It may have taken well over a year to complete, but Royal Canadian Legion Branch 91 in Langford has formally reopened in its entirety after extensive renovations.
The occasion was celebrated with a ribbon cutting, pancake breakfast, games, and live entertainment Saturday (Oct. 14).
The branch’s auditorium was filled with legion members, VIPs, and the general public as they enjoyed the food and entertainment, while others explored the rest of the building on a series of tours to admire the hard work.
For branch president Norm Scott, hosting an open house to mark the official re-opening of the branch in its entirety was a no-brainer.
“I am so thankful to be where we are today, where we can give our members, the community, our seniors, and veterans a place to come and be social, knowing it is a comfortable place to be,” said Scott. “We are open. The legion is open to all. We are a membered club, but our doors are always open to the community.”
Saturday’s official full opening follows several partial reopening events over the past couple of months as Scott, the branch executive, and its dedicated team of volunteers worked to welcome back the membership as quickly as possible – even if it meant only parts of the building were ready.
But now, Scott said all but a few small fishing touches have been completed, and it is business as usual as far as the membership and public will be able to tell.
“This is a great opening. It’s been a long time coming – 18 months – for this to open up,” said Jim Tenhove, this year’s poppy campaign chair for the branch. “This place is going to be hopping for the next year. Event space is booked solid for the next year already.”
Tenhove said the renovations have transformed what was previously a dark and dated space into a bright, airy, and modern spot for people of all ages to come and have a good time.
“All I can say is come and join us. Come and see the new legion. If you are not familiar with the legion, we will tell you what it’s all about,” said Scott.
READ MORE: VIDEO: Inside the renovated Langford Royal Canadian Legion
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