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The Classic

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The backside of the Salmar Clasic Movie Theatre. Here follows the history of this unique and rare, independent theatre. It's long so I won't be offened if you don't read it all, but as a member I am very proud of this organization
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In 1946 a committee of Salmon Arm residents was formed to consider the creation of a memorial to those who had served in the Second World War. The decision was made to construct an arena for that purpose which would also meet the needs of the community for skating and ice hockey facilities.

A committee was formed to investigate sources of financing for this project and it was decided to purchase the existing Rex Theatre from monies raised by the sale of debentures and non-interest bearing shares. It soon became apparent that the Rex Theatre building and equipment were outdated and it was decided that a new theatre should be constructed. The Salmon Arm Community Association was incorporated in 1949 and in the same year the Salmar Theatre was constructed and officially opened for business.

A separate organization had been formed in the meantime to secure funds for the construction of the proposed arena. Construction was commenced in 1956 and the Salmon Arm Memorial Arena was ready for use on July 1, 1958. Surplus were directed to the arena until responsibility for the operation of the arena was assumed by local government.

With the future of the arena assured, the objectives of the Association were expanded to include many other worthwhile community endeavours including the sport and recreation, health care and the arts. Theatre revenues were also used to upgrade and enhance the Salmar. In the mid 1970's, the Salmar was renovated and new projection equipment was purchased. In 1984, further renovations, including reconstruction of the lobby, enlargement of the stage and installation of special lighting to encourage live performances, were completed. In 1990 the Alexander Street facade of the Salmar, including signage, was upgraded. Technical improvements to projection and sound equipment continued to be made on an ongoing basis.


By 1992 it became apparent that the operations of the Association needed to be expanded both to service the entertainment needs of a rapidly growing community and to ensure that the operations of the Association would remain commercially viable. After considerable discussion it was determined that the Association would undertake the construction of a new theatre complex.

Many issues, including the location and design of the new complex were considered and dealt with over the next several years. A suitable site was located on a portion of an undeveloped public parking lot on Hudson Avenue. It was then determined that a multiplex facility would be constructed, with four separate movie screens sharing a common projection room, lobby and other facilities. Financing was secured and the construction commenced in October of 1996. The new complex was officially opened to the public as Salmar Grand Cinemas on May 16, 1997.

The theatre capacity created by Salmar Grand Cinemas allows the Association to offer a wide variety of movies, often on the same date they were released in larger cities. The Association continues to operate the Salmar Classic Theatre as a venue for film society and second run movies as well as live performances.

The Salmar still operates as a charitable society, it's many contributions to the town include donations towards a new two sheet arena, indoor soccer field, the hospital and numerous scholorships.

Salmar Grand

Salmar Classic
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© 2007 - 2024 Katjakay
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InShinFrog's avatar
wow....great story and great shot :) .....if we lived near it I'd MAKE him take me to see pirates coz it's such a cool building.