FERGUS – Fergus Legion Branch 275 has come up with a new way to generate income and serve the community at the same time.
And on Jan. 18, Legion officials are holding a grand opening for its newly renovated and rebranded Riverside Events Centre.
The venue can hold up to 200 people; there’s a full commercial kitchen, a universal washroom, and it’s ready for weddings, corporate events, concerts and other functions – all at an “affordable” price, according to Legion president Randy Graham.
Caught between its mandate to help war veterans receive services, its obligation to maintain its building at 500 Blair St. in Fergus, and its desire to serve the community, the executive struck a strategic planning committee some five years ago.
A lot of things came out of that, but the most dramatic was identifying the need for an events centre in this fast-growing community.
There are a few places in the township that can accommodate larger events Graham said, listing the GrandWay Events Centre and the Elora Mill as “fantastic venues, but on the pricier side.”
The Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex used to book events and weddings, but it is now focusing on sporting events, leaving a void in this type of facility.
“With the community growing, it does need more event centres,” Graham said. “So we put a different set of clothes on the building and purposely rebranded the hall.”
Other Legions have gone this route as well, Graham added.
“They’ve found that live music has the best draw for people. We’re following the same path,” he said.
The Legion added a universal washroom that’s wheelchair accessible and also has a baby changing station.
It has a new fryer in the kitchen, a new bar area, an updated stage and new awnings outside the building.
And when you add fairy lights, tablecloths and floral centrepieces, it’s quite lovely and suitable for a bride and groom, officials say.
The bar at the Fergus Legion has also been updated as part of Riverside Events Centre.
Graham said he hopes the updated venue will serve another purpose too: Attracting young people to the hall and changing the perception the Legion is only for old war vets.
“We realize there’s some stigma to overcome – that the Legion is a drinking place for old fogies,” he said.
“We’re not that, and now we’re increasing awareness that we’re a place in the community that can hold events at a reasonable price.”
Graham said the Fergus Legion has more than 500 members and young people are joining.
“We have a good executive and we’re in a good place going forward,” he added.
The Fergus Legion received a $65,000 grant to help with the renovation, but the upgrades still cost more than $50,000.
Graham expects it will take two or three years to earn that back, “but our goal is to be profitable,” he said.
“We have to make money to keep the Legion going. Because we own the building, there’s heat, hydro, insurance … Major expenses can come along and blindside you.”
Being in a better financial position will ensure the longevity of the institution, which supports many causes in the community along with its regular programs.
“We’re pretty excited about it,” he said. “I think people will be impressed.”
The open house is Jan. 18 from 2 to 4pm at the Riverside Events Centre, 500 Blair St. in Fergus.
Anyone interested in booking the hall can visit riversideeventscentre.ca, email info@riversideeventscentre.ca or call 226-384-9501.
Riverside Events Centre is also suitable for corporate events, officials say.
