The Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough is poised to breathe new life into the long-neglected Empress Theatre, with local officials asserting that this time they will succeed where previous administrations have faltered. The borough’s leadership has announced plans to demolish and decontaminate the crumbling structure while preserving its iconic Art Deco façade. This initiative is expected to pave the way for community-focused developments, including an outdoor courtyard for events and film screenings.
A Vision for the Future
Mayor Stéphanie Valenzuela and her team are optimistic about transforming the derelict theatre into a vibrant space for the community. The borough plans to keep the striking Egyptian-sculptured façades intact while removing the deteriorating interior. “Concretely, this first phase is something that we are capable of doing under our administration without any other partnerships,” Valenzuela stated, emphasising the borough’s commitment to taking tangible action.
The Empress Theatre, which opened its doors in 1927, once served as a lively cinema and burlesque venue before enduring years of neglect following a devastating fire in 1992. The borough has allocated approximately £10 million to dismantle the structure, which has suffered significant water damage over the years.
Steps Toward Revitalisation
Councillor Alexandre Teodoresco, representing the Loyola district, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “That will be the first step towards the full-fledged final project, which could take many more years.” He stressed that the borough is determined not to remain passive while waiting for an ideal proposal. Instead, they are eager to initiate the first phase of the project, which is expected to commence with demolition in the coming year.
The local administration’s strategy includes engaging with private sector partners to develop a new building behind the preserved façade, with aspirations for cultural spaces and housing options. The vision is to create a vibrant hub that not only pays homage to the theatre’s rich history but also meets the needs of the modern community.
Reactions from the Community
Snowdon city councillor Sonny Moroz hailed the announcement as a “promise kept for NDG residents.” The borough’s leadership, composed of Ensemble Montreal members, pledged to take action on the Empress Theatre site within their first 100 days following the recent municipal elections, which saw their party secure a majority in the council.
Moroz acknowledged the challenges faced by previous administrations, remarking, “It’s four or five administrations in a row that have been trying to eat this elephant in one bite. We believe that it takes a step-forward process in order to get to the finish line.” However, some voices in the community remain sceptical about the new approach.
Councillor Peter McQueen from Projet Montreal, who was part of the previous administration, questioned whether it might have been more prudent to wait for a comprehensive project that would encapsulate both preservation and new construction. “Would it have been better to wait, to get a full project that was both saving the outside walls and building behind?” he pondered, while still supporting the decision to preserve the façade.
Questions and Concerns
Local artist Scott MacLeod, a member of the Empress Cinema Collective, shared his concerns regarding the future phases of the project. “Is it social housing? Is it live-workspaces for artists? Are there affordable rentals? This still remains to be seen,” he noted. This uncertainty highlights the need for transparency and community engagement as the project progresses.
Despite the mixed reactions, some community members view the initiative as a positive step forward. Clifford Schwartz, president of the Wheel Club, remarked, “I think any move forward is going to be a great move. It’s been an eyesore for too long.” He believes that the demolition and the creation of a courtyard will make the site more appealing to potential developers.
The borough aims to commence the search for a contractor for the demolition soon, with hopes that the dismantling will begin next year. The ultimate goal is to host a showing of the beloved *Rocky Horror Picture Show* in the new outdoor space by October 2027.
Why it Matters
The redevelopment of the Empress Theatre represents more than just a physical renovation; it embodies a commitment to revitalising community spirit and cultural heritage in Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. By preserving the theatre’s historical façade while paving the way for modern amenities, the borough is taking a significant step toward creating a vibrant cultural hub that honours its past while looking to the future. This project could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives across urban centres, demonstrating that with determination and collaboration, long-standing community aspirations can finally become reality.
