Nearly one year after its abrupt closure, the Lynn Valley Legion is readying to reopen, according to a spokeswoman from B.C./Yukon Command.
Doors and taps will hopefully open in late February or early March, “depending on how fast (volunteers) can pull everything together,” said Shelley Coburn, manager of branch advisory operations with B.C./Yukon Command.
The bar closed in February 2016 amid allegations of “financial irregularities,” and reports of mould and mice.
B.C./Yukon Command’s handling of the legion: “virtually ensured extended closure and a public blemish,” according to a report written by arbitrator James E. Dorsey.
Dorsey served as arbitrator after the legion’s 28-year bartender Jamie McLaughlin grieved his 2016 firing.
Dorsey awarded McLaughlin $32,000 after concluding there was: “no just and reasonable cause for discipline.”
“I would not help them with anything ever again,” McLaughlin said Thursday, blasting the extended closure as inexcusable.
“I could’ve had it reopened in 48 hours,” he said. “I shake my head when I talk about the Legion. It was my life.”
The lost year meant some members who passed away didn’t get a proper send-off and many customers lost their social life, he said.
Certain details surrounding the closure can’t be disclosed, according to Coburn.
“Some of the issues had to do with gaming and liquor ... and those things just take time to iron out and some things needed to be done with the building,” she said. “If it’s not going as fast as some people would like, we’re always welcoming new volunteers.”
Coburn said she’s hopeful that the community will rally inside the legion again.
“I hope that they would continue to show their support so that the legion can continue to do the good work that it does for veterans and their families.”
