We are perhaps the only non-profit organization in North America operating a first-run movie theatre (The Salmar Grand).  A reality that we can ALL be proud of - for it is YOU that makes it possible.

The Early Years

In 1946 a committee of Salmon Arm residents 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.

The 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 It soon became apparent that the Rex Theatre building and equipment were outdated and it was decided that a new theatre should be constructed.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 commenced in 1956 and the Salmon Arm Memorial Arena was ready for use on July 1, 1958. Surplus revenues from the operation of the Salmar were directed to the arena. 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 sport and recreation, health care and the arts.

The Entertainment Industry: A growing theatre business

Theatre revenues have been used to continually upgrade and enhance the Salmar Classic Theatre. In the ‘70’s, the Salmar was renovated and new projection equipment purchased. In ’84, further renovations, including renovation of the lobby, enlargement of the stage and installation of special lighting for live performances were completed. The Alexander Street facade of the Salmar, including signage, was upgraded.  In 2006 the seats were replaced, and in 2007 a digital projector added the technology to bring us forward into the future.

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 operation of the Association would remain commercially viable. The new Salmar Grand Cinemas on Hudson Street was opened May 16, 1997. The large capacity created by the Salmar Grand allows for a wide variety of movies, often on the same release date as in larger centres.

Today

Our primary mandate at The Salmar Classic Theatre is to provide organizations and individuals alike with a first-class, 282 seat venue for shows, meetings, and parties of all kinds.  When we are not renting the facility to groups such as The Shuswap Film Society, Okanagan College, or The Folk Music Society, we continue to show the best of Hollywood fare!