The Cochrane Lions Club announced last week that it will take over the former Cochrane Curling Club centre as of May 1.
“It’s a facility that can be used by the community and all the money we make goes back into Cochrane,” said Lions past president and current rodeo chair Kevin Firkus.
The now-vacant site, located across from Big Hill Leisure Pool on Fifth Avenue, was offered to the Lions by the town as part of its current lease of the rodeo grounds at no additional cost. The lease is up for renewal in 2019.
Firkus said town administration has been “a huge help” in making everything possible.
“The facility is going to be used as a community centre which may be part of a future hub. Once we complete our repairs and some minor renovations, we will start offering the facility for use to the public,” said public relations director Mark Demeo.
He added that the space provides an additional source of revenue for the club - which has put countless tens of thousands back into the community over the last 50-plus years through grant dollars.
“It’s good temporary use of the space,” said Suzanne Gaida, senior manager of community services for the town.
Gaida confirmed that while there is currently “no money in the town’s 10-Year Financial Plan,” it is too preliminary to suggest that the space would pan out to be part of the town’s future plans for an arts/cultural centre, even though the site in general has been flagged as a potential location.
Rental rates have not yet been announced, but Firkus confirmed that affordability would be a key factor in determining the rates.
Given that the Lions remain uncertain as to whether Lions Park will continue to be the club’s home two years from now, the renovation budget will be conservative – around $10,000.
“We’ll see if we can make a go of this,” said a smiling Darren Begg, Cochrane Lions Club president, adding that the majority of the reno budget will go toward making the space wheelchair accessible and such fire code basics as installing emergency lights and exit signs.
The move is already resulting in savvy savings for the Lions. By taking the space under their wing, the club will not have to rent a tent for the annual Lions Labour Day Rodeo weekend – a cost savings of roughly $8,000.
From craft markets to fundraisers to weddings, the possibilities for community gatherings is seemingly endless. Early inquiries indicate a possible fall boxing match and some spring tourneys by next month.
As the club continues to grow and expand their ventures, they are welcoming new members with open arms.
“We are always looking for new members and we can really use more manpower now,” said Demeo.
The club meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month. All inquiries should be directed to cochranelionsclub.ca.
