Last autumn, things were looking grim for the Stratford Country Club.

The club was more than $1 million in debt, and subject to a police investigation.

Nine months later, it’s a very different story.

Not only has a new owner bought in and cleared the debt, money has been spent to upgrade the century-old facility.

A new dining room and outdoor wedding venue have already been completed, and work has begun on a new lounge for the curling portion of the club.

“It’s been very positive. Everyone has received it with open arms,” says Rob Douglas.

The new owners hired Douglas to be the club’s director of golf and sport.

His hiring is one sign of the turnaround. Another is the numerous open positions in the club’s kitchen currently being advertised.

Out on the greens, improvements to the grounds are also evident.

“They are great custodians of this beautiful property,” longtime member Marilyn Dietrich said Thursday.

“It was amazing before, but it’s even going in a better direction (now).”

Member fees have also been cut, to entice people back to the club.

Looking ahead, the club is gearing up to host the 2016 Canadian Junior Curling Championships, and already booking weddings for 2017.

“It’s the most exciting time, I think, that anyone can remember,” Douglas said.