Adam Johnson
Northern News Services
Published Friday, January 18, 2008

YELLOWKNIFE - After seven months of uncertainty, the Legion has finally decided where it's going to move: nowhere.

"She's no longer up for sale," said outgoing president Lloyd Lush of the Yellowknife branch's long-time home on Franklin Avenue.

"With the help of members and local businesses, we've come a long way and decided the Legion is going to stay where it is."

He said a stream of financial contributions will allow the Yellowknife branch to keep the building it has occupied since 1979.

Back in June, financial pressures pushed the Vincent Massey branch to put its 4,000-square-foot building up for sale - at a price tag of $1.1-1.2 million.

At the time, Lush and general manager Lorne Power cited falling gaming revenues and rising heating costs as the main factors behind the sale.

"This building is costing us $16,000 a month," Power said at the time.

However, with a new bingo at the Tree of Peace - and the aforementioned contributions - Lush said he was happy to take the building off the block.

"I walked across this morning to tell (the realtors)," Lush said with a laugh on Jan. 11.

While there was some interest from buyers, Lush said there were no serious bites - not that he minded.

"I was kind of hoping to myself that no one would come forward with a serious offer," he said.

During the Legion's Tuesday coffee, where some of Yellowknife's veterans gather with Lush to chat and tell stories, the veterans said they were pleased the Legion would be staying put.

"We are delighted," said the Right Rev. John Sperry. "It's history, it's a service to the community and it's an excellent place to celebrate Remembrance Day and other activities."

"It's great, just great," said fellow veteran Ed Jeske.

Prior to finding its home on Franklin, the Legion was located at the first Legion Hall on 50th Street (now The Office) from 1953-1979, and the old community hall in Old Town before that.

Lush said the Legion couldn't thank anyone in particular, as "I'd be scared to leave somebody out. We have many sponsors," he said. "They help us survive."

In recent weeks, Lush ended his five-year stint as Legion president.

He will be replaced by Blaine Kelly, who was travelling at Yellowknifer's press time.