Behind the Walls: The Civic Theatre Is Taking Shape

Construction Update | November 9, 2026

We're opening the doors (just figuratively, so far!) to what's happening behind the construction fencing at The Civic Theatre.

Going forward, we'll be sharing regular construction updates, including photographs from inside the building, progress on the redevelopment, and some of the challenges and discoveries that come with transforming a historic theatre.

We know how much The Civic means to this community, and we want you to be part of the journey as we bring it back to life. If these updates inspire you to help, there are several ways to make a difference right now:

• Support Rising Strong: Help sustain our programming, staff and operations while our main theatre is closed. We have reached 21% of our $100,000 fundraising goal by December 31st. Click here to make a gift to Rising Strong
• Support the redevelopment: Make a capital gift toward building A Home for Our Imaginations. Click here to support the Capital Campaign
• Explore a major gift or naming opportunity: If you're interested in making a transformational contribution, sponsoring part of the redevelopment, or discussing naming rights, I'd love to hear from you personally. (Please contact me, Eleanor Stacey, Executive Director, at eleanor@civictheatre.ca.)

Every contribution, every conversation and every act of encouragement helps move us forward.

How we got here: Six months of transformation

Before we dive into this week's construction news, we want to share a little of what's happened since work began earlier this year. Much of the progress has taken place behind closed doors, and there's quite a story to tell!

May-July: Making way for something new

Following Chandos Construction's mobilization in late May and early June, crews begin the careful work of preparing our historic theatre for redevelopment.

That means removing old interior finishes, dismantling walls and infrastructure, and undertaking the specialized hazardous-material removal and environmental testing that come with renovating a building constructed in 1935. Existing theatre furnishings, equipment and other materials are carefully moved into storage, while the lobby, auditorium and former projection areas are prepared for construction.

By July, much of the initial demolition is complete. The old theatre is beginning to make way for something new.

August: Building the foundation for our future

With the initial preparations well underway, the focus shifts to structural construction.

New steel beams are installed in the lobby, work begins around the future lift, and crews start laying out the walls that will define our new theatre spaces. Up in the attic, installation of the new ventilation ductwork gets underway. Structural preparations also begin for the raised flooring and new corridors.

For the first time, the outlines of the redesigned Civic are becoming visible.

September: New spaces begin to emerge

September brings substantial progress.

Structural steel installation in the main lobby is completed, new framing takes shape throughout the building, and work advances on the infrastructure needed for improved accessibility. Concrete is cut and removed to accommodate the new layout. Plumbing installation begins, and crews start constructing the raised platforms that will help shape the theatre's redesigned interior.

The transformation is no longer just about removing what's old. We're actively building what's next.

October: From structural framing to real rooms

By October, the pace of visible change is exciting.

Wall framing continues across the lobby, theatre and corridors. Electrical and plumbing systems are being installed, including preparations for universal washrooms, automatic doors and the future concession area. Above the theatre, substantial portions of the new ventilation ductwork are in place, and roof preparations for updated mechanical equipment are completed. And then something particularly satisfying happens: drywall begins going up!

Suddenly, we're not just looking at steel framing and construction drawings. We're beginning to see actual rooms.

November: The Civic is taking shape

Which brings us to today.

As of the November 6 construction report, crews are continuing work on drywall, flooring platforms, mechanical and electrical systems, and the structural framework around the new lift.

Progress continues across multiple areas of the building. So much has changed, but there is still plenty to accomplish. Renovating a building with nearly a century of history requires patience, ingenuity and careful coordination, and we continue working with our construction team to address the challenges that arise. But six months into construction, one thing is becoming wonderfully clear:

The Civic Theatre we've imagined for so many years is taking shape before our eyes. And we're looking forward to showing you more.

From plans on paper to spaces we can see

One of the most exciting developments is the progress inside the theatre itself.

Crews are framing new walls and ceilings throughout the lobby, theatre and corridors. Raised floor platforms are taking shape, and drywall installation is progressing. These may not be the glamorous finishing touches we'll eventually celebrate, but they're the work that begins to turn architectural drawings into real spaces.

For those of us who have spent years imagining what The Civic could become, seeing those spaces emerge is pretty extraordinary.

Building accessibility into The Civic's future

Accessibility is central to this redevelopment, and some of this week's work brings us closer to creating a theatre that welcomes more people.

Structural steel installation is progressing in the area of the new lift, while plumbing work is underway for the universal washrooms. Crews are also preparing the infrastructure for automatic door operators. These are important steps toward making The Civic easier to navigate and enjoy for people with different mobility and accessibility needs.

Our vision is a theatre where more people can share in the experience of cinema, together.

The important work you won't see

Much of the progress this week is happening behind the walls and above the ceilings.

Electrical and plumbing rough-ins are underway, along with work on the building's heating and ventilation systems. New ductwork has been installed in the attic, with additional equipment still to come.

These improvements may be largely invisible once the theatre reopens, but they'll make an enormous difference to how the building functions for years to come.

Every week brings us closer

Over the next two weeks, crews expect to continue framing, complete more structural steel work, advance plumbing and electrical installations, and continue drywall finishing. There is still important work ahead, including finalizing elements of the project scope and securing the funding needed to bring our full vision to life.

We'll keep sharing updates as the work progresses.

Construction photograph courtesy of Chandos Construction LP.

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Help us bring The Civic home

Keep us Rising Strong: Donate to our operating campaign

Help rebuild The Civic: Support A Home for Our Imaginations

Let's talk about making a lasting impact: For major gifts, corporate partnerships, sponsorships or naming opportunities, contact Eleanor Stacey, Executive Director, at eleanor@civictheatre.ca.