The operator of a local drive-in movie theatre is rejoicing after getting cleared to open by the provincial government.
On Saturday morning, it was announced that Ontario's emergency order was being amended to allow drive-in theatres to reopen and start showing films again as of Sunday.
Richard Schiefer, operator of The Boonies Drive-In Theatre near Tilbury, said it was welcome news after weeks of uncertainty. Schiefer said now he is just waiting to hear what restrictions the theatre will have to comply with in order to operate.
"We're hoping to get a lot of people in," he exclaimed. "I'm just hoping they don't restrict us to 50 cars like they have in [British Columbia]. Fifty cars isn't too many."
A release sent out by the provincial government said the drive-in theatres could reopen with restrictions but did not specify what the restrictions are. The release also stated that the use of washrooms will be allowed provided health and safety requirements are followed.
Schiefer said he, along with operators of drive-ins across Ontario, have already been putting plans in place over the last two months to ensure they are ready to operate when the time came.
"I have nine-foot spacing between each car so even when you open the door, you're still six feet from the other car," he explained. "That's how I have it set up for right now."
In addition, Schiefer said he has already met with the health unit to ensure the theatre's concession stand is up to par for the season and cleared to run.
According to Schiefer, The Boonies Drive-In Theatre is set to reopen on June 5 as he spends the next few days figuring out the upcoming movie lineup.
He added that the support from patrons over the last little while has been great.
"The website should be up and running with updated bookings and our event schedule should be [all set up on Wednesday.] I've got to go through my booker and see what movies are available...Thanks to everyone for helping us out, we hope to keep the season going," said Schiefer.
On Saturday, the province also announced that batting cages will be permitted to open on Sunday in addition to the reopening of select campgrounds on Monday for backcountry camping.