Sechelt Legion Branch 140 is celebrating Christmas early this year thanks to the investment of Gibsons Building Supplies (GBS) and the company’s gift of three year’s grace for the Legion.
The Sechelt Legion was desperate to find a buyer for its building and property on Wharf Avenue this year as the shrinking membership didn’t have the funds to keep paying the overhead, taxes and maintenance on the site.
GBS came to the rescue, purchasing the property and offering the Legion a three-year lease to give the organization ample time to find a new home.
“It’s great. It gives us a new lease on life and we’re going to try to do our best,” said Legion president Kay Metcalfe, noting the Legion will still need to see an increase in patrons and members to make enough to pay its monthly rent to GBS. “So please, come in.”
Julie Reeves, CEO of GBS, said the building supply company had been looking at purchasing the Legion property, which sits next door to its Sechelt location, for a couple of years.
“So we had it in the back of our minds and when it became public, we began our process,” Reeves said.
GBS was one of six potential purchasers of the property and their bid was the best, according to Metcalfe. The cost of the 36-month lease to the Legion, Metcalfe noted, “is a very good deal. We’re very happy with it.”
Reeves said extending the lease to the Legion was “about community and knowing that the Legion’s process takes time and that there’s due diligence that they have to go through.”
“Their process is not a fast one like a homeowner would have. So giving them the 36-month lease allows them to take their time and make the best decisions possible,” Reeves said.
She noted the time frame also gives GBS time to explore its options for the property.
“Then we can see what the future holds for us, once we do our due diligence,” Reeves said.
The Sechelt Legion membership is still looking for a new permanent home, and anyone with potential sites can contact Metcalfe at 604-885-2526.
In the meantime, the Legion is planning monthly events and activities, like the upcoming New Year’s Eve dance at the current location, and asking the public, once again, to come out and support them.
