Salmar Classic Theatre

The Salmar Classic Theatre is a historic movie theatre in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Canada, and the original venue of the Salmar Community Association. The Association was formed in 1946 with the aim of constructing an arena as a memorial to local veterans of World War II. To raise the necessary funds, the group decided to build a movie theatre, and the brand new Salmar Theatre — now known as the Salmar Classic — opened for business in May 1949. Revenue from theatre operations was used to construct the Salmon Arm Memorial Arena, which opened in 1958, and the Association continued to provide financial support to the arena until 1972, when operations were assumed by the District of Salmon Arm. In 1997 the Association built the Salmar Grand Cinemas, a four-screen multiplex that today presents first-run Hollywood movies. The organization describes itself as one of the very first non-profit groups in North America to operate a first-run multiplex. All profits are put back into theatre improvements and into the community: the Association has built a new Legion building across from the Grand, donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local people and groups supporting healthcare, education, sports, and the arts, and helped build playgrounds, fountains, trails, and scholarships for young people. The Salmar Classic Theatre remains part of the Salmar Theatres operation, which serves Salmon Arm and the surrounding region with current films, coming attractions, membership, parties, and Metropolitan Opera screenings. Memberships are available for a one-time fee of $50 and are good for a lifetime, allowing members to vote at the annual general meeting and potentially become a director. The theatre is a community-owned, non-profit cinema rather than a commercial chain, and it continues to operate as a local entertainment and civic institution.

The Salmar Community Association was formed in 1946 for the purpose of constructing an arena as a memorial to local veterans of World War II. It was decided to build a movie theatre to raise the necessary funds, and the brand new Salmar Theatre — the Salmar Classic — opened for business in May 1949. Monies from theatre operations were used to construct the Salmon Arm Memorial Arena, which opened in 1958. The Association continued to provide financial support to the Arena until 1972, when operations were assumed by the District of Salmon Arm. In 1997, the Association built The Salmar Grand Cinemas, a four-plex that today brings first-run Hollywood movies to Salmon Arm. The organization states that it is one of the very first non-profit groups in North America to operate a first-run multiplex. All along, the Association has put 100% of its profits back into theatre improvements and into the community. It built the new Legion building across from the Grand and has given out hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations to local people and groups to support healthcare, education, sports, and the arts. It has helped build playgrounds, fountains, trails, and has helped build better futures for young people through scholarships. The Salmar Classic Theatre remains the original venue of the operation, while the Salmar Grand Cinemas serves as the modern multiplex. Together they operate under the Salmar Theatres banner in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, offering current films, coming attractions, membership, parties, and Metropolitan Opera screenings. Membership costs $50 and is good for a lifetime, allowing members to vote at the annual general meeting and potentially become a director.

• 1997

  The Salmar Grand Cinemas, a four-screen multiplex, was built.

• 1972

  Operations of the Arena assumed by the District of Salmon Arm; Association support ends.

• 1958

  Salmon Arm Memorial Arena opened, funded by theatre operations.

• 1949

  The Salmar Theatre (the Salmar Classic) opened for business in May.

• 1946

  Salmar Community Association formed to construct an arena as a memorial to local World War II veterans.

Non-profit, community-owned cinema that reinvests all profits into theatre improvements and local causes.

• First-run Hollywood films

• Metropolitan Opera screenings

• Membership program

• Private parties

1. 1Salmar Theatres • Salmon Arm, BC • Now Playingsalmartheatre.com
2. 2Salmar Theatres • Salmon Arm, BC • Aboutsalmartheatre.com
3. 3Salmar Classic Theatre - Wikidatawikidata.org