For decades, Ottawa’s drive-in theatre was one of the city’s most beloved cultural attractions. Established in the mid-20th century, the open-air cinema entertained both locals and visitors. It was a true innovation in the film industry, transforming the way people watched movies and socialized. The history of Ottawa’s first drive-in theatre is rich and fascinating. It is important to note that before the mid-20th century, Ottawa had outdoor cinemas, but in a completely different format. More details at ottawa-trend.com.
The Rise of Drive-In Theatres in Ottawa
The first drive-in theatres began appearing globally in the early 20th century, and by the mid-century, they had become incredibly popular across North America. Canada was no exception. The country’s first drive-in theatre, “Skyway Drive-In,” opened in Hamilton in 1946. It featured a massive 30×15-metre screen.
Ottawa welcomed its first drive-in cinema in 1948 in the Carling Avenue area. Simply named “Drive-In,” it had a smaller 14×10-metre screen. The theatre was owned by H.J. Ochs, who operated five other drive-in cinemas across Canada.
On its opening night, the drive-in welcomed approximately 1,000 vehicles. Due to the overwhelming number of visitors, police officers were called in to help manage traffic. Many moviegoers were even turned away due to a lack of available parking spaces.
During the mid-20th century, Ottawa’s first drive-in theatre screened the most popular Hollywood films. It also featured children’s cartoons, news reels, and more. That same year, Ottawa saw the opening of a second drive-in theatre, “Auto-Sky,” located on Fisher Avenue.
Outdoor Cinema Before the Drive-In Era
Before the rise of drive-in theatres, movies were shown in enclosed cinemas with limited seating, small screens, and higher ticket prices compared to drive-ins. The new theatres offered visitors a more affordable and comfortable way to enjoy films. Families could drive in together, pay for a single admission, and enjoy a night out. This accessibility made drive-in theatres one of the most popular entertainment options for families.
Moreover, drive-in theatres often operated late into the night, allowing people to enjoy films under the stars from the comfort of their own cars. However, the idea of outdoor movie screenings was not new. As early as the late 19th century, Ottawa used an early motion picture projector, the vitascope, to showcase silent short films on a canvas in West End amusement parks. Nevertheless, this was a different experience from the drive-in cinemas of the mid-20th century.
Ottawa’s first drive-in theatre quickly became a favourite among couples, families, and groups of friends. It was a place for social gatherings, snacks like popcorn, and, most importantly, a unique and memorable movie experience.
By the 1970s and 1980s, drive-in theatres in Ottawa began to decline. The rise of fast-food chains like McDonald’s, which introduced drive-thru services, contributed to this shift. These restaurants offered a similar convenience, allowing families to dine in their cars. Over the years, Ottawa’s drive-in theatres underwent numerous renovations and adaptations to align with evolving entertainment trends. However, by the late 20th century, they began closing one by one.
In the 21st century, drive-in theatres remain a cherished memory for many Ottawans who grew up watching movies under the stars. Today, no drive-in cinemas remain in the nation’s capital. However, they were an important cultural phenomenon of the 20th century, offering an entirely new and unique form of entertainment. Without a doubt, drive-in theatres played a significant role in shaping Ottawa’s cultural history.
