All good things must come to an end, and that includes Metro Vancouver’s last drive-in theatre.
The Twilight Drive-In theatre, the last of its kind in Metro Vancouver, closed for good on Monday, September 30. It was announced last year that this would be their last year due to rising property taxes.
Aldergrove’s Twilight Drive-In theatre opened up in 2005 and was a place where people could watch their favourite movies under the stars in the comfort of their own vehicles.
Last night at Twilight Drive-In #Aldergrove pic.twitter.com/HplUNYcYv7
— Kyler Emerson (@AeKyler) October 1, 2024
Bitter sweet, last night was the last show for the Twilight Drive In in Aldergrove pic.twitter.com/ySwyryLJS4
— Scott Spitters (@scott_spitters) October 1, 2024
“It is with heavy heart that we announce today that next season will be the last for the drive-in. Due to a 260% increase in property taxes over the last 3 years, and with 72% this year alone, our landlord has informed us that they will not be renewing our lease,” said the drive-in theatre at the time.
4th straight weekend at Twilight Drive-In, soaking in the last few memories and experiences here. Tonight is my 2nd to last night here. Tomorrow I’ll be shedding some tears for sure. pic.twitter.com/eUvTvA7QNR
— Sasha Goundar (@SashaGoundar) September 29, 2024
The theatre owners made a “last ditch effort” to save the drive-in with a lease extension, but were told that there would still be a rent increase.
“Over our offseason, we made a last ditch effort to save the drive-in and see if our landlord would give us a lease extension. However, they were still wanting a 2.4x rent increase. That, coupled with the exponential increase in property taxes over the last 5 years, has made operating the drive-in no longer viable.”
“It has been a remarkable journey since we first welcomed you on September 1, 2005”
Following their last screening, the drive-in theatre took a moment to thank everyone for supporting them over the years.
“It has been a remarkable journey since we first welcomed you on September 1, 2005. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support, love and patronage over these past 19 years,” reads a post on their Facebook page.
“Your smiles, gasps, laughter, applause and honks will echo in our hearts. Though this chapter is closing, we hope everyone created some great family memories that will stay with you forever.”