Thousands petition to save Pitt Meadows, B.C., movie theatre from closure

CBC

5 hours ago

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Rodolfo Assinger has many happy memories of bringing his children to Hollywood 3 Cinemas in Pitt Meadows, B.C.
The independent family-owned theatre, known for its affordable prices and buttery popcorn, is a staple in the Metro Vancouver city, according to community members.
Now, with it set to close its doors at the end of the month, those community members are rallying to save it. A petition started by Assinger had garnered over 4,000 signatures as of Friday afternoon.
"This place means a lot to this community," said Assinger. "It's a place that people love and cherish."
WATCH | Community comes together to save B.C. cinema:
Thousands come together to save B.C. theatre from closing down
1 day ago
Duration 2:26
People in Pitt Meadows, B.C., are coming together to try to save a beloved cinema in the city. Hollywood 3, a family-owned independent theatre, is shutting its doors by the end of month. As Pinki Wong tells us, thousands have signed an online petition hoping to keep the curtains open.
Moby Amarsi, the cinema's owner, said their lease is coming to an end in June, and renewing it would mean a 25 per cent increase.
"It's impossible for us to pay market rent today," said Amarsi.
Additionally, people's viewing habits have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Amarsi, with more people staying home to watch movies.
The cinema has been operating for 15 years, and has hardly raised its prices. A movie ticket costs $6 for adults, $5 for children and seniors, and $3 for everyone on Tuesdays.
Amarsi said he wanted to maintain an affordable, family-oriented business.
"You see families coming here, you see them leaving, they're happy," he said, adding he is sad for a couple who had planned to get married at the cinema in September.
Pitt Meadows Mayor Nicole MacDonald said she is disappointed with the closure.
"We understand how deeply rooted this place is in our community's heart, and are saddened by the loss of a beloved gathering space," she said in a statement to CBC News.
She said there are several spaces in the city that are already zoned to permit a theatre, and while the city is not able to broker space directly, it is willing to work with the Hollywood 3 to explore possible new locations.
Amarsi said he would be happy to work with the city to find a solution and will reach out to the mayor.
'Heartwarming memories'
The Hollywood 3 has become a second home for Sarah Hargitt-Rowe, the theatre's manager. After working for Hollywood 3 for over a decade, she said the news is devastating.
"This place holds a lot of heartwarming memories," she said.
She said her favourite part of the job is seeing children grow up and new generations going to the theatre.
"Single couples get together and they bring in their kids a few years later, it's just beautiful to see," she said.
She said customers love their popcorn because they use real butter, which she travels to Costco every week to buy.
Assinger said he hopes the show of community support is enough to raise awareness to find a solution.