Broadway Cinemas closing permanently

Broadway Cinemas closed for good on May 15, leaving Tillsonburg without a movie theatre. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Tillsonburg is about to become a town without a movie theatre.

Broadway Cinemas posted an announcement recently saying the theatre “will cease operations following the last screening of the day on May 15, 2025.” This is an end of almost three decades of operation of the tri-screen theatre. It leaves Tillsonburg in a unique situation, as most towns with 20,000 people have a movie theatre, unless part of a metropolitan area.

Owner Kent Rapley was asked to comment, but did not respond by press time.

Those contacted lamented about the loss of the theatre, particularly for young people.

“I personally have some great memories there with my family, “ said Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce President Megan Causyn. “It’s unfortunate that we won’t have the opportunity going forward to stay in our town to watch a newly-released movie in a larger-than-life theatre. This closure will also remove much-needed job opportunities for some of our younger residents, where they learn first-hand about customer service and working hard. It is unfortunate that we are losing this icon in our community.”

Chamber CEO Ashley Edwards was also sad to see the closure.

“It’s always tough to say goodbye to a place that’s been part of our community for so long,” she said. “The local movie theater wasn’t just where we went to see movies — it was where memories were made, first dates happened, and families spent time together. We’re grateful for everything it brought to our town over the years. While we’re sad to see it go, we hope folks will keep showing up for the other small businesses that help make our community special."

Mayor Deb Gilvesy called the closure the end of an era.

“The closure of Broadway Cinemas marks the end of an era and a significant loss to our community,” she said. “For decades, it served as more than just a place to watch films—it was a gathering space where families bonded and friends met for great entertainment. Its presence brought life to Broadway and offered an accessible, affordable source of entertainment for all ages. Losing it means more than just losing a screen—it means losing a shared experience and a piece of our town’s identity.”

Valanti Vatilitous, owner of adjacent Olive Eatery, had some customers come for dinner before a movie. She recently saw huge line-ups for Minecraft.

“I am sad to see them go,” she said. “What else is there for kids to do?”

Former Mayor Cam McKnight and Walter Kleer opened the theatre in the mid-1990s. McKnight recalled the Strand had close a year earlier, he was mayor and a town-commissioned study of what people would like identified the need for a theatre. When there were no takers, he said to Kleer, “Maybe we should do it.”

“It’s unfortunate but given the times it’s not entirely surprising,” he said, elaborating more people streaming online since Covid, followed by the writer’s strike and now possible movie tariffs have taken a toll.

“It’s something we put a lot of effort and thought in and I’m saddened to hear it,” Kleer said.

He also acknowledged the influence of streaming at home, and added, “To go see something on the big screen and sound, it’s a night out.”

Saying it wasn’t a business that would make tons of money, McKnight said at the time studios took 90 per cent of the box office revenue from big blockbusters for the first month, and then 80 per cent after four weeks. The rate for smaller movies wasn’t as high. He said the concession stand was what made the money.

The philosophy when Broadway Cinemas opened was to keep the box office price down to get more people in. Kleer recalls a $4.25 entrance fee and Toonie Tuesdays.

Kleer and McKnight hired Len Walker as the manager. Eventually, Walker purchased the theatre, partnering with Mary LePage and Eric Ball. Rapley, who founded Kwic Internet with his wife Cindy, is also the owner of the Strand Theatre in Simcoe.