“We’re very, very pleased to have this opening again,” said Christine Francoeur the mayor of Fort Coulonge. Francoeur went on to say that Toller should learn the popcorn recipe of the Doyles, the previous owners, in order to emulate their success.

“The theatre here is the legacy of the Doyle family,” said Toller. “In the 1940s, Joe and Jane Doyle began to show movies in the parish hall across the street. In the 1950s, they built the Lyn Cinema, naming it after one of their daughters.”

Toller plans to renovate the interior and exterior of the building with the intention of keeping the original 1950’s aesthetic.

Toller hopes that this recent venture will contribute to strengthening the economy of both Fort Coulonge and the wider region. Once operational she hopes to hire a projection operator, and at least two people to man the concession stands.

“A theatre is an amenity that not only can improve the quality of life for the residents here, but also serves as an attraction to visitors and new residents and businesses,” she said.

It will operate for six months each year from May until the end of October. It will be closed from November until the end of April.

The theatre will showcase new film releases and also host local theatrical productions, with a focus on the French language.

Once open, this will become the third business Toller is operating in the Pontiac, which she must juggle with her responsibilities as the warden of the MRC.

She plans to learn the theatre business from Murray Adolph, who owns the O’Brien theatre in Renfrew.

“I believe I have the energy, and if all goes well, I’ll be turning this over to some very capable people,” said Toller.

Toller is hoping to have the grand opening of the theatre in May, though didn’t commit to a specific date.

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