By Scott Roblin

VIDEO: Veiner Centre ready for opening next week

Jul 19, 2018 | 4:21 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The clock is counting down until the grand opening of the Veiner Centre, which is finally set to re-open its doors to the public next week.

On Thursday, members of the local media got the chance to tour the facility and get an early look at the completed space.

The project finished on time and on budget at just a hair under $12 million, which was used to renovate the existing 13,000 square foot space and add on another 5,000 square feet.

Manager of Community Connections and Support with the City Randy Follett said it will be quite the surprise to users returning to the space.

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“They will feel that they’re walking into the same building because of the footprint outside,” said Follett. “But, when they walk in, it’s quite a shock for them when they go, ‘Wow, it really is different.’”

Most of the old Veiner Centre was torn down due to extensive damage from the 2013 flood, with seniors moved to the nearby Strathcona Centre for programs and events.

Ghosts of the old building remain according to Follett, who said some original beams have been re-purposed in a pair of rooms.

“It really did seem like the old building was gone,” he said. “So, when we first came in and that was pointed out to us in an earlier construction phase, it was pretty exciting and we knew that was going to be really important to people.”

Members of the Veiner Centre will be able to utilize new games and craft rooms, an outdoor patio, meeting spaces, and computer areas just to name a few.

But, the highlight so far is the state of the art kitchen and dining room that can accommodate up to 350 people.

Food Services Supervisor Darren Scott used to work out of the old Veiner Centre before the flood and said it’s been a long process, but is glad to open his kitchen once again.

“To see everything come to fruition and actually open the door on this place, actually take a look and see it there for the first time nice and shiny, nice and new, with some exciting pieces of equipment in there as well… we’re all extremely happy to get to work,” said Scott.

Scott is among four Red Seal chefs that will be cooking meals on a daily basis and said they’ll have a chance to serve beyond the standard menu.

“When we start to branch out and do some special events, catering, we probably expect those guys to step up and really show what they can do with regards to the type of meals,” he said.

Areas of the Veiner Centre will also be available for the public to rent on Saturdays, including meeting spaces and the games rooms.

Beyond the new bells and whistles, Follett said seniors he’s spoken with are most excited to re-connect with friends and neighbours.

“They just so look forward to being here even in the lobby and meet people that they haven’t seen for so many years,” he said.

Fees will cost $100 annually per member, while a fitness membership at the Stratcona Centre once it re-opens in the fall following renovations will be $200 annually plus a regular membership.

Most of the new space will seem unrecognizable, but Follett is confident the old building won’t be forgotten.

“It’s very important that everybody feels that this is still that same space and the spirit of that space is still here,” he said.

Hundreds are expected to attend the grand opening on Tuesday at 2:30 pm, with the Veiner Centre becoming fully operational the following day.