Historic Sites of Manitoba: Lido Theatre (220 Edwards Avenue, The Pas)

Designed by Winnipeg architect Max Zev Blankstein, this 600-seat theatre on Edwards Avenue in The Pas was built in late 1929 by contractor John George Hartmier of Roblin, at a cost of about $43,000, for Auguste “Irish” Rivalin (1883-1964) and his Northern Theatres Limited. Interior work, furnishings, and equipment raised the total cost to about $105,000. The Lido opened as the first theatre in western Canada designed specifically for movies with sound.

The building’s auditorium, stairwells, projection booth, dressing rooms, and orchestra pit remained intact after it closed.

The building was destroyed by an arson fire on 8 April 2024.

Lido Theatre

Lido Theatre (1932)
Source: Harry Easton Collection, Flin Flon Heritage Project

Lido Theatre

Lido Theatre (September 2007)
Source: August Rivalin

Lido Theatre

Lido Theatre (July 2021)
Source: George Penner

Lido Theatre

Lido Theatre (July 2023)
Source: Jordan Makichuk

Lido Theatre

Lido Theatre (October 2023)
Source: Glen Toews

Lido Theatre after a fire

Lido Theatre after a fire (April 2024)
Source: Lindsey Bylo

Interior of the Lido Theatre

Interior of the Lido Theatre (2011)
Source: August Rivalin

Former site of the Lido Theatre

Former site of the Lido Theatre (April 2024)
Source: Lindsey Bylo

Former site of the Lido Theatre

Former site of the Lido Theatre (June 2024)
Source: Kerrin Asmundson

Site Location (lat/long): N53.82467, W101.25253
denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Memorable Manitobans: Max Zev Blankstein (1874-1931)

Memorable Manitobans: John George Hartmier (1875-1949)

Sources:

“Contracts awarded,” Winnipeg Tribune, 21 September 1929, page 32.

Obituaries and burial transcriptions, Manitoba Genealogical Society.

Lido Theatre, Cinema Treasures.

Fire destroys historic movie theatre in The Pas, Manitoba” by Darren Bernhardt, CBC News, 9 April 2024.

We thank August Rivalin, George Penner, Jordan Makichuk, Glen Toews, Lindsey Bylo, Darren Bernhardt, and Kerrin Asmundson for providing information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 1 July 2024

Historic Sites of Manitoba

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