Expanding on excellence.
Over the last 75+ years we have demonstrated unwavering passion and dedication to the fostering and performance of the theatre arts among the people of our community. Our usage has grown, and so we look to the future.
Reimagining The Livery Theatre
A vision for the future
The Livery Theatre is embarking on an exciting journey to explore the possibilities of a renovation aimed at transforming the space into a more functional, safe, accessible, inclusive, and sustainable community artistic hub.
The Goderich Little Theatre and the Town of Goderich have partnered to fund a feasibility study that will lay the groundwork for a reimagined facility that meets the evolving needs of both audiences and artists.
Current News
Media Release - June 24th, 2025
We've partnered with the Town of Goderich and have McQueen Galloway Associates leading the project to explore how we can transform the space into a more functional, safe, accessible, inclusive, and sustainable community artistic hub.
- Don't miss anything about the Expansion Project -
The consulting firm of McQueen Galloway Associates (MGA) is leading the feasibility project, along with technical and architectural experts as needed. The project includes:
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Consultations with key partners and community members.
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A technical analysis.
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Concept development and more.
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This project is more than a renovation; it is a vital step toward securing The Livery's place as a vibrant cultural and community cornerstone with a shared vision to protect its heritage standing.
The idea
Our current space, wonderful as it is, has limitations when it comes to mounting a production. These are items of regular concern:
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Storage of materials, wardrobe, and properties.
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Offsite storage rental and transportation costs.
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Scheduling of events.
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Added revenue stream.
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When The Livery was purchased more than 40 years ago, the vision was to create a community arts centre. The Goderich Little Theatre focuses primarily on giving a home to community theatre and in this time has organically outgrown its space. One might argue that, in our operation of The Livery, we have narrowly focused our venue on this purpose, though we are expanding upon opportunities in recent years.
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We feel it is time for this historic building to grow, and in doing so, to fully recognize the original vision through the continuance of collaboration and our creative stewardship.
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We recognize that this growth must honour the space that has allowed us to build a creative home for so many generations while growing to include more. To grow strategically, we've set six guiding principles:
Safety
Designing a space where it is safer both physically and spiritually to create
Function
An adaptable, multi-use centre that will feature our community's vibrant arts culture.
Sustainability
A facility that practices environmental sustainability and runs with fiscal responsibility.
Inclusivity
A creative sanctuary where all are welcome and celebrated.
Accessibility
A home where persons of any ability may come to practice or enjoy the arts.
Harmony
An architectural design that enhances heritage while embracing modernity in a unifying echo of the community's creative epicentre.
What steps
have we already
taken?
Strategically growing
We've already taken deliberate and thoughtful steps in pursuing this expansion. We want to make sure we're moving forward in a well-informed way that ensures succession planning for healthy fiscal operation. In pursuit of this we've:
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Had a one-day members' forum facilitated by Dr. Wayne Caldwell to help clarify our intentions and vision.
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Met and interviewed three consultancies to seek assistance from outside our scope of collective experiences. We selected MGA from this process to guide our feasibility study.
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Pursued an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant to fund the study. We were not a selected project for this highly-pursued grant.
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Continue to explore potential granting opportunities.
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Went as a delegation to the Town of Goderich Council meeting on December 16th, 2024, to seek partnership.
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Received the Town's support to pursue the feasibility study along with partial funding for this initiative.
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Began feasibility consultations in May 2025.
Thoughts
to share?
It's an exciting project, and although we've tried to ask everyone we think might like to share their thoughts, we may have missed you - we're sorry, we're human!
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You may also have more to add to your thoughts. Either way, just fill out the form below and we'll be in touch.
Thank you
We recognize there are other organizations who may be preparing to undertake capital campaigns and initiatives within and around the Town of Goderich. Our community has proven themselves enthusiastic when it comes to supporting initiatives that make this community an incredible place to live.
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If we continue to quietly wait in the wings for "our turn" to pursue The Livery Centre for the Arts, we will wait another 40 years. This is our cue for the arts to take centre stage in both Goderich and, indeed, Huron County.