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COVID-19 Measures
There will be no concession sales available at show as of Dec. 19, 2021.
Vaccination Records:
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As of January 4, 2022, the province of Ontario is requiring all vaccine records be presented in the form of the province’s QR code.
What does this mean for you, our guests?
The ByTowne Cinema will only accept QR code vaccination records as of January 4. QR codes will be scanned and must be verified with a piece of identification.
QR codes will be accepted in either digital format or as a print out. Unfortunately, the original vaccination records without a QR code will not be accepted at all, as of January 4.
For members, we must now require your vaccination record on every visit. We apologize for this inconvenience and ask for your patience and cooperation as we navigate the provincial health department’s guidelines.
Individuals can download their enhanced certificate with QR code by visiting https://covid-19.ontario.ca/get-proof/. You can also call the provincial vaccine centre at 1-833-943-3900 and request your QR code document be mailed to you. Most library branches can also assist with printing out the document, should you need assistance.
Please note that any exemptions must now be approved and verified by the provincial health department, and will come with their own QR code document.
Other public health measures, including mask wearing and physical distancing, remain in place at the ByTowne. Masks must be worn at all times, except when actively eating or drinking.
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For those under 12, double-vaccination is not required. Masks will be required for all theatre patrons, with the exception of when seated AND eating or drinking.
- For more information on the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines, please visit www.covid-19.ontario.ca.
Here's how we are keeping our customers and staff as safe as possible:
- As of Nov. 1, we are running at a reduced capacity, though the province does allow us to operate at 100 per cent. For the safety of our guests and staff, we have chosen not to do so. Seat spacing will no longer be buffered and will instead return to general admission. We ask our guests to keep their own personal distancing in mind.
- As mandated by Ottawa Public Health, mask-wearing is required from customers and staff in public buildings; the only exception to this rule at the ByTowne is for seated customers while they are eating or drinking.
- Breaks between film screenings have been extended to make exiting & entering less rushed/crowded, and so that staff can disinfect high-touch surfaces in the auditorium and lobby areas more thoroughly.
- Our HVAC system has been upgraded so that more fresh air is being circulated in the building.
- Plexiglas has been installed at our concession stand as an extra barrier between customer and staff.
- Hand sanitizer is available at locations throughout the lobby and auditorium.
- Debit/touchless payment is now available!
- Not only that, you can book your tickets online for any film we have scheduled. (Not a safety thing, but buying tickets in advance, either online or in person, is a good idea for weekends as we do still have slightly restricted capacity.
- As mandated by public health agencies, we are collecting contact information for all patrons. If you have bought your tickets online, we will have your email address. If you buy your tickets in person, we will ask you to sign our contact tracing book and leave your email address and/or phone number.
As to how you can help keep you, me, and everyone we know safe, while still coming to the movies:
- Please wear your masks! Properly (ie over your nose and mouth)! Unless you are seated and snacking!
- Make sure not to 'crowd' anyone else (patrons or staff); 2 metres distance, PLUS wearing a mask, is best practice wherever possible. (Everyone should know what 2 metres is by now.)
- Have your tickets, vaccination, ID (and membership, if applicable) ready to show to the usher when you arrive to keep the (distanced) queue running efficiently. If you bought your tickets online, find the barcode on your reservation to show to the cashier or usher.
- Please be patient! This is a very unusual time, and we're all still adjusting to the (seemingly) continual changes to 'normal' life.
