Future Still Uncertain for the Former Capital Theatre Site in Woodstock

Monday, 9 November 2020 at 17:07

Woodstock City Council has deferred a decision on what to do with the old Capital Theatre building.

WOODSTOCK - Woodstock City Council has deferred a decision on what to do with the old Capital Theatre building.

The City took possession of the building because of back taxes and demolished the building. They then awarded a tender to HOC holdings, who have plans to establish commercial use on the main floor and then a series of apartments above. That would include 32 affordable units with rent geared towards income housing.

Woodstock Mayor Trevor Birtch says HOC hit a bit of a snag in the building process.

"Through the process, they purchased the building adjacent to it and started a demolition there as well. They were hung up with a little bureaucratic red tape, regarding the site condition and environmental aspects. A little bit of contamination from a former furniture store."

Birtch says the City was considering taking the property back.

"Maybe of the neighbouring properties, as well of the City have taken an active interest in that site, as it became very unsightly and became an home for unwanted refuge and debris left behind my transients and others. Now council is faced with looking at taking that property back. The original developer has sought help from other partners and we heard from Reid's Heritage Homes, is looking at coming alongside and investing in that project."

Birtch says council ended up going against the staff motion, to give HOC one more chance.

"We deferred a motion that was recommended by staff to have the City take over ownership again of that property and look for a new developer for that site and give this new team an opportunity to clean it up again, so that the public could look at new plans. Plans that would incorporate not only the affordable apartments, but also condos for sale and affordable housing units."

HOC will be coming back to council December.