Summerland, B.C. Legion in need of costly roof repair
Global News
The Summerland Legion has been closed since July due to extensive water damage from a leaky roof.
The Summerland Legion has been closed since July due to extensive water damage from a leaky roof.
Following back-to-back rainstorms, the 20-year-old roof began to leak resulting in damage to the lounge and Rosedale Room. The ceiling then partially collapsed and soaked the carpet.
“July 11th, we had a rainstorm, and we had a leak and I discovered it the next day. It was not big, it was a minor one, so I went up on the roof the next day and thought I patched it. Which worked fine because we never got any rain until the 24th of July,” said Summerland Legion second-vice-president and house and grounds committee chairperson, Pat O’Sullivan.
“The evening of the 24th … got a really good rainstorm, some wind and I thought in the morning, I’ll just come and check on it to see how my patch did and I walked in the door… and there were tiles all over the place. There was water everywhere in about five different locations, it was just a mess.”
According to legion members, insurance will only cover damages to the building but not a new roof as the roof is 20 years old.
The estimated cost of the roof repairs, however, is around $75,000.
“The Legion does take in a lot of money in both our gaming accounts and with the poppy fund. But we’re not allowed to use them for everyday operations,” said Summerland Legion past president John Dorn.
“So, we have a little bit in the reserve fund but nowhere near the $75,000 that we need.”