The local Royal Canadian Legion branch is turning to the Town of Stettler for help navigating grant applications as it faces over $200,000 in urgent building repairs.
Members of Stettler Legion Branch 59 appeared before town council on Oct. 6 to outline major structural issues at their facility at 5010 50th St., including a failing roof and a HVAC system past its lifespan.
Legion representatives told council they experienced three separate leaks during the 2026 rainy season, and that an inspection yielded a quote exceeding $200,000 for a roof and HVAC replacement.
The Legion noted that installing the heating and cooling unit must happen before the roof is redone to avoid voiding the new roof’s warranty or paying for costly recertifications later.
The building’s overhaul was originally looked at for 2021, but project plans were derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the years since, the branch invested significant resources and volunteer labor into bringing a restaurant space back to the building.
While the restaurant is now viable, the branch lacks the capital to fund the infrastructure repairs on its own.
Highlighting the branch’s long-standing role in the community, the delegation noted decades of financial support for local veterans, hosting the annual Poppy Campaign and Remembrance Day services, Meals on Wheels assistance, and the donation of the building used by the Heartland Youth Centre.
Representatives asked if town staff could provide guidance or grant-writing assistance to help secure federal, provincial, or third-party funding for the repairs.
Council passed a motion to refer the request to an upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting to determine how the municipality can assist the branch.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
