Movie Theatres of Ottawa\Gatineau

[phil235]

I also think this is entirely related to the government budget cuts and the obligation to reduce budgets by 15%, rather than a reflection on the market for the films. For a smaller organization like the Museum, it's hard to find a cut of that magnitude without having some real impact.

[lrt's friend]

Originally Posted by phil235

I also think this is entirely related to the government budget cuts and the obligation to reduce budgets by 15%, rather than a reflection on the market for the films. For a smaller organization like the Museum, it's hard to find a cut of that magnitude without having some real impact.

This had crossed my mind as well.

[skyscraperaccount]

Originally Posted by Johnny Kit Kat

A new cineplex at the former Bay on Rideau could include an Imax screen. The closest cineplex is 4km away at Lansdowne.

The Bytowne is still going no? Given falling attendance do we expect more 8 screen + theatres to open in our future?

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by phil235

I also think this is entirely related to the government budget cuts and the obligation to reduce budgets by 15%, rather than a reflection on the market for the films. For a smaller organization like the Museum, it's hard to find a cut of that magnitude without having some real impact.

Not super happy with the way the cuts are going. Seems to be Conservative style blind cuts instead of a surgical approach.

Seems like they may keep it around to eventually open it at some future date.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by skyscraperaccount

The Bytowne is still going no? Given falling attendance do we expect more 8 screen + theatres to open in our future?

Mayfair is also still around. Half the Starcité in the Plateau has been demolished for a grocery store.

Unless someone opens a new first-run theatre Downtown (LeBreton would be a good candidate), I don't expect any new ones anytime soon.

Still hoping the Place de Ville theatre reopens one day.

[7empest]

Bytowne seems to be busiest now in my decade plus of going there.

It sucks about the Museum closing their theatre, hopefully it could still be saved in some capacity.

I do agree with the post in the other thread about a new modern theatre, be it Cineplex or maybe Landmark, in the former Hudson's Bay with a proper IMAX screen and projector setup. IMAX is one of the few growth areas in the business. 2025 was a down year but looks like 2026 should rebound somewhat. I tried to buy tickets for The Odyssey in Toronto this summer but it was sold out. Obviously I'd rather not have to travel 4.5 hours to see a movie and would prefer to watch it locally.

With History opening there could be a great entertainment district.

[phil235]

Originally Posted by 7empest

Bytowne seems to be busiest now in my decade plus of going there.

It sucks about the Museum closing their theatre, hopefully it could still be saved in some capacity.

I do agree with the post in the other thread about a new modern theatre, be it Cineplex or maybe Landmark in the former Hudson's Bay with a proper IMAX screen projector setup. IMAX is one of the few growth areas in the business. 2025 was a down year but looks like 2026 should rebound somewhat.

With History opening there could be a great entertainment district.

Completely agree.

The last time I was at the Bytowne the movie was entirely sold out, which I hadn't seen in ages. And that's a big theatre. The staff was happily surprised and very apologetic for the lines. I have to say that regardless of your feelings on the policy, the closure of the supervised injection site across the street will be a very good thing for that theatre.

I'm at the Mayfair more often and there have been very decent crowds there when I've been there recently. They have done some interesting things lately, with Canadian movies and director visits. I think the market is still there for that kind of thing - people do like to get out and about, and see movies the way they are made to be seen.

[rocketphish]

Note: The IMAX 3D thread has been merged into this movie theatre thread.

[lrt's friend]

I went to Scotiabank yesterday for an afternoon matinee and was surprised by the numbers there. Usually, there is only a handful for weekday matinees.