Humber Cinema

One of Toronto's oldest movie theatres is closing

For almost a decade, the future of the Humber Cinema, located at Jane and Bloor streets, has been uncertain.

But tomorrow, the 1940s cinema is closing for good and will likely be replaced by a condominium.

"It has been an incredible journey, however every journey must come to an end," states a post on the theatre's website.

The theatre has an odd history of opening and closing, but this seems to be the official goodbye.

In 2003, the cinema closed. Almost a decade later, Rui Pereira, who also owned the Kingsway Theatre on Bloor near Royal York, resurrected it.

Then, in 2012 there was some confusion on the management side of things. The Humber posted on their Facebook page that the theater was closing, yet again.

But, Pereira said that the cinema was being "hijacked" by its real estate developer.

Just hours later, the cinema was back on schedule. The developer said Pereira hadn't paid rent in months. Meanwhile, Pereira said the theater was his and the developer had no business locking him out.

Regardless of what the real story was, the theatre stayed open.

But now, condo developer Plazacorp has submitted plans for a 12-storey mixed-use condominium.

Humber Cinema

A rendering of condo that will replace Humber Cinema. Image via Plazacorp.

Moviegoers have tried to petition against the proposal in hope of making the cinema an historic landmark, but the plans seem to be moving forward. 

If you want to catch a final glimpse of the old school cinema, tomorrow will be the final date to do it.

Lead photo by

Andrei.P


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Film

Ryan Reynolds was just given one of Canada's highest honours

New movie from Toronto director stars TikTok heartthrob Noah Beck

Cineplex might be offering free refills in Canada but they still charge $5 for water

Netflix is releasing a bunch of new movies and shows filmed in Ontario

New film about Ontario Place to kick off movie theatre reopening in Toronto

Cineplex quietly increases movie ticket prices in Canada

Here's what's filming in Toronto this fall and winter

Toronto film festival puts a spotlight on movies you won't see anywhere else