Historic fire hall finds new owners

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This article was published 29/02/2024 (766 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A piece of Brandon’s history is in new hands.

The iconic Brandon Central Fire Station at 637 Princess Ave. — listed for sale at $1.35 million — is now owned by Jen Skerritt and Andrew Aiken, who will continue to operate it as the Firehall Event Venue.

Former co-owner Phil Dorn, who had a stake in the architectural gem, sold the building to the new owners earlier this month.

Skerritt, president of Party Stuff & Refinery Event Rentals in Winnipeg, said the new owners are excited about their entry into the Brandon market, adding the long-term plan is to make additional parts of the building accessible, creating a one-stop-shop for ceremonies and receptions.

Brandon is a good first step for the duo and if this goes well, she said, “maybe we look at how we can do more business in Brandon.”

“We’re already in the party and rental business in Winnipeg, and this marks our first foray into the Brandon market, as the sale of the building aligns well with our existing businesses,” Skerritt told the Sun. “We plan to keep the venue as a rental space, catering to various events such as staff training, business meetings and weddings, among others.”

The facility, she said, is already open to the public, “so anyone interested in booking the facility can email for more information or to book a tour. We can work with individuals to build a vision for their event, offering affordable options for the beautiful space that can accommodate up to 150 people on the main floor.”

A portion of the building is currently being used to store brewery equipment on a temporary basis, Skerritt said. “Andrew and a separate team are starting a brewery (Heritage Farms Brewing Co.) in Winkler and hope to have the beer on tap at the fire hall in Brandon in the near future.”

The aspiration to feature their locally brewed beer on tap at the fire hall in Brandon, she said, adds a unique and flavourful dimension to the historic venue’s future.

The new owners plan to retain the name Firehall Event Venue due to its recognition in the community. Skerritt emphasized that they aim to honour existing bookings and offer a seamless transition for those planning events in 2024.

Aiken, an optometrist by trade, had been operating his own business, Clarity Vision, for more than a decade before joining Skerritt, who was a reporter with the Winnipeg Free Press and Bloomberg News, to buy Party Stuff in March 2023.

The fire hall has stood tall since 1911 and has seen various transitions over the years.

Before its transformation into Firehall Event Venue by Samson Engineering, the Central Fire Station had a diverse history. It was once home to the Prairie Firehouse restaurant, which closed its doors in May 2020 due to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The restaurant’s owner, Anna Dumas, took to Facebook to express her gratitude to the patrons who had been part of her journey over the five years the restaurant operated in downtown Brandon. She reflected on the privilege of being a part of countless significant events in the community.

Subsequently, the building became the Firehall Event Venue in 2021, aiming to serve as a space for weddings, parties and other social gatherings.

Despite the obstacles presented by the pandemic, the team behind the Firehall Event Venue persevered, using a couple of months to complete renovations on the building’s main hall and the intimate “Hayloft” area.

The property, designated as a heritage site, boasts a rich history and is an embodiment of Brandon’s past and potential future. Its prominent location on Princess Avenue, the picturesque tower and the meticulous preservation of its exterior and interior elements all contribute to its unique character.

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