Anticipation mounts for ‘new’ Veiner Centre

By Gillian Slade on July 20, 2018.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com  @MHNGillianSlade

With just five days to the official opening of the “new” Veiner Centre, it is already soliciting enthusiasm about the design, spaciousness and inviting atmosphere.

“We’ve done a few series of tours over the last few days … the enthusiasm for the space, it is hard not to be really excited,” said Randy Follett, community connections manager for the city.

There is a lobby area between sets of doors before reaching the entrance and reception area. Large circles of lights are suspended from a high ceiling over a coffee table, comfortable seating and a faux fireplace.

At reception members will scan their membership cards as they enter.

To the right is a bistro large enough to seat 350 people. Two of the wings of this space can be divided from the rest with electronic walls that descend to create a noise and visual barrier.

The original Veiner Centre was damaged in the 2013 flood and remained vacant and unused until last summer when work commenced on expanding it and doing a thorough refurbishment.

The kitchen has been carefully designed for efficiency in putting out hundreds of Meals on Wheels each month. Volunteer drivers park at the back of the building and collect deliveries. This service has already commenced operations from the revamped facility this week.

The kitchen itself is designed with specific zones including baking, preparation of cold items such as salads, and then a galley for cooking, including a ceramic grill. The plan is for the kitchen to provide meals for the bistro and also cater banquets and special events.

Everything feels new and special but there are touches to remind you of the original building.

The billiards, shuffleboard and darts room has a wooden beam on the ceiling that was part of the original structure.

A craft room boasts tables that can be tilted, electrical outlets on the floor, walk-in storage rooms and chairs for 72 people.

A large meeting room can be separated into two with a pull-out dividing wall.

Most rooms have individual temperature controls.

There are six large washrooms throughout.

Located near each special room are kitchenettes with water and coffee stations.

An official ceremony on May 2, 2017 marked the start of major renovations and the expansion of the facility. A high fence went up around the site and about 25 trees were removed to make way for construction, including asbestos removal and demolition of most of the structure.

By July last year the old Veiner Centre was a shell of its former self.

Follett says the project finished on time and on budget — $11.95 million.

Medicine Hat Transit will commence service to the Veiner Centre on Monday.

The grand, official opening of the new facility will take place Tuesday from 2:30-4:30 p.m., with the public invited to attend. There will be an opportunity for self-guided tours and to enjoy light refreshments.

Many are expected at the event so you may want to consider options for parking such as in Lions Park or at the Strathcona Centre, then walking the short distance or perhaps taking the bus.

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