Town purchases historic Mercury Theatre building

A former theatre in downtown St. Marys could once again become a hub for arts and culture.

On February 16, 2022, the Town of St. Marys finalized a deal to purchase 14 Church Street North. The historic brick and limestone structure – which once housed the Mercury Theatre - has been vacant since 2006.

The Town purchased the building with a plan to preserve its heritage value and as a potential site for cultural activities, library and leisure programming and administrative space. The building’s location – directly across from Town Hall and the St. Marys Public Library – also motivated the Town to make the purchase.

“This is a unique opportunity for the Town to own and offer a campus of services from three neighbouring properties,” says Brent Kittmer, Chief Administrative Officer. “We hope it will encourage even more people to explore and experience our historic downtown core.”

The Town’s next step is to hire a planning consultant and establish a Steering Committee to determine the most appropriate use of the new property. A municipal modernization grant from the Provincial government will fund that process.

Individuals who are interested in the project will be invited to apply to sit on the Steering Committee later this year. There will also be several opportunities for the general public to have input throughout the process.

“We know how much our residents and visitors value our heritage buildings,” says Kittmer. “We look forward to collaborating with the community as we develop a vision for this new municipal facility.”

The Town hopes to have the building open for services in 2025 or 2026.

Questions and comments about the purchase of 14 Church Street North can be directed to Kittmer at 519-284-2340, ext. 216 or bkittmer@town.stmarys.on.ca.

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For media inquiries:
Brett O’Reilly, Corporate Communications Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | boreilly@town.stmarys.on.ca