November 19, 2024 – 08:00
What future for the Sorel-Tracy Legion?
By: Stéphane Fortier
An emergency meeting was called on November 19 to discuss the future of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 117, General LR Laflèche of Sorel-Tracy, whose members can no longer hold meetings, their building having been condemned by the City of Sorel-Tracy.
The Quebec provincial leadership of the Royal Canadian Legion placed the Sorel organization under supervision on July 7. Is it for reasons linked to finances which are in a sad state? “It has nothing to do with finances. Remember that we are a non-profit organization. As for the rest, I can’t tell you anything,” says Réjean Brizard, who was president of the Legion before the trusteeship.
Need premises ASAP
The building, which housed Legion activities on Rue du Souvenir, was recently condemned by the City of Sorel-Tracy, owner of the premises. In doing so, members of the Legion are without premises. The City explains that the building is in poor condition and would require major investments to ensure the safety of users and restore the premises to good condition.
“After the floods last August, an examination of the site revealed significant damage to the building,” Mr. Brizard told us.
The building suffered infiltration during the torrential rains of August 9, which caused damage to the basement. After removing the materials contaminated by water, the City of Sorel-Tracy carried out in-depth inspections to obtain a precise diagnosis of the condition of the building. The results of this examination revealed mold and structural problems in addition to the damage observed on the electrical systems which represent a risk to the safety of the occupants. In addition, the presence of asbestos and lead in the building makes any renovation extremely complex and expensive.
“We need help. We are looking for new premises, but we cannot pay an exorbitant rent because we do not have a fortune,” says Réjean Brizard.
The City of Sorel-Tracy, for its part, is working together with the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 117, to find new meeting spaces.
The future of the organization was also at the heart of an emergency meeting on November 19, organized by the provincial leadership of the Legion in which the City of Sorel-Tracy participated and where only members could attend.
Despite several requests for interviews, the Quebec provincial leadership of the Royal Legion of Canada did not deign to respond.
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