SMG hires new Canalta Centre GM

By Collin Gallant on January 19, 2018.

Medicine Hat News

The Canalta Centre has a new general manager.

SMG-Canada, which manages the city-owned facility, announced Thursday it has hired Tammy Sweeney as its top official at the 6,100-seat arena and concert venue.

Sweeney, who has been with SMG for 12 years, was most recently a senior manager at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, Ont.

She takes over as permanent general manager from Peter Jelinski, who left the company suddenly in September.

In a company press release, Sweeney said she was excited with the promotion.

“I am eager to work with government, the Tigers, local stakeholders and businesses, and the community to achieve the city’s goals for the centre and help to further position Medicine Hat and the region as a top destination.”

The Niagara Falls facility is not a sports venue, but has a large exhibition hall, ballroom and theatre located near the Horseshoe Falls.

Sweeney is expected to take over the position here officially on Jan. 22.

“Tammy is a true professional who will provide senior leadership for the Canalta Centre and in the broader Medicine Hat community” said Harry Cann, a regional SMG vice-president, in a statement.

Sweeney.

City officials said they are happy with the hire and hope Sweeney can build relationships in the community.

“We asked SMG to recruit a candidate with a solid background in business development and community engagement,” said Todd Sharpe, general manager of Parks and Recreation.