The grand opening of the new Legion building is set to take place on May 25.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 99 is moving into the old Shrine Club building located at 51 Highland Ave.
Vice President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 99 Mike Benson tells Quinte News that the Legion has been eagerly anticipating the grand opening.
“We’ve totally renovated the place,” Benson tells Quinte News. “(We have been) tearing down walls, fresh paint, new bar job. All our stuff is in there now. People who have seen it so far are really shocked with the way it looks and we’re overly eager to show the rest of the public in Belleville just what the Legion is and what we’ve got to offer.”
The Legion takes over the building under a five-year lease where the Legion will not have to pay rent but will be responsible for the utilities and maintenance of the building.
Benson says demand is already high.
“New people are coming in and becoming members of the Legion. They’re renewing their memberships with the Legion. People are booking the hall left, right and centre. Most of June is pretty much booked solid already so if that’s an indication of what the rest of the year is gonna be like we’re really excited about that,” Benson said.
The old Legion building on Pinnacle Street was torn down to make way for parking at the new Memorial Marketplace.
Benson said it was a sad milestone to see the building go down but ultimately the Legion is moving forward.
“It’s bit of a landmark for Belleville. For as long as I can remember, it’s been on Pinnacle Street. You went up Pinnacle Street, you knew what the building was. You didn’t have to read the name,” Benson said.
“There’s obviously reasons behind it coming down. But all in all, we’re pushing forward. We’ve got the new building now.”
The new hours for the building will be 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. The building will be open on Sundays for special occasions.
“You don’t have to be a vet or be a family member of a veteran to be a Legion member anymore. It’s open to the general public. There are perks to being members, but you don’t have to be a member to come and enjoy our facility,” Benson tells Quinte News.
A ribbon cutting ceremony is set to take place at the new building on May 25 at 6 p.m.
Benson says dignitaries from the City of Belleville will be in attendance.
