Loading articles...

UPDATE: Legion cancels plans for reopening

Last Updated Aug 5, 2016 at 12:14 pm MDT

(PHOTO: Dignitaries including Mayor Melissa Blake and Legion President Pat Duggan cut the ribbon at the grand re-opening of Legion Branch 165. Oct. 8, 2015. Sarah Anderson. REPORTER. Copyright Rogers Media)

The Royal Canadian Legion had announced it would re-open to the public on Tuesday, August 9 so that it could provide community support services but announced Friday that would no longer be the case.

The Legion will be forced to comply with the order from the Chief Medical Officer of Health that is preventing the re-occupation of Waterways by permanent residents there.

This despite the fact the Legion had planned to keep access to the community of Waterways restricted and maintain security by signing patrons in and out and keeping its hours of operation within the hours of access allowed in the community, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In a release Friday, Bill Rockwell, communications lead with the Legion, said, “President Pat Duggan on behalf of our committee is making inquires to speed up our entry. As soon as new dates are available they will be be communicated. The Branch office will still open on August 9 with the cooperation of the province and the city. Access for purposes of seeking assistance or offering help in our mission to help the community can enter through the existing checkpoint.”

The move had originally sparked some controversy among the homeowners and residents in Waterways who are not yet allowed to return permanently to their homes wondering why people would be allowed near the restricted area when they’re prevented returning home permanently for safety reasons.

Members of the Legion will still be presenting $25,000 cheques to community organizations across Fort McMurray, made possible because of donations from Legions across the country.

Cheques will be given to:

  • Centre of Hope
  • Fort McMurray Firefighter’s Relief Fund
  • Fort McMurray Food Bank
  • Fort McMurray Salvation Army
  • Northern Lights Health Association for the Gratitude Campaign Palliative Care Units

As part of its community services the Legion will be considering requests of other community organizations and individuals who find themselves in need during the recovery from the wildfire.