Chippawa legion sustains extensive water damage
It was not the wake up call Tom Metcalf was expecting.
On Jan. 9, around 6 a.m., the president of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 396 in Chippawa received a frantic call from a cleaner at the Legion Street facility. A water pipe had burst and the basement had flooded. “There were two inches of water downstairs,” he recalled. The basement area sustained extensive water damage. The tables and chairs are gone and the bar, carpet and tiles have been ripped out.
All that remains is a pool table and a few metal desks piled with books and other items members were able to salvage. “It’s pretty well void of anything,” Metcalf said. While insurance will cover the damage, he’s been told the legion will be stuck with a $62,000 H.S.T. bill as insurance does not cover the tax on claims at commercial properties. The legion, which has approximately 150 members, is now scrambling to raise funds to cover the shortfall and other expenses that have arisen since the flood.
There is a leak in the basement wall along the east side of the building. A new floor in the damaged basement can’t be installed until the leak. “Now, all of a sudden, that has jumped to the top of the list in terms of priorities,” Metcalf said. Also, the roof needs work.
In the past, the hall on the main floor has been available for rent but any future rentals are on hold at this time as the legion needs to use the hall as its club house. The legion relied on income generated from the rentals to provide services to area veterans. The legion is now looking to the community for support.
“Drop in and see us,” Metcalf said, adding new members are always welcome. “Have a drink once in a while, a beer or pop or whatever. Come in and chew the fat. Join... see what we’re all about.”
Also, a fundraising dance will be held Feb. 10. “It started as a Valentine’s Day dance and now it’s a raise money dance,” said Patricia Fischer, second vice president. Admission is $10 and includes pizza and door prizes. Entertainment will be provided by Second Heaven.
For more information, call 905295-4451.