Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Completed: 1935 (original), 2017 (renovation)
Architect: William James Walsh (original), Toms + McNally Design Inc. (2017 renovation)
Nominated by: Sandy Shaw, MPP (Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas)

In the oval-shaped downtown of one of Canada’s first planned communities, the Westdale theatre doesn’t shout for attention–its modest facade with a marquee and ticket booth is just wide enough to hint at what’s beyond. But behind all this modesty is a film-worthy story of community rallying together to continue the legacy of this local landmark.

A Building in Two Acts

The Westdale Theatre’s 1935 design was part of a new wave of Depression-era cinemas. For decades, it offered a communal escape on its screen before time and wear caught up with it. By the 2010s, the building was still in use but showing its age: worn seats, a torn screen, outdated sound equipment, and washrooms that hinted at another era.
Historic image of the theatre. Image by Brian Henley, courtesy of Hamilton Public Library Local History & Archives.

When the property went up for sale in late 2016, Hamiltonians feared the worst. The city had already lost many of its grand theatres to demolition, like the Capitol and the Century. The Westdale had become one of the last of its kind. A group of residents, including film producer Fred Fuchs and heritage advocate Graham Crawford, came together to form the Westdale Cinema Group. They purchased the building, secured a mortgage, and sought heritage designation in order to access government funding to restore its historic stonework.

Preserving Character and Solving Problems

Working on a designated heritage building comes with a clear priority: respect what was already there. But it also means navigating a path to integrating 21st-century building codes and needs in a 20th-century shell. The restoration team, led by Toms + McNally Design, worked carefully to balance these competing priorities.

When it came to restoration, much attention was paid to reinstating lost features. On the exterior, stone carvings of drama masks were revealed after years of being hidden, and worn masonry was carefully repointed. The original marquee—altered beyond recognition over the decades—was reconstructed from historic drawings. And when old finishes were peeled back, the team uncovered a set of striking black, cream, and orange-red tiles at the entrance, restored today as one of the building’s most eye-catching features.
Entrance to the theatre with original tilework uncovered during restoration. Image by Kurtis Chen.

However, much has also been done to make sure this building suits 21st-century needs. A key challenge was fitting modern HVAC systems and washrooms, both done within the tight footprint while keeping intact much of the original plasterwork and decorative elements. The concession area was rebuilt, the stage extended to host live events, and accessible seating and a universal washroom were added. Every seat, finish, and piece of equipment was upgraded: a new screen, sound system, and even an assistive hearing loop to improve the experience for all.

From Movie Theatre to Community Stage

While the Westdale had always been a cinema, its revival expanded its role. The addition of an expanded stage transformed the auditorium into a multi-purpose venue, drawing audiences for concerts, performances, and more. The architects didn’t want to freeze it in time—it needed to work smarter if it was going to have another life.

Community engagement played a major role in reactivating the space. Fundraisers and restoration milestones became local events, generating a sense of ownership and trust even before the doors reopened. In February 2019, after two years of planning and construction, Hamiltonians returned.
View of the renovated theatre. Image by Kurtis Chen.

A Place That Resonates

For some, the Westdale Theatre is a relic of Hamilton’s architectural and social heritage. For others, it’s a familiar place to watch films or strike new traditions. Today, the theatre remains one of Hamilton’s last single-screen cinemas and a rare instance of a Depression-era theatre enlivened for the present. It’s fitting that it still offers a space for collective experience, only now, the story it holds is as much about the people inside as the images on the screen.

“Buildings, as a place to get together and experience things, are an important part of being human and part of society,” said architect Graham McNally. “Clearly, these kinds of spaces resonate.”

This post is part of the OAA’s Queen’s Park Picks 2025 series, where Ontario’s Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) were encouraged to nominate a building in their riding for a chance to learn more about it. This year, MPPs were asked to consider various typologies related to “reshaping communities” when making their suggestion, tying into the 2025 OAA Conference theme. Check out the rest of the series to learn more about great buildings across the province.