North Vancouver Legion faces $345K repair bill from strata

The Legion on West 15th Street has to pay the full bill by Dec. 1 or face an uncertain future.

A Royal Canadian Legion branch in North Vancouver is facing over $345,000 in building repair costs and is turning to the community for support. The #118 branch on West 15th Street has received a mandatory $345,594 levy from their strata corporation for essential building envelope and parking slab repairs. While daily operations are sustainable, Legion president Eva Hinchliffe said they cannot cover the large one-time cost.

They have now launched a GoFundMe and other fundraising efforts to help pay off the hefty bill. “I’m an optimist. I think the community will help us,” Hinchliffe said.

So far, the Legion has raised over $1,500 online and roughly $20,000 from cheques, cash and bank deposits. The strata council completed a depreciation report for the building, pointing out repairs that needed to be done. The cost was determined based on square footage, Hinchliffe said.

“So it’s not just us, it’s the whole strata building,” she said, adding that the Legion has one of the largest square footages, resulting in the high bill. The first payment of $175,000 for the levy is looming less than two months away on Sept. 1 and the Legion needs to pay the full bill by Dec. 1. If they aren't able to pay the levy on time, Hinchliffe said they would have to pay interest on bridge financing, putting further financial strain on the organization.

“We’re also reaching out to family, friends, unions and businesses in the area,” Hinchliffe said. “Once we get some exposure and more people aware of the situation, I’m sure the donations will come in.” For decades, the branch has been a staple in the community.

Every fall, the Legion runs its poppy campaign, which raises money for services to support veterans, cadets and the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation. Over the last 20 years, Hinchliffe said the Legion has raised nearly $1.6 million. But at the Legion hall itself is a community hub that brings people together for darts, pool and bingo, trivia nights and themed events like St. Patrick’s Day and watch parties during the FIFA World Cup.

“It’s important that we keep this community support going,” Hinchliffe said. The #118 holds extra sentimental value for Hinchliffe as her grandfather Barry Girling was a member, holding the honorary secretary and officer of the executive roles in the late 1930s. On Friday, the Legion is celebrating its centennial birthday.

Hinchliffe said she hopes to spread the word even further on their fundraising efforts. “It’s exciting. The Legion has done good things for Canada for 100 years, and we’re just delighted to be able to participate in this celebration,” she said.

“We’ve helped the community, now we need the community’s help.” Those interested in making donations can do so on the legion’s GoFundMe page, in-person or e-transfer to [email protected]. Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News.

This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.