Those of you familiar with Invermere know the Toby Theatre.
The Invermere attraction is at risk of closing permanently after serving the community for almost 60 years, but changes to the way films are distributed throughout Canada and the increasing pressure to move to a digital format are threatening to force the business to close its doors for good.
Ron and Elizabeth Peters have been running, and living above, the Toby Theatre for over 40 years in November, and were shocked when they received a letter in July telling them that the company that distributes their films was shutting all of its offices in Canada except one in Toronto, almost trippling the shipping costs, further eating into the bottom line of their business. In the same letter, the owners were also warned that soon films will only be available in a digital format, which would mitigate shipping costs, but would force the theatre to undergo almost $200,000 in upgrades, which both Ron and Elizabeth feel is just not feasible.
“The switch to digital will basically force us to toss out everything that we have and buy everything brand new,” said Elizabeth. “The downfall is that we have been told that within five years it may all change again, so why would we spend that money and then have it become obsolete within five years?”
What we must remember is that when we go to the Toby is the feeling of going back in time and viewing a movie as we would have in days gone by. It is enjoyable to take the break in the middle of the movie for a dash to the washroom and a visit to the snack bar to reload your treats. It is a chance to go back in time, albeit only for a few hours.
Lately, the theatre has been run as more of a community service then a business, said Ron, who has been satisfied to simply break even at the end of the year, which has been a struggle sometimes. The owners are hoping to limp along until July of 2012, as that would mark the 60th anniversary of when the Toby Theatre first opened its doors to the public.
So, do yourself and your family a favor if you are in Invermere. Go to the Toby and take in a movie..it is not so much about WHAT movie, but an experience that will stay with your kids. They will remember it for many years.
just they way i think
Jim ~ Digital Nomad
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