Nearly one year after a fire tore through the Grand Bend Legion, repairs have officially been completed and members are showing appreciation to those who helped in the aftermath.
A fire in July 2024 caused approximately $500,000 worth of damage.
The legion on Municipal Drive partially reopened in August 2024, but extensive repairs were needed to the upstairs area and the roof.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 498 President John O'Handley said the repairs were completed on April 24.
"We've been working pretty steadily every day trying to get it open and operational and have it available for the community, as well as our veterans," he said.
O'Handley said the repairs were done just in time for the legion to rent the upstairs space to Paint Ontario.
"Last year, we signed a five-year agreement to have Paint Ontario for the month of May. It's one of the largest art shows in the province, so it was very imperative that we honour that agreement," he said. "We cut it pretty close, but we managed to do that."
The building's downstairs space will continue to host legion events.
O'Handley said an appreciation dinner will be held on April 26 for the firefighters who responded to the blaze and the approximately 50 volunteers who have supported the legion over the past year.
"We've had a tremendous amount of support from the community," he said. "The Rotary Club gave us $42,950, the Sunset Foundation gave us $4,500, we had a large number of members -- as well as people who live in the community -- who have given us cash donations to help us through this struggle."
O'Handley said while the repairs have been completed, the legion is still working with its insurance company to recover some of the financial loss.
