UPDATE: Kensington legion members soon to have brand new home

KENSINGTON, P.E.I. - About 50 people attended the Kensington Lions Club announcement Saturday to learn how the new facility on Garden Drive will better serve the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 9, its members and the community.

['Long-time Veterans John Yeo, Lois Brown, and Claus Brodersen are excited to move to the new location that will provide full barrier-free accessibility to patrons and better serve its members and the general public, while improving overall operational efficiencies.']

Retired colonel Donald Thompson, a Second World War veteran and vice president of the legion, said the new facility that’s will open in May will be a big improvement.

“I have been a legion member for 45-years and I believe this will be a great facility for us all.” Thompson, who is recognised for his outstanding contributions and devotion to veterans, said, “The new facility is functional, especially for the older members navigating in and out with it all being on one level, and wheel chair accessible.”

Despite the ongoing construction, the overall feel of the new barrier-free facility is bright, airy and modern and is accessible to all, which is important to legion members.

Project manager and engineer, Bill Drost, said the old building was no longer functional for the aging population.

“If you were going to the hall you had to climb the stairs, and if you were going to the bar you had to go downstairs,” said Drost. “It just wasn’t practical for our aging veterans and population.”

“The new building is fully accessible. The washrooms, the entrance, the games room, the lobby, they are all designed to serve people in wheelchairs. It’s functional, he said.”

Through Community Infrastructure Program (CIP), the Government of Canada will support Branch No. 9 with a $250,000 contribution to help the organisation in its efforts to modernise and expand.

Retired Colonel Donald Thompson, points to a sketch that showcases the design of the new facility. Thompson believes the new location and building will serve everyone for many years to come.

The legion will contribute $266,450 toward the project.

Malpeque MP Wayne Easter, said he is pleased to announce this support from the federal government that will create a lasting legacy.

Second World War veteran Lois Brown, 92, who was awarded a 60-year auxiliary medal last year and has served the legion for 30-years, said the new facility will be better for her to navigate.

“There were a lot of stairs in the old Legion and that was becoming a problem for me with my age. However, I have a lot of memoires there and will remember our lady veteran dinners. But the new facility is definitely better.”

P.E.I. Command President John Yeo said, “It’s the members that make the legion.”

FACTS ABOUT LEGION BRANCH NO. 9

This year, as we celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Confederation, the Community Infrastructure Program 150 (CIP 150) was designed to help revitalize existing community facilities across Canada, like the Kensington Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 9.

Through CIP 150, the Government of Canada will support Branch No. 9 with a $250,000 contribution to help the organisation in its efforts to modernise and expand

The legion will contribute $266,450 toward the project.

In Atlantic Canada, CIP 150 is administered through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

The new facility on Garden Drive is set to open in May. Meanwhile, the old facility is still for sale.

The legion helps veterans, including serving military and RCMP members and their families, get the care, benefits and support they need.