Historic Empress Theatre in Fort Macleod to undergo significant restoration [Video]

For many, 1912 is most remembered for the infamous sinking of the RMS Titanic during its maiden voyage, or the fall of the Qing dynasty and subsequent founding of the Republic of China.

A small town in southern Alberta, however, has its own reason to remember that year.

A cozy new theatre, adorned with Tiffany-style lighting and just over 300 seats, opened its doors after two years of construction with a promise of entertaining the residents of the small frontier town of Fort Macleod.

Through the years, from the roaring ’20s to the dot-com era, the Empress Theatre has remained a staple in the town and has even served as a backdrop for some big Hollywood film and television productions.

However, after two world wars and countless shows filled with laughs, tears and late nights, the 113-year-old building is desperately due for a change.

“It’s been a long time coming. Anyone who has been a patron …