The Executive Director of the Riversdale Business Improvement District hopes the next owner of the historic Roxy Theatre, which opened its doors in 1930 will appreciate its unique qualities and continue to maintain it, rather than tearing it down.

Randy Pshebylo thanks current owner, Tom Hutchison of Edmonton, who has been doing that since he bought the building and re-opened its doors in 2005 after it had been shuttered for ten years. He refurbished it to its original glory.  Pshebylo explains that Hutchison bought the property because he didn’t want to see this atmospheric theatre be torn down, but his intent was not to own it permanently.

He suggests it’s the only one of its kind in Western Canada still running as a movie theatre.  Pshebylo believes the re-opening of The Roxy is part of the reason the Riversdale district has seen more development in recent years.  He says, “I am pleased to see that we are not looking at Capital Theatre 2. We are looking at The Roxy Theatre transitioning to new ownership and a new future for the district and 20th Street West.”

The historic Capital Theatre on 2nd Avenue was torn down quickly in 1979 before advocates could rally to try to save the building.
The Executive Director of the Riversdale BID adds that he would like to see more municipal acknowledgement of businesses, buildings and places of historical significance in Saskatoon.  “Whether it’s the Bessborough, or the Third Avenue United Church or places like that, The Roxy does indeed fit that bill. We need to do more while they are open and operating to look at ways of saying thank you.

He suggests a tax abatement as one idea and points to an $8,000 increase in The Roxy’s city taxes this year, at a time when businesses are challenged with the pandemic, and theatres have been hit hard.