Community cinema would be better use of TD

Editor:
I’m among those who believe that tearing down the bank building would be a sadly missed opportunity. Try to imagine the cost of re-creating a similar structure, fully serviced with heat, hydro, wash rooms, etc. There’s even a ramp already in place for the disabled.
Expanding the gardens into a ‘park’ would certainly be a handsome addition to the streetscape, but as a creative response to the space, it would fail the test of utility, not to mention active community involvement. The garden as it is, is mainly enjoyed in the act of moving through it.
I propose instead, a use for the building that would add immeasurably to the cultural and business life of Creemore, becoming a four-season rain or shine, 24/7 destination for every one of us, as well as our neighbours from nearby towns. It would be a magnet that would draw dollars into the village and turn whole families into fans.
The same digital technology that allows an ATM to perform so many functions of a local bank has revolutionised the film industry. First, there is no film. Any digital source can be projected (and without a projectionist. A push of a button is all that’s needed. Think of the possibilities:)
• Independent films, like “The King’s Speech”, which never come to the Galaxy-type theatres. The goal is to have a family here invite friends from Elmvale for “dinner and a movie” to see a film the week it comes out, without paying Toronto prices.
• Children’s films, the whole Disney series, going back to Snow White
• Locally produced films. How many Creemorians have seen the excellent documentary about the rise of the Brewery?
• School groups to watch films that enlighten their generation on important issues, like race, immigration, the environment.
• Live events which are so much better when seen with a crowd (Game 7 of the NBA Raptor/Bucks series. Provincial and Federal Election Nights).
The idea here is that different groups would coalesce around different presentations, the programming of which is a bottom-up process.
What’s most compelling is the presence of Doug Minette, Mulmur resident and owner of the Guelph Cinema, which he built from unused space in his bookstore several years ago. Doug knows all the in’s and out’s the business and has made a profit since Day One (of course, Doug runs his as a business. Ours would be a community service).
Finally, the Streetscape. What can I say? The movie theatre is one of the truly iconic architectural forms in the 20th century. I would have a competition, inviting the competitors to research small town movie theatres and modern counterparts to find the best melding of the two chosen. It would be great to create the façade behind hoardings and the big reveal on opening night.
Andy Barrie,
Mumur.