Check out the new renovations at the Oliver Legion. Photo by Lyonel Doherty
After two months of renovations the Oliver Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 97) finally has its sparkling new basement.
According to legion president Marty Foss, renovations on the legion’s canteen and lounge finished up two weeks ago, leaving the space modern and fresh.
“We got new tables and chairs, re-did the floor, refinished all the walls and stuff, and just cleaned ‘er all up real nice. We did some nice paint and trim and new lighting too,” he said.
“It’s pretty cool.”
The changes were made possible by the federal government’s New Horizon program. According to the Government of Canada’s website, the program allows the government to financially support “organizations that want to help seniors make a difference in the lives of others in their communities.”
The $25,000 the legion received from New Horizons made all of the renovations possible.
Foss said that during the eight-week renovation the legion was forced to move its canteen and lounge to its upper floor. It was an inconvenient arrangement, “but now we’re back downstairs and we’re ready to open ‘er up.”
He said the legion is already noticing the effects of the renovations, as more members have been showing up to spend time there.
He hopes to build on that momentum by attracting new members, which he thinks the new space will help with.
He admitted the old basement was fairly dated, with “a hodgepodge of things on the walls,” mismatched chairs and rugs that were decades old.
The new matching chairs, vinyl flooring, bar top and paint job make all the difference.
“It’s quite an improvement that way.”
He explained that the legion will hold a grand opening and open house September 19, inviting everyone to swing by and check it out.
Along with the traditional meat draw and refreshments, Foss says the legion plans to prepare “extra fanfare” that night to make the whole event more exciting.
To check out the renovations stop by the legion on September 19. Everyone is welcome.
By Trevor Nichols
