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Five Vancouver Island movie theatres reopening this week

Five movie theatres on Vancouver Island are getting back into business this week as rules regarding social distancing have made it possible for theatres to operate with reduced capacities of 50 people.
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Guest enter the IMAX Shop in the Royal B.C. Museum in June. The IMAX Victoria movie theatre is one of four Vancouver Island theatres reopening this week.

Five movie theatres on Vancouver Island are getting back into business this week as rules regarding social distancing have made it possible for theatres to operate with reduced capacities of 50 people.

Sidney’s Star Cinema, SilverCity Victoria, Imax Victoria at the Royal B.C. Museum, and Capitol 6 on Yates Street will reopen on Friday, albeit with reduced showings and new cleaning and safety protocols.

Galaxy Cinemas Nanaimo is also returning Friday as part of the reopening plan announced by parent company Cineplex on Tuesday.

Cineplex Odeon on Yates Street will return at some point this month as Cineplex is using a phased approach for its remaining 16 theatres in the province.

Sidney’s Star Cinema is currently operating from a temporary location at 9824 Fifth St., while its new location is being built, and manager Lindsey Pomper is happy to welcome customers once again, despite its reduced 35-seat capacity.

“I don’t know if people are ready to come back and see a movie yet, or if they want to take it slow,” she said. “But we’re very curious to see what happens. I think this week will be telling.”

Landmark Cinemas’ University Heights location and Cinecenta at the University of Victoria remain closed until further notice.

The Vic Theatre on Douglas Street became one of the first movie theatres in B.C. to reopen on June 12 and continues to screen movies on a regular basis.

mdevlin@timescolonist.com