The closure of the World Exchange is a pretty sad move, though, since this news means that there will be zero multi-screen theatres in downtown Ottawa if Lansdowne falls through. (There is the Rainbow Cinema at St. Laurent, but it's mostly second runs.) Empire closed its location at the Rideau Centre last year. The only remaining central theatres are the ByTowne and the Mayfair cinemas, which have one screen apiece. We're still lucky to have the two movie houses, though, since they're the two best places to see films in town! But Ottawans who don't like art house, indies, and alternative films will have to trek out to the 'burbs to see Hollywood's latest. The better idea, I think, is to keep the local folks in business. They show the better movies, anyways.
From The Sun:
The theatre at the World Exchange Plaza could be converted to office space if the owner can’t find another movie company interested in the lease.
Empire Theatres has indicated it won’t renew its lease, which expires Dec. 31. The company, which also has plans for a theatre at Lansdowne Park, is getting out of the movie business....