“Over the years, the ENMAX Centre has been a hub of activity for citizens in communities across southern Alberta. I am pleased that the Government of Alberta can support an expansion project that brings communities together,” said Danyluk. “Throughout the province, MSI funding is having a real impact, by enabling local councils, like Lethbridge, to make decisions that meet the needs of their citizens.”

“The provincial funding announced today is in addition to the $3.7 million in funding from the province’s Major Community Facilities Program (MCFP) announced last December,” says Greg Weadick, MLA Lethbridge West.  “The MCFP funding was based in large part on community support. Clearly the residents of Lethbridge and surrounding communities appreciate the value of having a facility of this caliber in the community.”

“Partnerships have made this $33.7 million dollar project possible,” says Mayor Robert Tarleck. “The City is grateful to the Province of Alberta for contributing almost two-thirds of the funding for an expansion project that will see about 41,000 sq. ft. of space and major new amenities added to the building.” 

In addition to the funding from the Province, the City of Lethbridge will contribute $4.3 million and, in partnership with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, support a loan of $7.9 million which will be paid back through a combination of new facility revenues sources, and a contribution from the Hurricanes of $2.5 million over 15 years.

Demolition of a portion of the existing structure has begun, and the building is closed for renovations over the summer. Construction will be scheduled over a three-year period, with major construction phases scheduled during the summer months.

“During the height of the entertainment season the shows will go on,” says Tarleck.  “The expansion is scheduled for completion in the late summer of 2012.  Once the project is complete, the upgraded facility will continue to bring high quality entertainment to the city for another 35 years.”

The City of Lethbridge ENMAX Centre has been nominated again for the Air Canada Centre Major Facility of the Year (under 8000 capacity) Award. This is the second year consecutively that this recognition by the Canadian Music Industry has been shown to the ENMAX Centre.

The Gala Awards Ceremony and Banquet was held in Toronto on Thursday March 12th. Although the ENMAX Centre did not receive the award we are thrilled to be nominated in this category along with the Crystal Centre in Grande Prairie, CN Centre in Price George, Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto, Brandt Centre in Regina, K-Rock Centre Kingston, Save-On Foods Memorial Centre, Victoria and the Steelback Centre in Salt Ste. Marie. K-Rock Centre Kingston was honored this year with the award in this category.

Ashley Matthews, General Manager of the ENMAX Centre says “even though we did not win this award we are very proud of our event accomplishments during 2008 and the industry recognition of being nominated for this national award.”

The nominees and winners of the Canadian Music Industry Awards are chosen by the combined votes of registered Canadian music industry professionals. These registered voters consist of a group of their peers in the industry.  For more information on the CMIA visit www.cmw.net

For more Information call Lori Skriver, Marketing Manager at 320-4245 or email lskriver@lethbridge.ca

In photo: Lindsay Blackett, Minister for Culture & Community Spirit Alberta, MLA Greg Weadick, City of Lethbridge Alderman Barbara Lacey & Hurricanes Governor Herman Elfring.

Government of Alberta News Release December 15, 2008
Upgrades, expansion to ENMAX Centre benefits southern Alberta

Lethbridge... The Alberta government is assisting in the renovation and expansion of the ENMAX Centre in Lethbridge, ensuring the centre continues to provide cultural, sport and recreation opportunities to residents in southern Alberta.

“Regardless of location, Albertans value a venue where they can relax, take in a game or concert and spend time with their friends and families,” said Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. “The renovations and upgrades to the ENMAX Centre in Lethbridge are important in helping to build and sustain strong communities across southern Alberta.”

The Alberta government is providing more than $3.6 million for the expansion and renovation of the centre, including an additional 48,000 square feet of space, improved access and improved concourse, lobby space, dressing rooms and training facilities.

“Whether it’s a Hurricanes game, a local trade show or a Bob Dylan concert, the ENMAX Centre is the premier sport and entertainment venue in southern Alberta,” said Greg Weadick, MLA for Lethbridge-West. “These funds will help to ensure that the centre remains available and affordable to residents of Lethbridge and southern Albertans for many years to come.”

The funding is being provided through the Alberta government’s Major Community Facilities Program (MCFP). Started in 2007-08, the MCFP is a two-year $280-million lottery-funded program, which helps municipalities, not-for-profit organizations and Aboriginal communities plan, upgrade or build major    public-use facilities that enhance community life. The funds were provided on a matching basis, meaning a great deal of community support was required to make the grant possible.

"This is a classic example of partnering between the Province of Alberta, the City of Lethbridge and the ENMAX patrons,” said Lethbridge Mayor Bob Tarleck. “The partnership will breathe new life into the facility which has been at the core of Lethbridge entertainment for more than 33 years."

The Government of Alberta has a wide variety of community investment programs that are working to create stronger and safer communities. For more information, visit www.culture.alberta.ca.

For more information contact: Lori Skriver, Marketing Manager, ENMAX Centre, 403-320-4245

On Saturday November 29th at the Top 3 Tour Concert City of Lethbridge Mayor, Bob Tarleck will proudly present Theo Tams with the Key to the City.

The ceremony will kick off this amazing event and along with the City of Lethbridge is the community’s opportunity to show this talented local artist our support and pride in his accomplishments over the past year.

Tams is the 6th Canadian Idol winner and found his niche by bringing a unique, self-assured performance style to his music. "When I perform, I am giving 100% of myself and what I stand for as an artist."

He grew up in Coaldale, Alberta, and attended Immanuel Christian High School in Lethbridge. Tams played trumpet in high school, and is self-taught on piano. Before Idol, he was a student at the University of Lethbridge, studying classical music and psychology.

The “Key to the City” represents the City’s welcome by symbolically placing the City at the visitor’s disposal. The presentation of the Key, the Municipal Government’s highest honor, signifies that the recipient's outstanding accomplishments are recognized and appreciated. The “Key to the City” tells the world that a person is held in high esteem by the Municipality.

Tams shares this honor with other esteemed Key recipients of this past year including Ron Sakamoto, Dory Rossiter and Dan Shapiro.

For Further Information contact: Lori Skriver, Marketing Manager, ENMAX Centre

Email: lskriver@lethbridge.ca Phone 403-320-4245