Legion branch makes way for new tower

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 29, 2008

A highly visible chunk of downtown Vernon will be transformed. The Royal Canadian Legion branch on 31st Avenue has been sold and it’s expected to be replaced by a six-storey, 52,000-square-foot office tower. “We can’t financially afford to stay there,” said Gary Caswell, branch president. It was decided to dispose of the property because of declining membership and the high maintenance costs that come with a building from the 1940s. While much of the 22,000-square-foot structrure has been leased out to commercial interests, it remains an onerous undertaking for the non-profit organization. “The heating system and the air conditioning are old,” said Caswell. Fewer people are also using the lounge, a significant source of revenue. “The no-smoking rules have hurt us,” said Caswell.Countless memories and friendships are associated with the branch, but longtime member Bill Chalmers says it wasn’t a hard decision to sell. “Everything is wrong with it. We need a new building,” said Chalmers, who has been with the legion for 36 years.Members are now searching for space to purchase or lease for a new branch. They are looking for about 5,000 to 6,000-square-feet anywhere in Vernon. Despite selling its traditional home, Caswell insists that the legion still plays a vital role in the community. “We donated more than $60,000 to charities and bursaries within Vernon last year,” he said.

The site is zoned for four storeys, so approval will be needed from the City of Vernon for a six-floor office tower. “There is a need and we want to create a building that will be establshed for 50 years to come,” said George Oldacker, with Geo Pacific Enterprises, the new owner. Geo Pacific, which is based in Vernon and the Lower Mainland, will take over the property Jan. 6, and it’s anticipated that demolition of the existing building will occur soon after. Construction of the new tower will begin in April. The prospective tenants include lawyers, accountants and financial institutions. “We’ve had some discussions but I won’t mention with who,” said Oldacker.