The Royal Canadian Legion Ponoka Branch No. 66 held its official grand opening in its new location on Jan. 18.
To the right from the front entrance opens an attractive sitting area in front of a fire place, adorned all around with wartime memorabilia, reminders of those that served and the history of the branch.
Designed as a community gathering place, display cases and framed photos line the hall along the side of the bar. Stainless steel panels on either side of the bar chronicle the history of the branch. Colourful stained glass artwork is featured on the north side of the bar.
The hall then opens up into a larger gathering area. A modern ceiling and lighting completes the overall sleek design of the Ponoka Legion's new home.
The extensive remodel of the old library building, completed in November, 2024, included complete exterior and interior renovations with all new mechanical and electrical systems, as well as a new roof.
Ponoka Legion President Earl Peavoy said the legion considered a dozen locations before approaching the town about the old library building (located at 5110 48 Ave.).
Moving out of the old building on Highway 2A, 16,000 square-feet space, to the new building, which is less than 5,000 square feet, was a large undertaking with a considerable amount of sorting, carefully taking down memorabilia, selling surplus items and arranging for storage, Peavoy said.
Some items are being stored by the Ponoka Air Cadets until a storage building can be built just north of the legion building.
As part of the move, the legion's cenotaph was also relocated and now has pride of place in front of the mural on the east side of the building.
The grand opening ceremony was attended by legion members, veterans, local dignitaries, the Ponoka Air Cadets and community members. There were several speakers followed by a ribbon cutting in front of the Lest We Forget cenotaph, and cake and refreshments.
Longtime member Dr. Wilton Littlechild was also present and said a few words.
Local government representatives present included MP Blaine Calkins, Mayor Kevin Ferguson, town councillor Carla Lloyd, county councillor Bryce Liddle and Ponoka County CAO Peter Hall. MLA Jennifer Johnson sent her regrets and a written message.
"It's great to be back at the Ponoka branch and congratulate you on your new building," said Calkins, adding he believed the facility would serve the members and the community well.
Johnson said the legion should be proud of their efforts to work together to make a new home and ensure their legacy continues to the next generation.
Alberta-NWT Command President Rosalind LaRose of the Stettler Branch commended the Ponoka members for putting in the work to downsize to a smaller building rather than closing as other branches have as membership has declined.
"As we all know, time changes. We lose veterans and (don't have the membership to fill the spaces)," said LaRose.
She said many branches haven't taken steps to ensure they continue, but Ponoka Branch, since it began in 1928, has "done it right."
"You're still doing it right," said LaRose. "I'm so amazed by what I"m seeing today."
She added she's excited for their "bright future" and she sees their membership growing as "the outside impression (of the building) would welcome anyone."
LaRose noted legion membership is no longer restricted to those with a connection to a veteran and is open to anyone.
Ferguson congratulated all involved for having the fortitude to complete the project.
After the legion's 'soft opening' in their new location in November, they've been holding weekly activity nights including crib, poker, darts, and meat draws and 'Chase the Ace' as well as coffee times.
A celebration of some of the donations from the community that made the move and remodel possible will be held in the coming months, said Peavoy.
