Questions are being raised after the Lynn Valley Legion Branch 114 unexpectedly shut its doors late last week amid allegations of “financial irregularities” within the club.
On Thursday night the Royal Canadian Legion’s oversight body, B.C./Yukon Command and Foundation, called a mandatory meeting with the Lynn Valley legion’s executive to inform them the branch would be put into “receivership.” This information was part of a message posted on the Lynn Valley Legion’s Facebook page by Dave McKay, who is listed as the executive’s second vice-president.
The North Shore News obtained a copy of a letter dated Feb. 3 and sent to Lynn Valley Legion executive members from B.C./Yukon Command president Marc Tremblay that reads:
“This course of action comes following a series of complaints and financial irregularities reported within your branch.”
Tremblay further advised the Lynn Valley executive to investigate the irregularities and conduct a “major review” of controls and accounting procedures.
North Vancouver RCMP spokesman Cpl. Richard De Jong said the police have not been contacted by the legion.
“It’s not uncommon for them to first do their own due diligence,” he said.
While confirming the Lynn Valley Legion’s closure, B.C./Yukon Command & Foundation executive director Inga Kruse said the club is temporarily under its control and an internal review is underway. “That process is part of our best practices to ensure that locations are functioning efficiently and according to our bylaws,” stated Kruse in an email.
A sign posted Tuesday on the legion’s door at 1630 Lynn Valley Rd. said the branch has been temporarily closed and a reopening date has not yet been determined.
The legion’s abrupt closure has left at least one Lynn Valley community group in confusion. Ross Road parent advisory committee has been planning a fundraising event for parents.
It’s unclear what will happen with the sold-out event scheduled for March 5 at the Lynn Valley Legion. Ross Road parent and event co-organizer Shan Bodie first learned of the shuttered legion when contacted by the News.
“What? Are you kidding?” said Bodie Tuesday. “We just booked it with them.”
Bodie is now scrambling after “collecting a lot of money for catering and everything,” as the fate of the PAC event remains unknown. Proceeds from the $30-per-ticket social would benefit PAC initiatives at the elementary school.
One legion member posted on the legion’s Facebook page that she was hoping to play bingo Saturday at the club and was told over the phone by someone in charge at the legion that it was closed indefinitely due to health issues relating to mould in the building.
Members of the Lynn Valley Legion executive did not respond to a request for comment.
Opened in 1930, the Lynn Valley Legion is a non-profit organization that has previously donated close to $100,000 annually to various community groups.
