Slight changes to Brock’s movie nights for 2025

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

BROCK: At the Township of Brock committee meeting, on Monday, October 21st, councillors reviewed a staff report from Alicia Bagshaw, Recreation and Leisure Coordinator, regarding the Township's Outdoor Movies initiative. The report provided an update on the 2024 events and outlined recommendations for the 2025 season.

The 2024 program included six outdoor movies, double the number offered in 2023, with two screenings in each of the three communities. However, the analysis revealed, while some screenings had moderate attendance, others had very low turnout. For instance, one event in Cannington drew no attendees. Staff suggested, late start times in the summer months might have deterred families with young children, and increasing the number of movies may have diminished the novelty and planning around these events.

Some residents expressed a preference for indoor screenings, to avoid issues like mosquitoes and late start times, though others enjoyed the outdoor setting. In terms of finances, the township spent $3,425 on six movies, slightly exceeding the budgeted $3,390.

To address these concerns, staff recommended reducing the number of movies in 2025, with a more strategic focus on creating family-friendly event atmospheres. The proposed format includes five events, spread throughout the year, featuring outdoor movies in June, August, and October, and an indoor holiday-themed event in December. The October event would include a Halloween double feature, while the December event would feature a holiday movie, pictures with Santa, and family activities.

Councillors passed a motion, moved by Ward 3 Councillor Angela Canavan, to continue with Outdoor Movie nights and to collaborate with community organizations to enhance the events. The council also endorsed the idea of planning autumn and winter family events, with movie screenings as central attractions.