Fergus Legion opens Riverside Events Centre

FERGUS – The Riverside Events Centre is officially open and ready for bookings.

The facility, formerly known as the Fergus Legion Hall, is still in the same location at 500 Blair St. and is still owned and operated by the Fergus Legion.

But the facelift, new accessible washrooms, revamped bar and upgrades to the commercial kitchen were on full display on Jan. 18 as Legion members and local dignitaries cut the ribbon on the new venture.

“We’re pleased and very excited,” said Legion president Randy Graham in his opening remarks.

Graham noted the executive conducted a survey a few years ago to glean the views and thoughts of the community as they grappled with how to attract use of the facility.

Taking those suggestions to heart, the Legion has invested in the rental hall, rebranded it as the Riverside Events Centre and hired an event coordinator to facilitate bookings – all at an “affordable” price, officials say.

Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Joseph Racinsky presented Graham with a certificate congratulating the Legion on the initiative.

“There are not many places like this in Centre Wellington,” he said. “I congratulate you on your ingenuity and tenacity to look for needs in the community and then fill them.”

Mayor Shawn Watters predicted that with a growing community, “this will have a lot of activity. And I love that this will be affordable.”

Event coordinator Virginia Gallop said rental rates vary depending on many considerations, but most will cost less than $1,000 for non-members and even less for Legion members.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Fergus branch is accepting new members for free.

“So if you’re planning a wedding or some other event, this is a great year to join the Legion,” Gallop said.

Rental of the hall includes the bar and bar staff, free parking, a universal washroom and access to an outdoor patio that overlooks the Grand River.

There are round or square tables available and also a podium and sound system for those who need it. A projector is available to rent.

For food, the event space can provide in-house catering for lighter fare like luncheons or snacks.

Dinners can also be provided in-house but with limited selection.

“You can also bring in your own caterer,” Gallop said, noting the kitchen was recently upgraded. The kitchen can also be rented separately.

Gallop said a couple rented the kitchen a few days before Christmas to do an enormous amount of baking. Small businesses might rent it to make their products if they don’t otherwise have access to a commercial kitchen.

“It’s a good space for not-for-profits to hold multi-day events,” she added, noting volunteers can break down and set up for a quick turnover.

“We don’t offer wedding planning per se, but we have a growing list of entertainers, officiants, photographers and so on who might be able to help plan a wedding,” Gallop said.

She added the venue has already hosted a few weddings, celebrations of life, corporate and community group functions.

Hammerlock Pure Wrestling is bringing its show to the venue on March 15, proving there is no end to the variety of events it can accommodate, officials say.

For more information, call 226-384-9501, email info@riversideeventscentre.ca or visit riversideeventscentre.ca.