Arts groups fear healthcare expansion at Keyano College will hurt region's performance scene

The expansion of healthcare education facilities at Fort McMurray's only post-secondary institution could come to the detriment of the region's performing arts scene, some groups fear.

Keyano College says its health programs are at capacity and require dedicated infrastructure to address growing demand. 

But arts groups that use the facilities fear the changes could harm the region's performing arts scene. 

"The dismantling of the arts centre would not only strip away an essential platform, but it's also the only space like this that we have in our region," said Hanna Fridhed, an artistic director at Swamp Rat Experience, a local theatre society. 

"There is nothing else like it," she said. "We have other performance spaces, but we don't have studios like this anywhere else that is accessible to the community — or even exists." 

Fridhed said the loss of the arts centre would be "incredibly detrimental" to the performing arts community in Fort McMurray. 

"I think it would put our performing arts community and our artists back 15, 20 years. And it's very sad to see," she said. 

Space needed for healthcare programs: college

Ercelan Yazdani, Keyano spokesperson, said the change was in response to the college's "commitment to sustainability and the evolving needs of our community."

Yazdani said the board of governors made the decision late last year to repurpose the arts centre space.

Keyano College hasn't offered programs in drama, music or art since 2014, when they were suspended due to low enrolment. 

Construction work on the new facilities will begin in July. 

"We understand that shifting the space's focus to post-secondary teaching and learning will diminish the overall arts infrastructure in our community," Yazdani said. 

"However, we are committed to supporting the arts through Keyano Theatre, which will continue to be devoted to theatrical activities and remain a vital hub for the performing arts," he added. 

New arts centre in works in Fort McMurray downtown

Liana Wheeldon, the executive director at Arts Council Wood Buffalo, said it is "unfortunate" to see "any reduction in arts infrastructure here where that is so limited already."  

The group is working on establishing an arts incubator in Fort McMurray.

They purchased a former movie theatre in downtown Fort McMurray through a grant from the Municipality of Wood Buffalo. With the support of various donors and grants, they're renovating it into a purpose-built space for the arts community. 

The centre could be open in late 2026.