Landmark theater. ‘Eyesore’ vacant lot. Now, a contentious apartment proposal

From stage plays and movies to potentially housing – the site of a demolished Woodstock theater is being eyed for a new act.

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The land that was once home to Woodstock’s Capitol theater is the proposed site of an eight-storey building with 36 units of mixed affordable and market-rent apartments that will address the city’s need for housing and transform an ugly vacant lot.

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“We have an eyesore on the spot, and I’m very happy it will be beautified, and housing is greatly needed,” Woodstock Mayor Jerry Acchione said. “It hits both objectives well.”

But before Woodstock city council can give the proposed building the go-ahead, an amendment to Oxford County’s official plan regarding commercial space and a city rezoning permit are needed.

The proposed building’s first two floors would be used for parking, but Oxford’s official plan requires a commercial component on the ground floor of such structures on this part of Dundas Street, in the city’s core.

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Though supportive of the project, Steve McGregor, chair of Woodstock’s Business Improvement Area, wrote Oxford County about the need for commercial space in the area.

“We respect the design having the look and feel of ground-floor commercial, but understand the lack of ground-floor commercial is in contradiction to the zoning requirements,” McGregor wrote.

The group supports the building’s design and increased density in downtown Woodstock, McGregor’s letter added, but there is concern about future development.

“We support this development but do caution that this could set a precedent for future developments in downtown Woodstock,” McGregor said. “If a commercial component is possible in this development, it should be considered.”

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The city also would have to rezone the property at 385 and 387 Dundas St. to increase the allowable height to eight stores from six.

The former Capitol Theater was demolished in 2010 after its roof collapsed. The property was later sold to a developer, but nothing came of the sale and Oxford County took ownership in 2022.

The potential development offers a breath of new life for the site, which has become a blemish on the city’s downtown after the former landmark fell into disrepair.

The building had a long history in Woodstock.

Originally built as the Woodstock Opera House in the 1860s, it was redeveloped as Carter’s Music Theater after an 1893 fire. It once hosted an election debate between Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Sir Robert Borden, who ran for prime minister in 1911.

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The theater also operated as a cinema, closing its doors in the late 1990s.

At last week’s council meeting, the redevelopment application was deferred to a later date for amendments. At a future meeting, council will decide whether to accept the building’s height and commercial space amendments.

“I’m super excited to see development on that piece of property,” Acchione said.

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