Souris legion back home

Building underwent $500,000 in renovations

After moving during months of renovations, the Souris Royal Canadian Legion is back home.

Branch president David Perry said with the renovations, he sees the legion being able to cater to different functions it wasn’t able to before.

“It’s going to open up more opportunities,” he said.

The renovations cost about $500,000 with about half the money coming through donations with the bulk of the rest from the Canada 150 Fund.

The P.E.I. government contributed $20,000 to the project.

Plans for the renovations started about five years ago with the legion fundraising toward that goal.

Over the years three additions were made to the building, which Perry said caused some issues.

New drainage was added around the building and with only part of the foundation made of solid concrete, some of the foundation was replaced.

The roof was replaced and walls were raised to be able to remove posts in the middle of the floor in the building’s main room.

After the renovations, the capacity on the main floor increased from 150 people to 200.

Other changes made the building wheelchair accessible, bigger bathrooms were added and the kitchen was modernized.

At the back of the building, a bank of windows in a new sunroom gives a view out over the water.

The work started in May and most of it was finished by Oct. 31.

Perry said the local Lions Club and the food bank operate out of the legion building, which could also become a warming centre.

One of the legion’s mandates is to give back to veterans and the community, Perry said.

“The biggest thing we want from the facility is we want the people that come in to the facility to respect where they are and what we’re trying to do for them and the community.”

Perry said the Legion moved to a church hall down the street during the renovations, but some people didn’t feel comfortable going there with alcohol and gambling machines.

“I think people are thrilled that we are back,” he said.

“The biggest thing we want from the facility is we want the people that come in to the facility to respect where they are and what we’re trying to do for them and the community.” David Perry

RYAN ROSS/THE GUARDIAN Souris Legion president David Perry stands outside the building that was recently renovated with changes to include a new roof and wheelchair accessibility.