Drive-in theatres in the GTA plan to reopen next month

Please Note: A Stay at Home order remains in effect for the City Of Toronto. This means you must stay at home and only go out for necessities, including getting food, going to work, and getting exercise. As of Feb 12, Ontario released details on 27 regions entering the colour-coded framework; please find more information here. If you go out, maintain the six-feet physical distancing guidelines and wear a mask.

One pandemic-friendly activity could soon be back on the menu in Ontario regions that have been moved to the colour-coded framework: catching a movie at a drive-in theatre.

However, it’s important to note that region hopping is strongly discouraged by the province and local medical officers of health.

Three drive-in cinemas near Toronto, all owned by Premier Theatres, announced on Wednesday that they would be welcoming customers back starting in early March.

Starlite Hamilton, Stardust Newmarket, and 5 Drive-In Oakville all plan to begin their 2021 film season as early as two weeks from now for those living in the cities.

See also:
- A list of drive-in cinemas in and around the GTA (MAP)

“2020 was a challenging year but, we manage to bring families and friends together to celebrate and capture great moments of movies, concerts, corporate events, and some fresh air, all safely under the stars,” the theatres said.

The theatres are planning to reopen on March 5, Fridays through Sundays.

Then, once they have a consistent movie release schedule, which looks likely to happen around May, the theatres will open every day for showings.

“We are currently open for private shows and will continue to do private shows Mondays through Thursdays after March 5th.”

Hello Folks,

2020 was a challenging year but we manage to bring families and friends together to celebrate and capture…

Posted by Starlite Hamilton on Wednesday, February 17, 2021

While Stay at Home orders have been lifted in 30 Ontario regions, Toronto is still under orders until February 22. The city’s top doctor has asked the province this week to extend the lockdown review for at least two more weeks due to the COVID-19 variants of concern.

The drive-in theatres were certainly a hit last year. Still, with the variants of concern, it’s important to stay within your region as parts of the economy gradually reopen.