Second World War veterans Armand Denicola and John Kuharchuk - both who served during the D-Day landing at Juno Beach - cut the ribbon to officially reopen the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 43 at its new location on Saturday.
The Legion closed the doors at its former Seventh Avenue location in June last year, after operating at the site since 1962.
"It's been a long haul to get it reopened," branch president Bruce Gabriel said. "A lot of people donated their time and efforts. It's a big relief to not have to fool around with it any more."
Rising costs and declining membership prompted the Legion to sell its former building in 2011. The new location, located at 1116 Sixth Ave., is approximately a quarter the size of the former building and served previously as the Elks Hall.
"Right now we have a fresh start. We've got 95 per cent new equipment. New furniture," Gabriel said. "We're starting off with a few dollars in the bank, and we don't owe anybody any money."
The new facility will be able to seat 130 people with a dance floor, or up to 228 maximum, he said.
While some members didn't renew their membership during the transition period, Gabriel said he's encouraged that members will come back when they see the new facility -and perhaps new ones will join.
"We want to encourage people to come and see what it is all about. The purpose of the Legion is to support veterans, their families and the community," he said. "People can join on their own recognizance, you don't have to have a military connection. We can always use new, younger members."
Ten new members signed up during the Legion's open house following the opening ceremony Saturday morning, Gabriel added.
