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Makeshift drive-in movies get another chance in central Alberta community

Chris Scott, owner of the Whistle Stop Cafe in Mirror, says Alberta Health Services has given him the go-ahead to resume what has become a popular pastime in the area. CREDIT: Facebook/Whistle Stop Cafe

The show will go on in a central Alberta hamlet where impromptu drive-in movies have been screened in a cafe’s parking lot during the COVID-19 shutdown.

Organizer Chris Scott, owner of the Whistle Stop Cafe in Mirror, says Alberta Health Services has given him the go-ahead to resume what has become a popular pastime in the area.

Earlier this week, the health agency told him his mini drive-in was a no go because it violated measures put in place to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus.

READ MORE: ‘We’re very hopeful’: Manitoba drive-in theatres looking at a renaissance

He says on Facebook that he’s received word from a health inspector that he can continue his movie nights as long as he follows rules to be released soon.

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Scott decided to show free movies on a six-metre-wide screen to give Mirror’s 500 residents something to do during the COVID shutdown

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At first, five or six cars showed up, but last Saturday’s movie night drew more than 200 people.

Scott says he’ll be pushing to have window and “delivery to the car” food service available as well as public washrooms.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Alberta phased relaunch strategy will see some restrictions eased Friday

AHS officials have said they will review drive-in movies on a case-by-case basis to try to find ways to let them take place.

–With files from rdnewsNOW

Watch below: (From April 26, 2020) Drive-in movie theatres across Saskatchewan are waiting for the go-ahead to turn on their screens as the province begins its five-phase plan to reopen the economy.

Click to play video: 'Coronavirus: Drive-in operators set sights on summer to open outdoor theatres'
Coronavirus: Drive-in operators set sights on summer to open outdoor theatres

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