April 23, 2026
The Manitou Opera House Foundation is proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its accessibility-focused addition, an achievement decades in the making that transformed one of the community’s most treasured heritage buildings into a space that can truly be enjoyed by all.
Completed in 2016, the addition seamlessly blended the character of the original 1930s structure with modern accessibility features. The once-challenging “basement maze” to the restrooms and nine-step front entrance have been replaced with a welcoming ground-level entry and upgraded facilities that continue to serve a wide range of users. One of the most meaningful outcomes of this project is seeing the full capacity of how the building can be used. What was once a barrier for many has opened the door for everyone, quite literally at the push of a button.
A defining feature of the project was its heritage-first approach. Great care and commitment was taken to ensure the new space complemented the old, blending architectural details, materials, and atmosphere in a way that feels cohesive and intentional. 10 years later visitors still often ask, “Which part is the new part?” or “Wasn’t this part of the original building?”, a reflection of the deep respect and vision that guided the project.
The grand opening was a landmark event for the region, taking place on April 23rd, 2016, featuring a ribbon cutting by Marg Durham, one of the area’s most dedicated historians. Her connection to the Opera House also carries personal history; having grown up nearby, she recalled witnessing the glow in the sky when the original Opera House (built in 1908) was destroyed by fire in 1930, as she was not allowed to go down to the site as a child.
Remarks from distinguished guests further marked the occasion, including the Honourable Janice C. Filmon, then Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba; the Honourable Mélanie Joly, then Minister of Canadian Heritage; the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, then Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities; along with local representatives Candice Bergen (then MP), Blaine Pedersen (then MLA), and Reeve Glenn Shiskoski.
Over the past decade, the addition has significantly enhanced the Manitou Opera House’s functionality. The space now supports large-scale productions, community events, and performances with ease. A modern kitchen has expanded hospitality options, while a dedicated basement construction area helps preserve the main auditorium’s historic integrity and acoustics when building sets. The basement green room has become a versatile space serving as a gathering place for local youth during the week and a professional-grade retreat for performers during events.
This flexibility and multi-space capacity has allowed the Manitou Opera House to host multiple groups and activities simultaneously, serving different functions within the building at the same time. As a result, the Manitou Opera House remains active and well-utilized approximately 200 days of the year, an achievement few public halls can match, while still maintaining capacity to welcome additional rentals and community use.
The success of this project belongs to the many donors, volunteers, and community members who believed in the vision of an accessible Manitou Opera House. One observation that continues to stay with the Foundation is that almost every person approached to support the project chose to contribute, giving what they were able. This generosity reflects a rare and powerful sense of shared community ownership, and reinforces that this building belongs to everyone.
The commitment to this project continues to benefit our community every time we welcome people through our doors. As the Manitou Opera House looks ahead, it remains a strong example of how rural communities can come together to preserve heritage while building for the future.
And as for the next 10 years, who knows what they will bring, but the future is full of possibility!
About the Manitou Opera House Foundation
Since 1995, the Manitou Opera House Foundation has worked to preserve and strengthen one of our community’s most treasured historic spaces, ensuring it remains welcoming, accessible, and alive with possibility. Through ongoing improvements, community support, and a deep commitment to the arts, the Foundation helps keep the Manitou Opera House a place where everyone can gather, participate, and belong.
As a volunteer-run, non-profit organization, its continued success is made possible by the dedication of its volunteers and the unwavering support of the community. Proceeds from all Foundation events go directly toward maintaining and enhancing the Manitou Opera House, helping ensure it remains a vibrant part of Manitou for generations to come.
To learn more about the Manitou Opera House, or to find out how you can support, donate, or get involved, visit www.manitouoperahouse.com
Written April 23, 2026 by Cassandra Serle
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