The Pas will be receiving major upgrades to a number of facilities following an investment from the Manitoba government. The province is providing $3.8 million through the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities for Municipalities program. The money will be used to improve the Roy H. Johnston Arena and Kelsey Recreation Facilities. As well, the former Lido Theatre, which was lost to a fire in 2024, will be rebuilt into an art, culture and learning centre. “By investing in community spaces and well-loved landmarks in The Pas, we are helping bring people together, supporting local talent and attracting visitors from across the north,” said Glen Simard, the Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations, in a news release. The upgrades to Roy H. Johnston Arena and Kelsey Recreation Facilities will allow for the town to host more events and tournaments and help promote physical activity for more in the community. Meanwhile, the new facility replacing the Lido Theatre is going to be used to bring performances to the town and support tourism in The Pas. The Pas Mayor Andre Murphy said the arena upgrade will help create barrier-free events for youth in the community, noting upgrades haven’t happened in the facility for 20 years. As for the new theatre, the mayor said that will be very significant for the community. “It was a devastating loss to our community. A lot of history there,” he said. “This cultural event centre; that’s going to be really important for the region. Culture and arts and being able to host certain events are really going to be a lot more achievable now.” The price breakdown will see $1.3 million go toward the arena and recreation facilities upgrades and then $2.5 million for the new centre. Murphy said this investment will be a big economic driver for the town. “We want to be able to attract people to our community. We want to attract new residents to our communities by having good facilities that people can bring their families there, that aren’t going to be a huge cost burden on them.” Upgrades for the Roy H. Johnston Arena and Kelsey Recreation Facilities could start this year, Murphy said, while a new theatre could be completed by the summer of 2028.
