Powell River’s Royal Canadian Legion is looking at making some major changes to ensure its future.
Bruce Lyster, past-president of Royal Canadian Legion Powell River Branch 164, is leading a committee to redevelop the club’s Alexander Street property.
Lyster said the committee is looking for expressions of interest from investors or developers who would be willing to construct a building that would perhaps incorporate seniors assisted living accommodations above the Legion’s new space.
“It would help to keep us in existence and help us keep us with the good work we do,” said Lyster. “Right now, we’re in some difficult times.”
Lyster explained that drink sales have been falling, in part due to BC’s tougher drunk driving laws, but also changing demographics. He estimates that the club seen a 75 per cent sales decrease in recent years.
“All the old veterans who used to come down here for their therapy are all gone,” he said. “We have over 300 members, but people don’t drink the way they used to.”
Powell River Legion has been located at Alexander Street for the past 75 years. The building is outdated with knob-and-tube wiring and repairs and maintenance is increasingly more expensive.
Lyster said although the committee would consider relocating, it would prefer to remain at the current location.
“When people think about the Legion, they think Alexander Street,” he said.
