Massey Theatre Renovation Project

The new washrooms feature an all-gender and accessible design that prioritizes privacy, dignity, and ease of use, supporting a wide range of abilities, family structures, and caregiving needs. Specific improvements include:

All-gender washrooms

• Enhanced privacy partitions
• High-contrast corners to support people with visual impairments
• Open layout to improve circulation and reduce lineups

Accessible washrooms

• Infant change tables
• Spacious layouts with grab bars
• Automatic door openers and button-activated locks

Accessible washroom with change space

• Extra-large layout to support guests with assistants
• Powered adult change table
• Automatic door opener and button-activated locks

To accommodate perimeter drainage and foundation work, several trees located along the front entrance of Massey Theatre must be removed. All efforts were made to find a solution to retain the trees. Replacement will be consistent with the City's Tree Protection Bylaw; two trees will be planted for every tree that is removed. The design of site improvements, replacement tree species, and location is still in progress, although City arborists will be involved in the selection of tree species to ensure the new trees are climate-adapted and will be able to thrive in the new landscape.

The new trees will be planted as part of the full landscaping plan in spring 2026, following the completion of exterior work.

The City of New Westminster is investing $34.1M into Massey Theatre to extend the lifespan of this important civic asset which serves the local and regional arts community. This work reflects the City's ongoing commitment to the arts and cultural sector and providing inclusive community gathering spaces.

The renovation work includes significant upgrades to improve energy efficiency, accessibility enhancements, and other structural and safety upgrades.

The theatre at the heart of the facility will remain open throughout the majority of the renovation project. However, due to some aspects of the work that involves disruptions to the studio spaces, interior and exterior of the facility, and taking into account safety precautions, two extended closures are planned.

A three-month closure took place in 2025, and the theatre will be closed from July 1 to November 30, 2026, to allow for critical work to be completed safely and efficiently, and to ensure the project remains on track.

In order to upgrade the facility's perimeter drainage and foundation, some plantings along the south wall needed to be removed from the garden. The timber structure, hardscape, and other plantings have not been impacted. The outdoor spaces will be reinstated later this year. Trees impacted in this area will be replaced, along with the addition of new trees, at another location on the site in accordance with the City's Tree Bylaw requirements.

In 2021, Massey Theatre Society received external grant funding to build the Gathering Place garden with a requirement that the project be completed within a specific timeframe. The Gathering Place work was coordinated with the City to minimize reinstatement work and costs in this area. However, to accommodate the full scope of exterior drainage work required, some portions of the Gathering Place had to be removed.

The facility renovation will include upgrades to various utility services; accessibility improvements, including a new elevator, interior ramps, and a public washroom replacement; a new HVAC system; and exterior upgrades such as new roofing, exterior finishes and cladding, windows, paint, new landscaping, additional parking stalls, and electric vehicle charging stations.