Runnymede Theatre
2223 Bloor Street West,
Toronto,
ON
M6S 1M7
2223 Bloor Street West,
Toronto,
ON
M6S 1M7
3 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Famous Players
Architects: Alfred Chapman
Firms: Chapman & Oxley
Functions: Retail
Styles: Atmospheric
Nearby Theaters
The Runnymede Theatre opened on June 2, 1927 with Mae McEvoy in “The Fire Brigade” and “Rookies”. On February 23, 1972 it opened as a bingo hall, which operated until around 1980. It was reopened as a movie theatre following it being twinned on December 17, 1980 and closed in February 1999.
The Runnymede Theatre reopened as a Chapter’s bookstore in November 1999. The theatre’s Atmospheric style interior is intact and well preserved. In 2014 it became a Shopper’s Drug Mart store, still retaining all original features.
One of only three Atmospheric style theatres still left in Canada.
Contributed by
Jason R
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Recent comments (view all 16 comments)
They’ve lovingly preserved enough of Runnymede, that she could be easily re-converted into a cinema at future date. This is the way to go with older theatres. No more gutting, please.
December ‘09 picture—>
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The Obrien in Renfrew is the same as the runnyemede
Some good news about the Runnymede. The next tenants intend to preserve it. From the Star, November 7th:
“Shoppers Drug Mart will move into the old Runnymede Theatre now occupied by a Chapters Indigo bookstore, but the heritage building will be preserved.”
“We will be retaining all of the existing historical features, interior and exterior, including the stage and interior walls,” according to a statement issued by Shoppers Drug Mart on Thursday.
This theatre was built by Famous Players Canadian Corporation. N. L.Nathanson was the President of F.P.C.C. at this time!!
1927 and 1980 grand opening ads in photo section.
And here’s an article about the Shopper’s Drug Mart that is now open for business.
http://www.thestar.com/business/2015/04/20/shoppers-preserves-and-transforms-historic-runnymede-theatre.html
The ironic thing is that the location that Shoppers is moving from down the street was the former Esquire theatre, but there is no resemblance to what it once was.
Past and present pictures posted in Photos
Twinned on December 17, 1980, closed in February 1999.
The Runnymede was converted into a Bingo Hall on February 23rd, 1972, probably until 1979 or 1980. Ad posted.