Royal Canadian Legion

A partially framed metal elevator door with buttons to the right hand side.

New elevator at Haliburton Legion a boost for the community

October 17, 2024 by Elizabeth Oakley

A new elevator at the Haliburton Legion, Branch 129 is expected to be a real lift to the community of Haliburton, thanks to a one-hundred-thousand-dollar Trillium grant and assistance from the federal government, local businesses, service groups and local residents.

The elevator will allow physically challenged members and the public to attend events at the Legion. In years past, the steep staircase there had made getting downstairs virtually impossible for many people.

Although the Legion is still $12K shy of its fundraising goal, the elevator, as well as the recently completed accessible washroom means everyone is welcome and able to participate in activities at the Haliburton Legion.

The Legion will celebrate the new elevator on November 2 at its annual Remembrance Dinner.

A Sherman tank sits in a public park in a grove of trees while people have a look at it.

Sherman Tank returns to Haliburton Legion

October 16, 2024 by Elizabeth Oakley

It’s 37 tons and a beloved icon in the Town of Haliburton. After a recent facelift, the Second World War-era M4 Easy Eight Sherman tank will return to its home in front of the Haliburton Legion, Branch 129 this month where it’s sat proudly for more than 50 years.

The tank, the pride of the Legion and its members, was lifted onto a flatbed early in May, and taken away for a facelift. More than 770 volunteers hours were put into the restoration project which was a labor of love.

Just a few more finishing touches are being made to the tank then ‘The Haliburton’ will be placed on a newly donated cement slab. Past president Don Pitman and current president Mike Waller can’t wait for the unveiling ceremony.

The certificate which is presented to participants of the "Newfie Screech-In," which makes that person and honorary Newfoundlander. It is off white with a blue banner at the top.

Royal Canadian Legion will ‘screech-in’ cruise ship passengers in Corner Brook this weekend

September 20, 2024 by Tonya Organ

Cruise ship passengers in Corner Brook this weekend will be treated to a chance to be “screeched in” at the Royal Canadian Legion.

Two large cruise ships carrying upwards of 9,000 people will spend the day in the city during the annual “Colours of Corner Brook” event on West Street. Participants will get to kiss a cod, take a shot of screech and become honorary Newfoundlanders. Legion spokesperson Robert Murphy says it’s also open to anyone from away and takes about half an hour.

Other stories in this CKVB Newscast: Immigration Minister travels to the UK to bring skilled workers to NL, Corner Brook looks to develop space for a community market, and the second annual Well Being Week starts this weekend.

– With files from Dean Clarke and Sarah Thompson

A sign in front of an arena and a ball diamond reads "Haldimand Memorial Arena and Park". The ball diamond is in the foreground and the arena in the back behind a small parking lot full of cars. It is a grey and raining day and there are no leaves on the trees. The grass is brown. It looks like a late fall or early spring day.

Consultant studies will help determine fate of arena facility in Grafton

July 24, 2024 by Jeff Gard

Alnwick/Haldimand Township council voted to direct staff to commence preparation for a Request for Proposal to hire a consultant for the completion of a feasibility study for the Haldimand Memorial Arena in Grafton at its regular meeting on Tuesday.

The framework for the decision was based off a notice of motion brought forward by councillor Mike Ainsworth. With amendments, the RFP will also now include a facility condition assessment for a 30-year lifespan, a detailed needs assessment study and three conceptual designs.

The final motion also asks staff to bring forward a draft RFP to council for approval before its issued, that the reports be funded as recommended by the treasurer, and that the CAO and staff prepare a report and recommendations for the Oct. 8 regular council meeting with a plan to proceed with the hiring of a contractor through the tendering process to begin the project by January of 2025.

Sutton Legion is about strengthening community, not war, says branch president

April 30, 2024 by Taylor McClure

The Sutton Legion is raising awareness around its mission with hopes of getting others involved in the organization to continue financially supporting community groups and initiatives that are oriented towards youth.

John Hawley, who became president of the Sutton Legion at the end of last year, told CIDI that there seems to be some “negativity” and misunderstandings around what the Sutton Legion is all about and who can get involved, with some people believing that it is “military” oriented.

While the Sutton Legion was originally founded by – and developed for – veterans after the World Wars, Hawley emphasized that the Sutton Legion is “not about war” and the focus of the organization “has spilled over” into helping the community.

Hawley noted that there are a number of community groups in Sutton and its surrounding areas that “desperately” need financial support, which is where volunteering with the Sutton Legion comes in.

A medium shot, taken indoors, of a middle aged white man with short grey hair and a short grey beard sitting at a table. He is wearing a green tie with shamrock buttons, a light blue button up shirt, and is sitting at a round grey table with glasses of beer on it.

NDG Legion celebrates St. Paddy’s Day, invites newcomers to the space

March 20, 2024 by Kaity Brady

The Legion Hall has been a fixture in Canadian communities for many decades. The Royal Canadian Legion was founded in 1925 after the First World War as a place for veterans to gather. But in recent years, it has been difficult for Legions across the country to recruit new members.

The NDG legion hosted a gathering over traditional Irish stew on Mar. 15, to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and welcome the community beyond military circles. Legion President, Bob Boutilier told CJLO they host a range of events, from Jewish holiday celebrations to Palestinian arts and crafts. He likes to think of the branch “like the East NDG Community Centre,” and emphasized the Legion as an inclusive space.

Della Robertson, Sergeant at Arms, explained that many legions have closed since the pandemic, and at the NDG branch is working to bolster its membership and bring in younger folks so they can keep the branch alive.