There’s a certain magic to Fort McMurray’s arts scene. It’s not just about putting on shows or hanging up paintings—it’s about people. It’s about the connections we make, the resilience we build, and the identity we share as a community. Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre has been at the heart of it all for years. It’s where creativity has flourished, and countless dreams have come to life. And now, Keyano College is tearing that heart out, turning its studios, rehearsal spaces, and prop storage into offices and classrooms. It feels like a punch in the gut to anyone who cares about the arts in this city.
This recent decision cuts especially deep for those who have depended on these spaces for years. Generation Dance Productions is one such group that is currently in the crosshairs of this recent move. They’ve been more than a dance studio; they’ve been a cornerstone of the arts community, offering a space where young kids and teens alike could learn, grow, and find themselves. Losing their rehearsal space doesn’t just hurt—it upends everything. Where are these dancers supposed to go? What happens to the young performers who have called this place home? So far, Keyano College’s answer seems to be, “Not our problem.”
Let’s not mince words: this isn’t just about Generation Dance. This is about the deliberate dismantling of an entire ecosystem that has enriched Fort McMurray for decades. Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre has always been a beacon for the arts—a place where stories come alive and people connect on a deeper level. Removing its rehearsal and storage spaces is like ripping out its soul and expecting it to carry on. It’s a cruel, thoughtless act that betrays the trust and dedication of the countless individuals who have given so much to make the arts thrive here.
Keyano College might defend this decision with tired excuses about “serving students” or “using resources efficiently.” But let’s be honest: the arts aren’t just some extra-curricular hobby. They’re not some optional extra. They’re essential. They teach us to think creatively, work collaboratively, and solve problems in ways that no office or classroom ever could. To sacrifice the arts for a few more desks is not just short-sighted; it’s a slap in the face to everything that helps make this community so unique.
And the way this decision was made? It’s downright infuriating. Was anyone in the arts community consulted? Were there public discussions? Alternative ideas? Anything? From the outside, it seems like decisions were made behind closed doors, with no regard for the people who would be most affected. That kind of disregard is not just disappointing; it’s unacceptable.
Keyano College, this is your chance to make things right. Stop this plan. You’re supposed to be a community college, aren’t you? Maybe try listening to the community you claim to serve. Talk with the dancers, the actors, the artists, the parents, and the supporters who are asking—no, begging —you to reconsider. Because this isn’t just about losing space. It’s about losing a piece of who we are. And we can’t let that happen.
The CJBuzz 