Lions Hall opens its doors

Photo: Contributed - Westbank Lions Club

After more than a year behind construction fences, the Westbank Lions Hall is once again open to the public.

The iconic building on West Kelowna's Main Street was torched in September of 2013.

Kerry Robert Cooper was sentenced to 39 months in prison and ordered to pay $5,500 in restitution after he pled guilty to arson. He was sentenced in July.

Damage to the 85-year-old building was pegged at more than $1 million.

The hall sat empty for 15 months while contractors rebuilt what the fire destroyed.

Insurance paid for the basic renovations, however, other improvements to modernize the building and "enhance the building for public use" were also undertaken.

Some of those improvements included:

• Replacement of flooring on main floor
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the building
• Replace all main floor lights
• New and improved washrooms on the main floor
• Security system including cameras
• Automated access ramp doors
• Replacement of front-facing windows to give a constant appearance to the building
• New computer for billboard sign on Main Street

The new Westbank Lions Hall has already hosted a few events, but will host its official grand reopening Feb. 21.

The evening will also serve as a fundraiser to help pay for some of those extra improvements not covered through insurance.

The evening includes dinner, music, a live auction, silent auction and special guests.

Tickets are $50 per person, which includes a $25 tax receipt. They are available at Home Hardware and from any Lions Club member.

The Lions Hall has hosted everything from weddings and concerts to dances and meetings.

The facility also served as West Kelowna's first municipal hall until renovations were complete to the current hall in the former Mount Boucherie Hall.