Winnipeg airport parking lot to turn into drive-in movie theatre

Drive-in theatre at airport The Winnipeg Richardson international airport parking lot will become a drive-in theatre on certain days this summer.

WINNIPEG — If Winnipeggers are looking to go see a movie they will be able to do so at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.

AVentPro is partnering with CAA Manitoba and the Winnipeg Airport Authority to put on the Summer Drive-In Series.

Movies will start being shown nightly starting on June 11 and will be played on a screen at the airport's economy parking lot.

Garry Hale, owner and president of AVentPro, said this event is being put on to help give Winnipeg a sense of community.

"We've been lacking that for the last few months when we have been in lockdown and various stages of quarantine. We wanted to be able to offer the community an opportunity to get together while still maintaining social distancing," said Hale.

(Photo by Scott Andersson)

He added that options are still limited for people and this is a good chance to get the family out of the house and have some fun.

Car passes will be $30 each, plus processing fees, and all money earned will be donated to three organizations who are helping battle COVID-19: the Health Science's Centre Foundation COVID-19 Crisis Response Fund, Winnipeg Harvest and United Way Winnipeg.

Hale said the parking lot can hold around 200 cars and if there are four people per car they could have 800 people at a movie.

“With travel temporarily restricted, we are proud to offer part of our venue and facilities to a longstanding partner, AVentPro, to deliver this memorable experience for the community,” said Barry Rempel, president and CEO of WAA, in a news release. “As an organization, we believe strongly in supporting the community and facilitating innovative ideas that can create a positive impact. We look forward to the airport being the backdrop to this event and being part of something that will help spread joy during this difficult time.”

Organizers said physical distancing measures will be followed and concessions can be purchased online. The concessions will be delivered to customer's vehicles.

Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, but a special pre-sale will be available for all CAA Manitoba members starting on Monday.

Hale added that movies will run until June 28 and if demand is high there is a chance it could run past that date. However, he said that decision is up to the Winnipeg Airport Authority.

For more information on movie times and tickets click here.