The Fort MacMurray Legion has had a very rough year, but the organization recently unveiled their future plans to the community. Just one year ago losing the Waterways building and closing the organization down was a very real possibility, because of infrastructure problems and rising amounts of debt that was faced. In a complete turnabout a black tie gala affair was held recently in the renovated section of the structure at 9317 Huggard St. in order to thank everyone for the community support and to show future plans. Pat Duggan, the branch president, said “Rather than fade away, we as a membership chose to take on the seemingly impossible task of not only halting the closure process, but to revive our commitment to the service of personnel and our community.”
When speaking about the future plans of the Fort MacMurray Legion Duggan stated “There has been so much work done not only to bring the building itself back to a state where anyone would be thrilled to hold an event … but to bring back the spirit of what it means to be a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. It’s humbling living in a community with so much support.” Thanks to the tremendous efforts made by people in the community the entire building has been brought up to current fire code, and many of the necessary renovations to the structure have been completed. The changes that have been accomplished in just 12 months has been amazing, and it just shows what can be done when there is a strong will and determination to do something.