The Cochrane Lions are dreaming big when it comes to the future of the Lions Event Centre and a possible new facility in due course.
The Lions are identified as one of the key stakeholders in the town's Tri-Site Concept Plan – the conceptual plan revealed last November – which incorporates future, expanded facilities for a variety of youth, senior, non-profit and community user groups at the Fifth Ave, library and Esso Bulk Station sites.
And while the vision contains some lofty goals, the service club is building momentum with bookings at the Lions Event Centre, having put some $50,000 into facility renovations since signing a lease two years ago with the town to run the old curling rink as a community centre.
"When we took this over, we thought there was a need for a community centre for the town ... and now we see there definitely is," said Lions rodeo chair Kevin Firkus, gesturing to the spacious space inside the former curling club.
With an upstairs lounge area that seats 150 and the lower area (former curling rink) that can seat some 680, the centre has been accommodating everything from charity boxing matches to weddings, from trade shows and farmers' market-style events to rodeo dances.
"We've had everything from fundraisers for Big Hill Haven to indoor soccer dry-land training," explained public relations director Mark Demeo, adding that the Lions will be able to plan more long term once its lease renewal with the town is finalized in the coming weeks – a rolling two-year lease.
Pouring some $130,000 back into the community last year, as well as $63,000 for rodeo ground and bleacher improvements, the Lions would welcome a capital fundraising project for a new facility and progress with town discussions to hopefully move the vision forward.
On-site catering: homestyle food
As business continues to generate and the Lions look to build on the community hub concept, it has now brought in an in-house caterer to cook up home-style fare for those events in need of a caterer.
Shane Wolbaum, caterer and co-owner of Dad's Sausage and Cured Meats, will be the on-site chef for the Lions with A La Cart Catering Chef.
With a lengthy background in kitchens, Wolbaum is turning a part-time passion into a full-time career with his new catering business. A student of butchery and charcuterie ,who will be challenging his Red Seal at SAIT later this year, he said it was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.
With plans to host Sunday dinners and hot lunches later this spring, Wolbaum will be cooking up home-style food, with an offering of deli-style selections and fresh soups.
"I'm not afraid of a challenge," said Wolbaum, who recently catered a Chamber of Commerce luncheon on site.
"Just being a part of a community and to help out – it's great," he said of being involved with the Lions.
As bookings for 2019 continue to fill up, given the ample size of the facility, its central location and the affordable rates, the Lions are also renovating the west side of the building to install garage doors to better accommodate trucks/ATVs or other large movement in and out of the facility for shows, displays or otherwise.
Other future renovations include new flooring and paint, upgraded washrooms and bar, and big screen televisions and sound system. The lower level plans also include upgraded lighting and storage room upgrades.
The Lions are also looking for new members and volunteers to help with its annual Labour Day Rodeo and many events and fundraising initiatives throughout the year.
"I just saw some of the stuff they were doing and wanted to do more to help out," said Chris Connon, one of the younger and newer members to the club who has enjoyed the volunteerism.
Visit cochranelionsclub.ca for bookings and more.
