wales Theatre was originally named the Highwood Theatre. The theatre’s name was changed in 1933 to honour Edward, Prince of Wales, who visited High River.
“I believe that it was built, if I recall, in the late ‘20s, and that was the Princes of Wales’ visit—Prince of Wales Hotel down in Waterton and, you know, things like that were happening at that time, so I believe that that’s where that name came from,” said Jim Lewis, High River resident and son of the long-time owner of the Wales Theatre.
A Trip Back in Time
The Wales Theatre opened way back in 1927 and is jam-packed with memories. The theatre was built by Mr. John Edlund in 1928.
It originally opened to accommodate live theatre performances and movie screenings. The theatre’s appearance mirrors aspects of both.
The Wales Theatre opened with chesterfield chairs imported from England, chromium plate glass tiles in the foyer, an ornate ceiling you’d see in an opera house, hardwood floors, and air conditioning.
The almost 100-year-old theatre was equipped with the latest motion picture gear and could seat 400 patrons between its main floor and balcony.
Walking through the front door of the theatre today is like travelling back in time to the 1920s. The entrance’s emerald green trim and cream-orange paint scream retro.
A seemingly endless amount of retro decor, paintings, and posters are plastered around the theatre along with tiles and backsplashes you’d find at your grandmother’s house.
Walking into the theatre room is like getting hit with a tidal wave of nostalgia. The room’s tacky carpet attract the eyes with neon highlights and designs that were a staple of old movie theatres.
The Beginning of the End
Since its opening in 1927, the Wales Theatre has remained a constant in the High River community. In April, the theatre offered a free screening of CBC’s documentary Magic Hours.
The documentary highlights the unique challenges our province’s independently owned theatres face and features the Wales Theatre. One of the challenges independent operators face includes knowing when to throw in the towel.
The Wales Theatre appeals to more than just High River’s residents. In the 1990s, legendary actor and director Clint Eastwood rented out the theatre during his filming of The Unforgiven.
To this day, many High River residents fondly remember the time they spent at the theatre.
“First of all, when Santa Claus would come to town in December, he would show up in front of the museum. We would all line up and sit on his knee and get a candy bag and then you would go to Wales Theatre for a movie. And if you were an older kid, you got to go to the balcony and we always threw pieces of oranges or candy down on the little kids,” said High River resident Cathy Couey.
“The Wales Theatre has been a big part of my reality in this town forever and that’s why I still love it to this day and go all the time,” commented Jill Henheffer, another resident.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, or do they?
A New Beginning
The Wales Theatre was badly damaged during the 2013 flood that devastated our province. In 2000, High River’s Kidwai family bought the theatre.
The family spent many years repairing, upgrading, and preparing the iconic theatre for its reopening in 2014.
“This is probably the most special opening I’ve done yet because of what it is. This is where we all grew up as kids watching Star Wars and Grease, so this is a pretty special day,” said High River Mayor Craig Snodgrass.
On the day of its reopening, the Wales Theatre played the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to let residents enjoy the theatre’s renovations and upgrades, which included a Dolby surround sound system.
Today, the theatre shows some of the latest movies including Blink Twice, It Ends With Us, Alien Romulus, and Deadpool & Wolverine.
Although the Wales Theatre continues to show movies, the theatre’s future is uncertain. According to the theatre’s listing, “The theatre business is included in the sale of this property and would be a perfect opportunity for someone who is already in the business, or looking to learn and start something new.”
The sale of the Wales Theatre includes a two-bedroom residential suite and a commercial space that is currently leased by Domino’s Pizza.
Whether or not a movie lover will buy the Wales Theatre is unknown, but we hope the theatre will continue to be a place where movies are screened and memories are made.
If you would like to see the Wales Theatre stick around, give the theatre a call or show your support on the theatre’s Facebook page and Instagram.
Better yet, if you have a couple million to spare, why not buy the theatre yourself?
