With theatres poised to drop by half in Victoria, the concept of preserving them could star in coming downtown planning.
Council will have the city manager work with staff to look at potential preservation of movie theatres, spurred by a Coun. Matt Dell motion during its June 5 committee meeting.
Dell noted that two of four downtown theatres are at risk, with one site slated for redevelopment and the Odeon building recently put up for sale.
“Depending what happens with those sites we could have two single-screen theatres left,” he said of Vic Theatre and the IMAX at the Royal BC Museum.
Options presented for staff to consider include incentivizing the construction of new movie theatres; assisting in maintaining existing theatres; incorporating the support of cinema into its broader strategy for supporting arts and culture in the city.
Backed by Couns. Dave Thompson and Krista Loughton, the motion didn’t include an implied timeline, Dell noted. Looking at it in a holistic way, the subject naturally fits with the nearly complete official community plan update and the impending review of the downtown core area plan. Both afford an opportunity to focus on retaining and expanding cultural assets – including movie theatres.
“Downtown cinemas play a vital role in supporting local culture, walkability, and economic vitality,” reads the motion. “Unlike suburban mall movie theatres, downtown cinemas bring people into the city centre where they can walk, bike, or take transit. Moviegoers grab dinner before the show or drinks afterward, supporting local restaurants and shops. This activity helps businesses and keeps downtown lively. Losing downtown theatres means losing both cultural experiences and economic benefits for local businesses.”
It was a sentiment shared around the table.
“There’s an economic development angle to this as well as the arts and culture piece,” Dell said, noting people like to go to a movie and have a drink or do some shopping.
Thompson agreed, noting they build on the vibrancy of downtown, supporting cafes and other small businesses in the core. He also professed a penchant for movies, enjoying the experience from getting in line and buying popcorn to the comfy seats and even the ads, noting he’s likely not the only one.
“Victoria residents value their cultural spaces and experiences. And this is about the broader good as well,” he said.
Loughton hailed Star Cinema as a shining success. The Sidney community came together to support a shift to new high-def screens and better seating, she noted. The fans pulled for it to become a community amenity during redevelopment. After a temporary relocation, it reopened in 2022 as part of the Cameo condominium complex, a mixed-use development that includes commercial space on the bottom floor and 45 residential units, ranging from starter studios to luxury penthouses.
