Is a movie theatre closing down in Oakville?

Online speculation was rife yesterday (Oct. 8) with stories of an imminent closure of an Oakville movie theatre.

The churning rumour mill said that Film.ca on Speers Road near Kerr Street was leaving.

“Sad to hear that Film.ca cinema is likely to become a grocery store,” read the post in an online forum. “After 37 years, it should be preserved as an Oakville landmark.”

Comments then flowed in lamenting the demise of the theatre with many recalling time spent there in their youth and later with their children.

However, the founder and chief executive officer of the independent Film.ca chain stepped in to quash the rumours.

“In short is not true,” wrote Jeff Knoll in response to the discussion topic.

Knoll, who is also a Ward 5 Oakville town councillor, explained the cinema business is battling through tough times but Film.ca will continue.

He said his theatre, like so many across North America, has not fully recovered from the pandemic.

“We are all struggling, this fall has been the worst so far,” he said.

He said Film.ca needs to raise cash to keep it going and has been asking people to buy gift cards in advance to help raise funds.

Knoll also pointed out that the owners of the building are no longer part of the redevelopment plans considered for the plaza on the northwest corner of Speers and Kerr. He said Film.ca has a lease, a good relationship with the landlord, and does not intend to leave.

“You are stuck with us for the long term,” he said.