Milton Centre for the Arts
+VG Architects were selected as Project Architect by PCL Constructors Canada in January 2010 to deliver this Design/Build Project on a FastTrack schedule.
The $41 Million, 75,000 ft2, LEED® Silver Certified complex was planned, designed and delivered – on budget – in only 20 months. The project included:
Mattamy Theatre
Milton’s new 500 seat proscenium theatre showcases drama, music, orchestra, dance, as well as lectures, concerts, cinema and conferences. The main programming is supported by interstitial spaces providing the community with destinations and opportunities for interaction.
- 500 seat theatre
- Public areas including, reception, lobby, public washrooms, box office and bar/concession areas
- Auditorium, stage, orchestra pit, rehearsal hall, associated audio visual and technical support and dressing rooms
- Administration and support areas including offices, lounges, staff washrooms, storage, housekeeping and lockers
Minmaxx Theatre
This 200 seat “Black Box” multi-purpose theatre space features a sprung floor, retractable seating, lighting grid, and theatrical sound and lighting systems. As the stage sizing and specifications are identical to the adjacent 500-seat theatre, it can serve as a rehearsal space.
The room may be configured for performances, corporate functions, receptions, cabarets, etc. Backstage amenities such as dressing rooms are shared with the main theatre.
The community meeting room systems include video projection and audio reinforcement to support corporate events, meetings, workshops, seminars or smaller-scale receptions.
All of the systems in these spaces are integrated into the base building control for seamless operation. Video may be distributed from the theatres to any of the spaces.
Holcim Gallery
The Gallery is nestled in the Library. It accommodates both individual and group visual art exhibitions. Its large glass front wall allows for art displays to be seen even when the gallery is closed.
LOCATION
Milton, Ontario
CLIENT
Town of Milton
COMPLETED
January 2011
SIZE
87,300 ft²
AWARDS
2012 PRO Award of Excellence in Design, Parks & Recreation Ontario
SERVICES
New Construction (Design/Build)
Lennox & Addington Museum & Archives
The County Museum and Archives is adjacent to the County’s stately limestone Courthouse, restored by +VG Architects in 1996. The museum, an 1864 limestone building, was, until 1971, the county jail.
In 2002, the County retained +VG Architects to provide architectural consulting and museum planning services to carry out a review of the Museum and Archives structural and functional components, such as service delivery and accessibility, in order to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the Museum operation for the 21st Century. One of the major goals of the study was to find ways to accommodate more flexible space for student activity, education programs, and multi-purpose needs.
In Spring 2009, +VG was asked to revisit the study to review the program against current needs and update project costing in anticipation of proceeding with implementation of the Museum and Archives Master Plan vision later in 2009. In 2011, +VG was retained to design the expansion to the existing Archives building. We were chosen for the expertise and experience with designing institutional buildings within historical contexts.
The expansion includes new activity and educational program areas, public washrooms, relocated Research Room and Archival Storage, multi-purpose space, storage space in the basement, and a new one-storey gallery addition.
The historical setting of the property as a whole, represented a unique challenge. In order to fully appreciate this setting, it was imperative that the development of the property be designed in harmony with both the topography of the site and the existing heritage fabric, so that the historical beauty of the existing building and natural open area of the site will continue to be the dominant features. To accomplish this, careful consideration has been given to the size and siting of the building, the architecture of the new intervention in regards to the choice of cladding materials, and in maintaining as much as possible of the property in its natural current state.
LOCATION
Napanee, Ontario
COMPLETED
2014
SIZE
12,000 ft²
SERVICES
Study, Renovation & Addition
PHOTOGRAPHY
David Bell
Niagara Takes Flight Flying Theatre Attraction
Niagara Takes Flight was conceived as an immersive flying theatre experience that redefines how visitors engage with the Niagara Region.
The attraction integrates architectural design, media technology, and interpretive storytelling within a highly complex spatial environment. Guests begin in a four-room pre-show sequence featuring audio/visual installations that explore 13,000 years of regional history. One highlight, the Ancestors Room, was developed in collaboration with Indigenous communities and incorporates original artwork to convey foundational cultural narratives.
The transition to the main theatre occurs via an Art Deco-inspired elevator simulating a descent beneath Horseshoe Falls, referencing the hydroelectric and industrial heritage of the site. The theatre itself features gondola-style seating suspended before a 180-degree curved screen, delivering a dynamic aerial perspective of the Niagara River corridor. Environmental effects such as mist, wind, and scent cues complement the visual experience, requiring precise integration of mechanical systems and theatrical infrastructure.
The project involved the construction of the new attraction and associated retail area including required demolition of the former ‘Fury’ attraction that had been in existence since 2005. The new attraction included modifications to the base-building mechanical and electrical systems as well as themed pre-show spaces and the ‘gift shop’ area including an extensive theatrical lighting system. Base-building structural columns and roof girders required removal or extension requiring shoring of the space for an extended period. Partial upper floor removals were required to accommodate the ride’s five-storey high dome screen. A new emergency exit stair was introduced at the north side of the attraction. The ride vendor’s proprietary ride system required the manufacture of a substantial two-level structure to support the four ride gondolas and withstand significant eccentric loading.
This project demanded close coordination between architectural, structural, and technical disciplines to achieve both functional and thematic objectives. The result is a landmark attraction that combines advanced engineering with interpretive design, creating a multi-sensory experience rooted in history and place.
LOCATION
Niagara Falls, Ontario
COMPLETED
2025
SIZE
9,160 ft² (Theatre Area)
2,443 ft² (Retail Area)
SERVICES
Renovation/Redevelopment
PRESS
Niagara Takes Flight: Reimagining the Gateway to the Falls
Fokal Point
Soar Above Niagara Falls with Thrilling New Flight Experience
Good Morning Washington
‘Niagara Takes Flight’: Ontario’s brand-new flying theater ride
yahoo!news
You may have been to Niagara before, but you’ve never seen it quite like this
Globe & Mail
