Bolton movie theatre to open in early summer
By ALAN LICZYK Staff Reporter

The new Bolton theatre, being built by Empire Theatres Ltd., will be open this summer on McEwan Drive, next to the new medical building.

The movie theatre currently under construction in south Bolton is expected to be open by early summer.

Dean Leland, vice-president of marketing with Empire Theatres Ltd., told the Citizen the steel is up and construction is progressing. He acknowledged they are a little behind schedule.

"We're looking for an early summer opening," he said.

The 2,500-square-foot theatre, located on McEwan Drive East just off Regional Road 50, will have seven screens and a total of 1,200 seats.

"We'll have wide, comfortable seating," Leland said.

He added they will have the movie theatre essentials such as popcorn and soft drinks, and food outlets such as New York Fries, Pretzel Maker and TCBY Frozen Yogurt.

Parking will be plentiful and well lit, he noted.

"It's a must for theatres," he said.

Empire Theatres has 100 people working during the construction phase. Once the theatre is open, it will have 30 to 32 full-time and parttime workers.

Leland explained they won't start hiring any staff until about two months prior to the opening. They will be doing a casting call and they plan to visit the local high schools. Employees must be at least 16 years of age.

The theatre will be open Monday to Friday in the evening only, but Saturday and Sunday will have both matinee and evening showings.

Leland said they chose Bolton for a theatre because it's a good location within a market. He noted currently residents have to drive out of town to see a movie.

"We did a deal with the landlord and we're off and running," he said.

For more about Empire Theatres, visit its Web site: empiretheatres.com.