The RCMP in The Pas, Manitoba, are looking into a fire that completely destroyed a historic theatre early Monday morning.
Law enforcement were notified about the fire at the Lido Theatre on Edwards Avenue in northern Manitoba around 4:40 a.m. Officials from the Office of the Fire Commissioner have determined that the fire was caused by arson.
The theatre, known for being the first in Western Canada built specifically for showing sound films, is nearly 100 years old. It was constructed in 1929 in the 'atmospheric' style by architect Max Zev Blankstein and opened to the public in 1930.
The theatre was closed for renovations in the early 2020s and had remained closed partly due to the impact of the pandemic. It was empty at the time of the fire. COVID-19 The RCMP is still investigating. Anyone with details about the fire is urged to reach out to The Pas RCMP at 204-627-6204 or Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The theatre, nearly 100 years old, had a reputation as the first in Western Canada that was purpose-built for showing sound films.
