By Kathy McGrath
Residents who want to raise a glass at the Legion’s new location at 305 Morrish Road will have to wait a bit. The latest hurdle for Branch 258, which purchased the Salvation Army building two years ago, is to meet requirements of the city planning department before construction permits will be issued. The situation has forced the Legion to pay maintenance for two locations, which is draining its funds.
“This is not a massive project we want to do at the new location,” said branch executive member David Adamson. “We aren’t building an addition, we just want to upgrade the washrooms for accessibility, add a lift to the lounge, upgrade the kitchen area, put up a few walls and a new railing.”
The Legion purchased the new building after selling their land on Lawson Road to VIVA Retirement Properties three years ago. VIVA agreed to temporarily lease the old building to the Legion, which has allowed the branch to stay open.
Initially, the Legion had to work with the city to get the church property rezoned from a place of worship to a designation for a non-profit. Then COVID hit, causing a backlog at the planning department. Councillor Jennifer McKelvie said the city is now catching up with the logjam of requests.
Adamson said Branch 258 is actively working to satisfy the city’s inquiries about tree safety. “The city wants us to prove no trees will be damaged on the outside of the building, even though we never had any intention of touching the trees.” He said the Legion membership and the executive are “beyond frustrated” with all the delays and red tape.
The Legion, which has been around since the 1940s, considers itself an active member of the community. “We hold Remembrance Day ceremonies, Canada Day ceremonies, we support local hockey and baseball teams,” Adamson said. “Residents use our banquet rooms for weddings, birthday parties and retirement parties. We also have a poppy campaign and the proceeds are used strictly for the benefit of Vets, their spouses and dependants.” In addition to these events, the Legion provides a place for members to gather, socialize and have a bite to eat.
Adamson feels the Morrish Road location, which competes with large developers for attention from the planning department, should be a priority for the city.
Residents who want to raise a glass at the Legion’s new location at 305 Morrish Road will have to wait a little longer. The latest hurdle for Branch 258, which purchased the Salvation Army Church two years ago, is to meet requirements of the city planning department before construction permits will be issued. The situation has forced the Legion to pay maintenance costs for two locations, which is draining its funds.
“This is not a massive project we want to do at the new location,” said branch executive member David Adamson. “We aren’t building an addition, we just want to upgrade the washrooms for accessibility, add a lift to the lounge, upgrade the kitchen area, put up a few walls and a new railing.”
The Legion purchased the new building after selling their land on Lawson Road to VIVA Retirement Properties three years ago. VIVA agreed to temporarily lease the old building to the Legion, which has allowed the branch to stay open for now.
Initially, the Legion had to work with the city’s Committee of Adjustment to get the church property rezoned from a place of worship to a designation for a non-profit organization. While that was being accomplished COVID hit, causing a backlog at the city’s planning department. Ward 25 Councillor Jennifer McKelvie said the city is now catching up with the logjam of requests.
Adamson said Branch 258 is actively working to satisfy the city’s inquiries about tree safety on the property and measurements for a patio. “The city wants us to prove no trees will be damaged on the outside of the building, even though we never had any intention of touching the trees.” He said the Legion membership and the executive committee are “beyond frustrated” with all the delays and red tape.
The Legion, which has been around since the 1940s, considers itself an active member of the community. “We hold Remembrance Day ceremonies, Canada Day ceremonies, we support local hockey and baseball teams,” Adamson said. “Residents use our banquet rooms for weddings, birthday parties and retirement parties. We also have a poppy campaign and the proceeds are used strictly for the benefit of Vets, their spouses and dependants.” In addition to these events, the Legion provides a place for paid members to gather, socialize and have /a bite to eat.
Adamson feels the Morrish Road location, which competes with large developers for attention from the planning department, should be a priority for the city.
Councillor McKelvie told Centennial News she recently reached out to the Legion about how to help advance the permits.