New ownership is set to take over at The Movie Mill in south Lethbridge. (File photo: LNN)

By Joel Mendelson / Justin Goulet

That’s a wrap on Binning family’s ownership of The Movie Mill

Apr 18, 2024 | 2:59 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The credits are rolling on the ownership of The Movie Mill.

The Lethbridge cinema has been owned and operated for three decades by Leonard Binning and his wife Debra, with two of their three children joining along the way.

However, Binning says the theatre is moving forward under new ownership. He explains that they have gradually sold off parts of the business over the past few years.

He explains that the individuals who approached the Binnings about the theatre’s ownership bought out the original shareholders, including Len and his wife, but their children retained a stake in the company.

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He adds his son took on the role of general manager, while the elder Binnings “continued to run [operations] in the background”. Now, those that bought in two-and-a-half years ago are fully taking over ownership.

“We felt at peace and that it’s time for retirement,” Binning remarks.

“I had heart surgery about four weeks ago, which I’m recovering really well from, but we’ve got some other things on our plate health-wise and you know, for 30 years we never had an off-switch.”

He continues, “It was Sunday dinner conversation, it was continual family texting, so much so that the spouses of the children would take themselves out of the group because that’s all we seemed to talk about was movies. It was definitely and still is a big love in our lives.”

He attributes the family’s success in the industry to their love of film, and notes they will continue going to the theatre as guests, but in terms of business, the Binnings will no longer be connected to The Movie Mill.

“That’s officially the end,” he says.

“There may be some consulting along the way but I think our hat is being hung and we’re calling it a day and that doesn’t come without some tears. We’re very emotional but we feel at peace and we know that we’ve done our best, and it’s time to move on.”

Binning also thanks the community for its support over the years, saying, “The comments we’re getting from the community are heartwarming and they really tell us we did a good job.”

The Movie Mill was first opened in Lethbridge in August 1994.

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