Legion Branch 43 To Examine Offer
Thursday, February 23, 2012 @ 6:51 PM
Prince George, B.C. – The Royal Canadian Legion, Prince George Branch 43, may have caught a break.
Second Vice President John Scott says an offer has been made to purchase the Legion building on 7th Avenue, an offer that would clear the way for the Branch to find a new, smaller location.
“We haven’t received a written offer yet, but there is an offer” says Scott. While not at liberty to say who has made the offer or the value, he says it isn’t for as much money as they had hoped.
“If the membership and the BC/ Yukon Command accept this offer, we would have another six months to find a new location.”
The Branch has been facing financial difficulties for a couple of years. It was widely reported earlier today that the Branch may close for good at the end of April.
Part of the blame for the financial woes has been placed on activities alleged to have taken place a few years ago which sparked a police investigation into alleged misappropriation of funds. That investigation wrapped up in 2009 and charges were never laid. The former employee who was at the centre of that investigation has long since left the Branch.
Still, Scott says Branch 43 is about $600 thousand dollars in the hole and the executive had hoped it could “ turn things around” but the 20,000 square foot building is too large for the current needs of the membership “When you have a big building and a lot of big bills, it really adds up” that’s why the Branch is hopeful of finding a smaller location, hopefull one that is about 8,000 square feet on a single level . “If we get to stay for 6 months , that will give us time to find a new location, but you can’t go looking for a new place if you don’t have the money.”
A signed offer is expected tomorrow. Scott says it will be another 2 weeks before the details of that offer can be put before the membership as they will need time to mail out the details of the membership meeting. If the membership accepts the offer, then the BC/Yukon Branch Command will have the final say. In all, it’s expected to be at least three weeks before there is a final decision on the fate of this Branch of the Legion.
Comments
Is the city the buyer?
Likely the entity making the offer and the Legion, as well as any realtor involved would know .. and maybe a few friends ..
Isn’t that just totally unfair? :-)
just a thought .. it would be nice if the city would support the vets. if not for the vets..would we be here?
Could someone explain haw a despicable traitor could rip off the Legion, be identified and get away with it?
Probably the City will purchase it and sell it to McLaren for half price.
…and then pay him to tear it down.
..don’t forget the air space.;)
Heres a guess:)
Coast Hotels wants to buy the Legion building so they can tear it down and realize a long planned expansion to the Inn of the North.
Bets anyone?
All the best to the Royal Canadian Legion,
I have always respected that institution,
especially when they were in their prime
(it’s been a few years though, eh? I hope they do not go the way of the Dodo bird.
metalman.
This is not the first time the legion has been ripped off by staff. In past cash boxes went mysteriously missing. Food orders misappropriated through the back door. Fingers in the till to satisfy gambling habits. Never any charges laid. Not the first time pacific command has put a watchful eye on this branch. Very poorly run business if you ask me. Sad cause its the Vets and membership that will suffer in the long run.
I feel very ashamed as I am a vet and I am not a member buy it’s never too late so I will join at the end of the month when my cheque gets in.———- very sad.
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