Cineplex Seton theatre to honour firefighters who helped save it
Rising from the ashes of a devastating fire last November, the new Cineplex theatre in the southeast community of Seton is planning to honour Calgary firefighters who helped save the building from disaster.
On Wednesday, the first phase of Cineplex Cinema Seton and VIP will open its doors, months after the 46,000-square-foot complex was gutted by a massive blaze on the same weekend it was set to host a job fair — just weeks before it was set to open.
Seven of the theatre’s auditoriums will open, with its VIP Lounge and four fully licensed VIP auditoriums with luxury recliners aiming to welcome movie-goers in August.
Cineplex president and CEO Ellis Jacob said given the role Calgary ’s firefighters played in saving the facility, there are plans to honour them with a special evening at the theatre when the second phase opens.
“With the construction fire late last year seriously damaging the theatre just weeks before we were scheduled to open, Cineplex Cinemas Seton and VIP is a new theatre that already has a memorable history with the community,” he said.
“We are incredibly thankful for the patience of our partners, staff and Calgary movie-lovers as we worked tirelessly to get this theatre open and, of course, thankful for the Calgary Fire Department. We are looking forward to hosting a VIP-inspired evening for all the firefighters who helped us last year when we open the VIP Cinemas later this summer.”
Fire crews were called to the nearly finished project near the city’s southern periphery last November 4 to find smoke pouring from the complex, prompting a call for additional resources. In total, some 50 firefighters and 13 engines helped quell the blaze.
Investigators determined the fire started in the second row of one of the cinema’s VIP auditoriums, causing heat damage to major electrical arteries and severe smoke damage throughout the building. It’s believed the fire was sparked by an electrical problem, but the exact cause hasn’t been determined.
Fire department spokeswoman Carol Henke said none of the details about the special evening have been worked out, but added members are grateful for the recognition.
“I’d like to thank Cineplex for recognizing the work all Calgary firefighters do everyday to make life better for citizens,” she said.
“With regards to Calgary Fire’s involvement with the much anticipated opening, nothing has been finalized. We’ve spoken with Cineplex about the possibility of participating in a charity event to help with staff training in advance of the opening.”
The Seton theatre, which had initially been slated to open in 2014, boasts some 1,900 seats as well as an UltraAVX auditorium and reclining D -BOX motion seats.