History of

Key City Theatre

A dream startedin the mid-1970's... a dream to create a fine arts facility we could truly call our own. In 1978 a referendum was defeated that would have financed the construction. At the time it seemed nearly impossible to create the dream. A fantasy dies when it encounters major obstacles, but not a dream, not this dream. There were too many people who shared this dream and in 1984 thoughts again turned to a fine arts facility and how we could create this dream debt-free, without placing a burden on the tax payers of Cranbrook.

Due to the commitment, talents and dedication of so many of our citizens, the City of Cranbrook, School District No. 2, and the support of the Provincial Government through the Expo Legacy Fund, we were able to build this theatre, debt free. This facility stands today as a monument to the Provincial Government's commitment that all regions of our Province would benefit from British Columbia's 1986 Exposition. The people of Cranbrook and region also opened their hearts and wallets to provide the enthusiasm and necessary capital. The Key City Theatre is a shining example of how the people of Cranbrook can create anything they truly want.

Rick Jensen
Foreword at the Key City Theatre's
Grand Opening in February 1992.