Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto
As part of the largest casino resort development in Canadian history, The Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto plays a central role in shaping the site into a full-scale entertainment destination. The $1 billion development spans 33 acres adjacent to Woodbine Racetrack and includes a Vegas-style gaming floor, a 400-room hotel, multiple dining venues, and the 5,000-seat Theatre. The resort officially opened in June 2023, with the hotel following in August and The Theatre launching later in the year.
The Theatre was envisioned not just as an entertainment venue but as an architectural statement within the complex. The exterior features sharp, angular lines and a bold geometric façade composed of trapezoidal and triangular panels that resemble a fractured prism. This dynamic form reflects the energy and creativity of the live shows hosted inside—ranging from concerts and comedy to multimedia productions.
To elevate the architectural expression at night, GVA Lighting supplied its HL-GEN4 in DL-NICHE configuration. This direct-view linear lighting solution was integrated into the exterior to emphasize the strong geometries of the façade. With high luminance and clean visual output, the lighting draws out the Theatre’s structural rhythm and creates a vibrant night-time presence that feels connected to the artistic pulse of the performances it houses.
Powered by GVA’s signature 380V DC-based INFINITY® Power System, with data delivered via industry-leading COLOR-STREAM® technology, the architectural lighting system is designed for ease of installation, operation, and maintenance. With the ability to deliver liquid-smooth dimming, transitions, and dynamic lighting effects, The Theatre shines—establishing itself as a new point of interest in Toronto’s Airport District.
Inside, the Theatre is equally adaptable and modern. It features a 20-row retractable seating system with timber-accented chairs and luxury vinyl tile flooring, offering both durability and a premium aesthetic. The venue is also equipped with Canada’s first permanent Meyer Sound Panther large-format linear loudspeaker system, delivering exceptional audio quality.
The Theatre is not only a technical and architectural showcase but also a cultural hub within the resort—a space where lighting, structure, and performance converge. GVA’s lighting solution plays a supporting role in that narrative, reinforcing the venue’s identity from every angle.
Client: One Toronto Gaming
Architect: CGL Architects Inc.
Architect: Chris Dikeakos Architects
Lighting Designer: Campbell Corbet | Angus Lighting / H.H. Angus & Associates Ltd.
Engineering: Tarra Engineering & Structural Consultants Inc
GVA Partner: Rutenberg Sales
