The Qualicum Beach Multi-Use Cinema Society is still focused on building a community movie theatre in Qualicum Beach.
The group has again sought support from the Town of Qualicum Beach, including the search for a property where they can build the facility.
Shawn Labrecque, a director and projectionist for the society, appeared as a delegation at town council’s regular meeting on Oct. 11, to express the group’s dedication to continue pursuing the plan to create a multi-purpose theatre.
“We are not planning on bringing a huge multiplex to the community,” Labrecque explained. “We are trying to operate a non-profit, community-based cinema, something that will be a meeting hub for people in the community of all ages something that can entertain youth and the seniors of our community and provide opportunities for people to get involved in the community.”
In 2018, the society broached the idea of using the old Bus Garage site as a possible location. But the property was sold in 2020, which led the society to look at other possible sites within the community.
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They had approached School District 69 in the spring of 2022 and proposed a long-term lease of land in the Qualicum Commons, the former Qualicum Beach Elementary School. But SD69 had indicated they are unable to commit to the sale or long-term lease of any school district facility because they are in the middle of a facilities review and coming up with a new five-year strategic plan.
Labrecque added they were also exploring interim use of facilities but found it not feasible due to the cost.
The society completed a feasibility study in 2022 which Labrecque said they had shared with town council and staff. It provided positive feedback the cinema would provide a good economic boost to the community and it would be capable of covering its own operational costs based on a number of different models.
“The feasibility study outlines the two most critical parts to take this forward,” said Labrecque. “Getting the capital needed to fund the construction and of course land to put it on.”
Last year, the society staged pop-up cinemas, making presentations at various locations in the community. This year, Labrecque said they continued to schedule events on a monthly basis and have reached out to other groups in the community to collaborate with. They also started a partnership with Toronto Film Festival and will be screening 10 movies.
Labrecque said they’ve received positive feedback on the events they’ve held but it also clearly highlighted the disadvantages of not having a proper theatre.
“It’s actually really hard to accommodate a large number of people that want to see the presentation and have it be good quality,” Labrecque said. “Usually, when you go to the theatre, you’re in a place that has stadium seating and you’re not looking at the head of the person in front of you. There’s no windows so that it’s nice and dark. The walls are normally carpeted so that the sound is good. We had success in a number of venues here but none of them are ideal. There are sacrifices being made in each case.”
The society is asking the town to form a partnership and engage the society in finding a site to support their initiative.
Council welcomed the society’s update but did not make any decision regarding the request.