Roxboro Legion reopening after October fire

“We survived, we’re still here,” says Martin Bruyere of the Royal Canadian Legion in Roxboro, after a fire destroyed the building in October. Community donations from Montrealers have helped them rebuild and partially reopen. Swidda Rassy reports.

By News Staff

Posted August 15, 2023 11:18 am.

Last Updated August 15, 2023 6:52 pm.

The Royal Canadian Legion in Roxboro is partially reopening after being ravaged by a fire last October.

The Legion’s General Vanier branch, part of the Roxboro community since 1957, was heavily damaged by the Oct. 25 blaze.

“We lost a lot permanently, artifacts dating back to the First World War, we lost a lot,” said Martin Bruyere, president of the Royal Canadian Legion, General Vanier 234.

The fire was believed to have been caused by a faulty electrical setup.

“Our problem was we weren’t adequately insured, said Bruyere. “We were short, at the very least, $200,000 to $250,000.”

The Legion raised more than $30,000 in the blaze’s aftermath to get it back up and running. The basement, kitchen and second floor are “still works in progress,” the Legion says.

Exterior of the Royal Canadian Legion in Roxboro on Aug. 15, 2023. (Swidda Rassy, CityNews)

Logo on door of the Royal Canadian Legion in Roxboro on Aug. 15, 2023. (Swidda Rassy, CityNews)

“We had to make a lot of decisions as to what our priorities were and obviously our main hall is the absolute priority,” said Bruyere.

After renovations, the main hall of the building is now wheelchair accessible, something the Legion didn’t have before.

Although there’s still a lot of work to be done, Bruyere says he’s overwhelmed with all the help the Legion has received so far.

“It’s been very special,” said Bruyere. “I didn’t realize that this day and age community can still come together.”

Additional fundraisers are planned for the fall.

The General Vanier branch is targeting Aug. 26 for an official reopening.

“We will be re-consecrating our cenotaph, and have invited politicians from all levels, and Legion dignitaries. We will have a parade involving pipes and drums, cadets, and Legionnaires,” said Bruyere.

“The main purpose of this event is to increase awareness of both our Branch and the Legion in general in our community and others in the region.”

In the meantime, it is only open one day a week.