View of the drive-in at the mall in August, 2011. (Facebook/ Kevin Tetz)

By Nigel Maxwell

Local attractions

Drive-in theatre returning to Gateway Mall

Apr 12, 2019 | 2:07 PM

A little piece of nostalgia is returning to the Gateway Mall, in the form of a drive-in theatre on the roof.

The mall’s General Manager Sharon Faul said the plan is to run the drive-in from mid May until the end of September or early October, weather permitting.

“Our rooftop has the potential to hold 750 vehicles. I don’t know if we will get quite that many up to see a show at one time but we do have the potential to host a lot of folks,” she said.

The idea is not a new one. A number of years ago the Gateway Mall partnered with the Downtown Business Improvement District to make it happen. Faul said she received a lot of positive feedback in the past.

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“It’s a nostalgic type experience and lot of folks remember as a kid going to the drive-in theatre here in Prince Albert,” she said. “People want to do things rather than buy things these days.”

According to the mall manager, the giant screen would likely be located in this corner of the roof. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

paNOW learned the idea for the drive-in this year was proposed by a local couple who, with the help of an investor, will supply the screen as well as the transmitter, concession, projector, portable toilets, as well as paying for the costs associated with bringing in the movies. The couple, who have asked not to be identified, stressed they did not want public recognition.

“I want to bring people together, my community together,” he said, adding they hope their idea will help inspire others to invest in the community.

The silent partner said the drive-in at the mall is part of a much larger project idea for the downtown, which could cost upwards of $2.5 million. He said he did not want to disclose any further information at this time until more details are confirmed.

“I want everyone to understand that I am truly doing all this to unify and better our community. To bring back that sense of community love and pride,” he said.

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Nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell