Business leaders from around High River gathered to celebrate at the Western Financial offices in downtown High River Thursday night as they officially threw the doors open on their rebuilt and refurbished office building.

Western Financial President and CEO Paul Taylor says there was never a doubt they'd be re-opening in the spot they've been in for over 100 years.

"To us it's important to be here. This is the heart of the community. This is our founding branch. Being part of High River is about who were are and what we are. And so it's great to be in the branch again."

No one was happier to see one of downtown's largest businesses back than High River Mayor Craig Snodgrass.

He says it'll be a kick-start for other businesses coming back to the core.

"When you've got retail business that's looking to open downtown, these are the things they look at. What's your foot traffic downtown? So, these pieces are real key, the next one is going to be the Provincial Building down there right. There's going to be a hundred employees in that building. So, the opportunity for retail in downtown High River is better than anywhere else around us."

Besides Snodgrass, there were several Town Councillors, Foothills MP John Barlow, Senator Scott Tannas, the staff from both the downtown and head offices of Western Financial, as well as many prominent business owners from around High River who came out to show their support and solidarity.