‘Soft reopening’ for legion

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Strathmore’s legion is reopening its doors to members and their guests, but ongoing restrictions means fundraising remains at less than full throttle.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #10 announced its decision to close on March 18 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization announced its reopening on June 3, although only for members and their guests, and with some restrictions still in place.

It is being called a “soft reopening.” Days and hours are being limited to Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 4 to 11 p.m. for the time being. This allows members, their guests, staff and volunteers the opportunity to adjust the restrictions and procedures that will be in place, according to the organization.

The legion is currently limited to 50 per cent of its capacity. Only the main hall will be in use for the time being, with the rear bar closed.

The legion’s closure put a damper on the organization’s fundraising, a trend that may continue for the time being, said branch president Alan Auger. While the legion has opened its doors to members and their guests, barroom sports and games are off the table.

“Anything where there’s any type of contact between people,” is cancelled for now, he said. That means no pool, darts or cribbage.

Raffles are also sidelined for the time being. The branch is looking at ways to have these events online, however. It is reviewing an offer from a company that provides virtual 50/50 raffles but has not yet made a decision. With the system, “anyone can get online and buy tickets,” said Auger. 

The legion is following recommendations set in place by Alberta Health Services, said Auger. Members and guests will be asked to sign in and record their date and time of entry, sanitizer is provided, tables are limited to six people each, congregating at the bar is not permitted and drink orders are made on laminated, easy-to-clean sheets.

While the legion was closed to members and the public, staff and volunteers have been making some upgrades. Damage from a leaking roof was repaired, repair work was performed in the kitchen, and the entrance has received new flooring and painting. “We’ve tried to keep fairly busy,” said Auger.

Despite the restrictions, Auger said the legion is glad to be welcoming members again.

“We’re looking forward to seeing our friends that we haven’t seen in a few weeks.”

But even at reduced capacity, it may take time to fill the hall again.

“There’s going to be a lot of people who hesitate, even though we have our doors open,” said Auger. “They may not feel comfortable coming in right away.”

Staff will monitor how many visitors the legion receives. If there are too few patrons, the branch may be forced to close once more. 

“If it doesn’t turn out to be as popular as we think, we may end up just closing our doors again,” said Auger.