Calgary legion hall faces $450,000 to $500,000 roof repair, branch launches $30,000 fundraising push
Chapelhow Legion Branch 284 needs $30,000 to qualify for grants matching the full roof repair. Ward 4 councillor D.J. Kelly warns closure could bring crime and graffiti back to Greenview.
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Leaks in the roof of the Chapelhow Legion Branch 284 hall are seeping through onto the stage, and a quote for repairing that section alone runs upwards of $138,000. Branch president Bill Reynolds puts the full repair at $450,000 to $500,000. The branch's immediate goal is $30,000, which would make it eligible for grants that match funds toward the full cost.
Ward 4 Coun. D.J. Kelly spoke at a media event in the hall on Thursday. Kelly said losing the building would cost the area a gathering place for service members, community members and all ages, and warned that its closure could bring crime and graffiti back to the neighbourhood. He said the branch is named after its founders, Dick and Iris Chapelhow, and is the only Calgary legion named for its founders.
MLA Lizette Tejada and the Greenview Industrial Business Improvement Area are also supporting the effort. Kelly is working with the business area on a concert and roast beef dinner on Dec. 18, with tickets including dinner and live music by Peter & The Wolves. Those unable to attend can give through GoFundMe.
Reynolds said the branch has more than 600 members. He said Legion command has told the branch it can help "a bit" with the cost, but that without a fix to the roof the project won't happen. "All of a sudden, one day the roof comes down, where did the vets go?" he said.
The branch is open to the public and membership is not required. Beer is $5.25, a mug around $5, a happy hour pony around $8 and a jug around $15, Reynolds said.
