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- calendar_today November 11, 2026
Red Deer Memorial Centre: From Wartime Drill Hall to Arts Venue
The Red Deer Memorial Centre, now a thriving hub for central Alberta's arts community, is marking its 75th anniversary. Beyond its current role hosting theatre, concerts, and local events, the centre holds deep connections to Red Deer's World War II history as a former military drill hall.
Military Origins at A-20 Army Camp
Originally constructed in 1940 during World War II, the Red Deer Memorial Centre began its life as part of the A-20 Army Camp. This expansive camp was developed to prepare and house thousands of Canadian military trainees. The current Central Alberta Theatre, which manages the building, traces its roots back to this period. Wanda Bornn, the group's treasurer, describes the transformation: "This building and quite a few buildings in this area were built in preparation for World War II." The drill hall stood at the heart of a busy military complex on the outskirts of Red Deer.
Transformation Into a Community Venue
Following the end of the war and the closure of the camp, one of these drill halls was repurposed. The conversion into an auditorium culminated in a grand opening in 1951, and this milestone will be honored on November 14 with a major anniversary gala. For 75 years, the venue has welcomed audiences for live performances and gatherings, deeply embedding itself in the cultural life of Red Deer.
Personal Connections and Community Memories
Longtime patron Robin Armitage recalls her first experiences in the hall more than six decades ago and the memorable performances she’s witnessed since. The centre was host to stars such as Charley Pride, and Armitage fondly remembers getting Johnny Cash's autograph backstage. For her, the building is more than a performance venue—her family’s history is entwined with its military past, as her husband's father trained at the A-20 camp before returning home from the war.
Impact on Red Deer’s Growth During and After WWII
Jillian Staniec, archives coordinator for the City of Red Deer, explains that the A-20 Army Camp had a transformative effect on the community. Before the war, Red Deer faced economic stagnation and slow growth. The establishment of the camp in 1940 brought a surge: every two months, about 500 soldiers arrived for training in technical and combat skills, including equipment repair and gas defense.
This influx doubled the town’s population from roughly 2,300 in 1936 to around 4,000 by 1946, filling restaurants, hotels, and schools. The camp itself spanned more than 30 buildings and marked a significant chapter in Red Deer's history and development.
Preserving Memory and Military Heritage
Entering the Memorial Centre today, visitors pass a commemorative plaque listing local soldiers who lost their lives. Wanda Bornn emphasizes the importance of remembering these individuals and acknowledging the ongoing contributions of the Canadian military. As the centre celebrates 75 years serving central Alberta as a community venue, its legacy as both a training ground and a memorial endures.
The 75th anniversary will be marked with a community gala and fundraiser on November 14, honouring seven and a half decades of service to Red Deer’s arts scene and its military heritage.
Source: cbc.ca.
