The dawn of a new 'Empire' in Bolton

Dignitaries gathered to cut the film, marking the official opening of Empire Theatres in Bolton. Shown are (l to r) Brian MacLeod, vice-president of operations for Empire; Paul Durigon of Perlane Developments; Stuart G. Fraser, Empire's president and CEO; Mayor Marolyn Morrison and general manager Garden Chris Delledonne.

Throngs of eager moviegoers got an early taste of what's to come, as Empire Theatres in Bolton held its official grand opening last week. Empire executives, local business people and politicians gathered to mark the occasion with a ceremonial film cutting.

Stuart G. Fraser, president and CEO of Empire Theatres, said they were embraced by this community. He was enthusiastic about the project 18 months ago and now that it has all come together, he's even more excited about the future. This is Empire's first foray in Ontario, but they're well established and well known in the Maritimes.

He praised the efforts of the more than 50 staff and trades who worked tirelessly preparing for the opening.

Mayor Marolyn Morrison presented him with a plaque from the Town and she said they're thrilled about this project and what it means to the community.

Empire Theatres Limited is Canada's second largest film and entertainment exhibitor. The state-of-the art complex on McEwan Drive East, is situated on lands owned by Perlane Developments. The 24,500- square-foot complex blends entertainment with technology in a contemporary and unique design.

They offer seven luxury auditoriums with approximately 1,100 high-back seats each with a convenient cup holder situated within the flip-up arm rest and each auditorium featuring stadium style seating for complete and unobstructed sight lines, Dolby Digital surround sound, loads of leg room and wall-to-wall curved screens for that perfect picture!

Empire Theatres Bolton also features Zone - an interactive games area where guests can play the latest electronic video games. They also boast Empire Express Ticketing machines for self-serve same day as well as advance ticketing, ETicket pick up and concession combos, a party room and expanded concession offerings featuring popular branded food items including New York Fries, Pretzel Maker and TCBY Frozen Yogurt to complement the staple movie snacks of fresh hot popcorn, candy and cold pop.

Opening week films include License To Wed, Transformers on two screens, Ratatouille, Live Free Or Die Hard, Evan Almighty and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.

"Members of council and Town staff are delighted that Empire Theatres have selected the community of Bolton to open their newest state-ofthe art theatre. This complex will offer something for residents of all ages. Empire Theatres is a great team of individuals, who will be a valuable asset to our community," added Morrison.

"Bringing a new state-ofthe art entertainment experience to anxious movie-goers in Bolton is very exciting for us at Empire Theatres," said Dean Leland, vice-president of marketing & media. "We know that area residents will embrace the excitement that comes with the Empire Theatres' brand, right in their own backyard. The arrival of this great facility benefits everyone including local businesses in and around our facility as people make it a destination. As part of our commitment to the community, Empire Theatres and Perlane Developments will band together for a community event that will both celebrate and contribute to the great efforts of the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation of Canada. The event will take place later this summer. The foundation is dedicated to brightening the lives of seriously ill children and their families. Empire Theatres has a long and proven track record of supporting great Canadian children's causes such as Kids Help Phone, so being able to also assist the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation is a perfect fit for our company and a great benefit for local families."

Paul Durigon of Perlane is thrilled to be able to help bring the Empire Theatres experience to Bolton. "We would like to thank the entire staff at the Town of Caledon for all their hard work, especially Mayor Marolyn Morrison, former area councillor Garry Moore and a special thank you to Annette Groves, the regional councillor for the area."

Empire Theatres Bolton provided approximately 100 jobs during the construction phase and has created approximately 30 jobs when the complex is fully operational.

Reel Babies

Empire Theatres Bolton will be offering Reel Babies bi-weekly and the first showing is Wednesday, July at 11 a.m. Social hour is one hour before the movie.

Parents of newborns are encouraged to tell other moms and caregivers about this baby friendly event.

They can e-mail reelbabies@ empiretheatres.com to sign up or if they would like more information.

Reel Babies is a film screening series that offers moms and other caregivers a chance to see current release (grown up movies!) with their babies in tow. Every detail has been adjusted in the theatre for this special audience. They dim the lights, modify the volume, and bring in change tables, exersaucers, bouncy seats and other amenities. They also have their VIB (Very Important Baby) stroller parking outside of the auditorium.

They would like to keep our babies in the newborn/pre-crawling range, but will absolutely not turn anyone away!

The films shown at each screening are chosen by the attendees themselves. Caregivers simply send an email to reelbabies@empiretheatres.com with their name, e-mail address and Reel Babies location they'd like to attend.

As a Reel Babies member, they receive e-mails with the movie choices at their location. Voting is as simple as responding to the e-mail with their choice. Once the votes are in, they let them know what the winning movie choice for the upcoming show is.