Langford Legion president Norm Scott says he’s happy to hear that the provincial government is putting $1.5 million into supporting legions across B.C.
“We’re very appreciative to the province and we hope that these funds will help branches that have been suffering through this horrible time of COVID,” Scott said. “It will definitely help for the future.”
He is eager to hear how the money will be rolled out and how much will go to each of B.C.’s 143 legions. Previous funding from the federal government saw a needs-based formula for legions around the country, with the Langford Legion getting $11,800, Scott said.
Legions are led by volunteers and used by veterans, ex-service members, seniors and others. There are about 25 on the Island.
While some legions have bigger financial concerns than others, Scott said the outlook for the Langford Legion is not too bad. “We’re holding our own.”
But the recent “circuit-breaker” round of restrictions, which put indoor seating in lounge areas off limits, was tougher than the first round on the bottom line. Food and beverage service provides a big part of legions’ revenue.
“It has affected us harder and we have definitely seen a drop in our bank account,” Scott said.
A large tent was donated to the legion during the circuit-breaker period for use as outdoor seating, he said.
Scott said membership has actually increased during the pandemic and sits at about 985.
Patti Stockton, president of the Trafalgar Pro Patria Legion in Victoria, applauded the provincial funding, as well. “We’re definitely grateful for it.”
But she said the Trafalgar Pro Patria Legion has one problem the Langford Legion doesn’t: It still has to pay property tax, something most legions in the province don’t face.
Stockton said her legion’s tax bill is $92,000. According to the City of Victoria, council has approved a tax exemption on a portion of the property that results in a tax savings of about $30,350. The municipal-tax portion of the overall bill is $58,400.
“We will get by this year, but if we had another year of this, we wouldn’t, not with those kinds of taxes,” Stockton said.
The legion usually does a lot of catering for weddings, anniversaries and birthdays, but hasn’t been able to do that because of the restrictions, which means less income, she said, adding the 1,300-member branch contributed $180,000 last year to community causes.
The branch has asked the province to exempt legions from property tax, as is the case in many provinces, Stockton said.
In announcing the funding, Premier John Horgan said legions are important and care for people who have served their country.
“Our government committed to finding a solution and we’re delivering support to ensure legions can keep serving veterans, their families and our communities.”
Val MacGregor, president of the B.C./Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion, said the funding comes at an appropriate time.
“As June 6, the annual date when we remember D-Day and the Invasion of Normandy approaches, members in B.C. and Yukon are especially encouraged that we can continue our mission.”
