With the acquisition of the adjacent flower shop, The Kiwanis Club of Forest undertook a significant expansion and capital renovation of the historic Kineto Theatre in downtown Forest. This included:

1. Main level: state of the art lobby, concession, accessible washrooms, accessible theatre seating, new marquee, community room
2. Lower level: industrial kitchen, serving area, unisex washroom, updated and accessible community room

The project was a facelift for one of the oldest, continuously operating movie theatres in the world.  We continued to improve and enhance this special heritage facility for the benefit of our entire community as Forest Kiwanians have done for the past fifty years.  The all-in project budget was $1,500,000 which included the building contract, architect/engineer fees, marquee, kitchen equipment and accessories, donor wall, electronics, permits and licences.

These improvements made our facility safe and welcoming, effective, efficient and aesthetically pleasing. The Kineto Theatre is considered by people far and wide to be “a jewel” in our community and we believe these were needed enhancements that would continue to bring people to Forest for years to come.  As a point of interest, over the past five years, Kiwanis Club of Forest has donated more than $150,000 throughout the Forest community.

Our facility is more than just a movie theatre. Owned and operated by the Kiwanis Club of Forest it holds a unique and special place in the community. It is a people place that provides movie entertainment throughout the year for families and people of all ages. It is a cultural place that hosts film festivals, concerts, art exhibits, wine and food tastings. It is an educational place that also hosts special educational film presentations and guest speakers for both schools and the community at large. It is a community place that brings people together.