Branch #36 of the Royal Canadian Legion has been undergoing a much-needed transformation. Over the past year, they have installed two large windows into what had been a dark lounge in desperate need of daylight. They have also added on a permanent outdoor patio which overlooks Station Square and became the best seat in the house for the Wednesday Summer Socials this past summer.
The transformation continues inside the lounge. With the sale of the hall portion of the building this past spring, the Legion received a welcome infusion of cash which has allowed the executive to start to update the space which for years has been held together with duct tape and prayers. For many years the branch has not been in a position to spend money, although the executive has long realized that they would need to do so in order to attract clientele and keep the doors open.
The decision to sell a portion of the building did not come easily, however, the option to lease the underutilized space was not practical. Expensive repairs would have been required to bring the hall portion of the building up to a standard that would have made it legal and safe to lease to prospective tenants. This would have cost money the Legion did not have, and ultimately would have forced the branch to close its doors. Recognizing this, the membership voted to sell the space in 2017.
When Andrew Hayden and Jillian Rutherford came forward with the offer to purchase the space to house Fernie Distillers, it was the opportunity the Fernie Legion needed.
The new bar, surfaced with hardwood flooring, and surrounded by corrugated steel is nearing completion. This bar will have a whole new tap set up, new sinks, glasswasher and ice machine. It is modern, and yet the repurposed artillery shell lighting over the bar keeps the military feel and yet looks unique.
Upon completion of the new bar area, the old bar and cooler will be razed and the space opened up to allow for another pool table and more seating. New flooring and new ceiling tiles will finish this stage of the renovations. If successful in their application for funding, new washrooms will be added to the to-do list.
From The Free Press