The community of Sainte-Anne lost an important gathering place last week Friday, but a representative says it will be rebuild at the same location.

Elise Lambert has been responsible for renting out Club Jovial for more than two decades, and says it was a regular meeting place for seniors. “Seniors used the building a couple of days every week, and it was often rented for baby and bridal showers, family gatherings, funeral receptions and other special events.”

Chris Barnard is a member of the local Lions Club, he says the organization made use of the building for many of their events. “It sort of puts a bit of a wrench in the works you might say, it was a very important asset to the town, and it was in a very convenient location for various service groups to use.”

Barnard says he was away when the fire occurred at Club Jovial on July 29, and was shocked to see it had been destroyed. He adds, he's been living in the Town of Sainte-Anne with his wife for over 30 years, and really loves the way the community comes together.

“When it comes to tragedy or a disaster, people here in town tend to group together. Everybody grabs a rope and we all start pulling in the same direction which is really nice. That's one nice thing about living in Sainte-Anne, and also in small town Manitoba.”

Barnard adds, “Club Jovial was a well used facility and I'm looking forward to it being replaced.”