Following news of its closure in December, Ottawa's ByTowne Cinema will now reopen under new owners when pandemic conditions allow.
Operator Bruce White shared the news in the cinema's newsletter, confirming that the single-screen, 650-seat theatre will reopen under new management when permitted.
"The new owners plan to continue the tradition of the ByTowne and operate an indie cinema that will offer international films, documentaries and Canadian movies," White said. "And in my opinion, they have all the necessary qualities to make it a success."
White noted that he would leave further specifics to the new owners of the ByTowne, who will soon introduce themselves through the newsletter and the cinema's social media accounts.
Plans to close the ByTowne were announced in December 2020, with White citing financial difficulties posed by the coronavirus pandemic and resulting restrictions. He now writes of the COVID audience caps, "Last summer and fall, we could only host 50 patrons at a time. It doesn't pay the bills."
The cinema can be supported in the interim through renting its marquee for a day, or by picking up ByTowne-branded merch.
Operator Bruce White shared the news in the cinema's newsletter, confirming that the single-screen, 650-seat theatre will reopen under new management when permitted.
"The new owners plan to continue the tradition of the ByTowne and operate an indie cinema that will offer international films, documentaries and Canadian movies," White said. "And in my opinion, they have all the necessary qualities to make it a success."
White noted that he would leave further specifics to the new owners of the ByTowne, who will soon introduce themselves through the newsletter and the cinema's social media accounts.
Plans to close the ByTowne were announced in December 2020, with White citing financial difficulties posed by the coronavirus pandemic and resulting restrictions. He now writes of the COVID audience caps, "Last summer and fall, we could only host 50 patrons at a time. It doesn't pay the bills."
The cinema can be supported in the interim through renting its marquee for a day, or by picking up ByTowne-branded merch.