In the 60's it was 1 gigantic room and screen, with burgundy crush velvet pull up seats, with aisle lights and a uniformed usher with flashlight, also had a large full length upper balcony.

In February 2009, the Imperial 8 closed completely for several months, citing structural problems, lack of parking, and declining ticket sales.

[2] It was later purchased by local businessman Mark Porter and reopened on November 27, 2009[3][failed verification] under the rebranded 'Barrie Uptown Theatre', including a licensed bar and reclining seats.

[4] The property was later sold for redevelopment and closed its doors for regular screenings on October 31, 2019.

However, organizers for the Barrie Film Festival still planned to use the theatre for the "foreseeable future".