Grants may be option for local Legion

“We don’t see the city as having been negative towards us in that request. I think what we see is a real politic look at exactly what’s required based on the circumstances as they are,” explains Sheldon Clare with the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 43. “And I mean, we need to be very grateful for those who stepped up to assist with the significant problem and the funds donated for that will be used for that purpose.”

But the argument did not hold sway with most of Council, with the prevailing argument being that there are plenty of nonprofits in the city that are struggling to hold on. Instead, it was suggested the Legion look for other sources of funding, including the City’s grant streaming program.

“I think that going forward and in the future, the City’s proposal of suggesting that we make use of the extensive city grant program is helpful to us. This is something that we can make use of to meet most of the costs of the civic center, and it will also make use of the cost of our sound system and other expenses that we meet when we put on this great and important event to honor our veterans,” added Clare.

In the meantime, Councillor Frizzell pointed out there may be an alternative.

“We are one of three or more cities all across Canada that is a Community Covenant holder. So that means that we made a covenant with Veteran’s Affairs that we would make our own plan on how we were going to be helping veterans. And that could include helping the Legion on Remembrance Day.”

And he says it may be high time to revisit that Covenant obligation.

by Cheryl Jahn

Grants may be option for local Legion

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