Rumours that SilverCity Riverport has a bed bug problem are being quashed.
Local media reported last weekend that a movie-goer from Vancouver found the pests crawling over her skin minutes after the film began.
The report prompted a probe that brought in Richmond health officials and Deltas Abell Pest Control to put an end to the rumours.
We received a concern from a guest. We treated it very seriously, said Kyle Moffatt, director of communications for Cineplex.
The theatre company brought in a bed bug sniffing dog, he said, that did not find any sign of bed bugs on the premises in the past or present.
The theatre does not have bed bugs, said Moffatt.
City of Richmond spokesman Ted Townsend said he was aware of the report.
It appears to be an isolated incident, said Townsend. Our understanding is that Richmond Health has looked into it and there was no evidence of an infestation.
He suggested that the bed bugs could have been carried into the theatre on someones clothing.
However, bed bugs are not unusual to the area.
My understanding is that bed bugs are a problem throughout the region, generally, in association with parts of Vancouver more so than with Richmond. In fact, its become quite a common problem throughout North America, but Im not aware of it being as serious in Richmond, he said.
Bed bugs may be a nuisance but they are not considered a public health concern as they are not disease-carriers.
Because of this, explained Vancouver Coastal Healths media relations officer Anna Marie DAngelo, We dont track them.
