Framed news clippings on the wall in the Legion report on the opening of Branch 258’s first hall on March 2, 1957, built for $80,000. That building was severely damaged by a fire in 1976 and the Legion standing there today, inset, was built in 1980 and officially opened on May 2, 1981.
By Kathryn Stocks
Change is coming to Centennial. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 258 voted to accept an offer to sell its seven-acre property on Lawson Road for $18.8 million. Voting took place at a special meeting on July 22 and more than 90 percent of members who attended were in favour.
The purchaser is a large unnamed developer that has not yet disclosed what will be built on the site. In total, there were six offers to purchase the Legion property.
There will be a four-month closing for soil testing and due diligence, and when the sale is final the Legion will lease the property for 18 months for $1 per month. The Legion is now looking to either build something new or renovate an existing building for Branch 258, hopefully within the area.
“I have to say that the committee representing the Legion has worked incredibly hard and smart in securing the deal they have in place,” said Bill Yarn, an associate member who was at the July meeting. “I congratulate all of them and wish them much luck in finding their new home.”
In April, Branch 258 made the decision to sell its property and relocate to another building due to the financial challenges it was facing from maintenance costs and declining membership.
This sale will be a significant change for the members of Branch 258, but right now the Legion is still open and will continue to hold its usual events like lunches on Wednesday and dinners on Friday. They will also be holding a harvest dance and pig roast on Sept. 15.