Toronto movie theatre slated for demolition gets new lease on life

Big news for movie buffs in Toronto! A Cineplex theatre complex in Etobicoke that was slated for redevelopment has been granted a new lease on life after locals rang the alarm about its future.

Cineplex Queensway Cinema was in precarious waters after it was revealed that a massive new high-density development would see its erasure last summer.

This development envisioned a comprehensive revamp of the entire Islington and The Queensway corner, featuring ten towers and two mid-rise buildings featuring designs from WZMH Architects, and ranging in height from seven to 46 storeys. The redevelopment from Talisker Corporation also proposed a park and public parking spaces, but no movie theatre.

That didn't sit well with local residents, who responded with a petition earlier this year to save the theatre. The petition to save the theatre also seeks "to send a message to city leaders that Toronto needs to prioritize making our city more livable," and currently sits at more than 14,000 signatures.

Now, eleven months after redevelopment plans emerged, in a surprisingly positive turn of events, it's safe to say that Cineplex Queensway isn't going anywhere just yet.

A post from the Cineplex LinkedIn page confirmed the company had heard concerns from the local neighbourhood and announced some exciting news.

"We're aware of the attention Cineplex Cinemas Queensway & VIP has received lately and are happy to share its credits won’t be rolling anytime soon," read the beginning of the announcement.

It goes on to say that "two exterior banners" were recently installed outside the theatre to act as a "visible reminder of our ongoing commitment to the Queensway community."

These bright blue banners read "no end credits in sight," and "your neighbourhood cinema for years to come," reassuring movie-goers their theatre will continue to operate and not be replaced.

Though no specific details were given on what exactly is happening with the demolition, a previous edition of that Cineplex post said "we recently renewed our lease and have up to 20 years of lease options available to us, taking us to the year of 2045."

That line has since been removed from the current post still up on the Cineplex LinkedIn page.

"Since 2001, the theatre has been more than a place to watch movies – it’s an entertainment and social hub for family outings, date nights and fun times with friends. We are looking forward to continuing to be a part of the Queensway community’s movie memories for many years to come," finished the post.

Details aside, it looks like the efforts of the community paid off, and now, moviegoers can relax knowing their Cineplex Queensway Cinema will still be around, even if the redevelopment goes through.

Now that's some movie magic!