A mouse infestation and mould in the Lynn Valley Legion Branch 114’s food area has led to another investigation for the club already dogged by allegations of financial irregularities.
On Feb. 10 a Vancouver Coastal Health food inspector ordered the legion be shut down after following up on a same-day complaint about unsanitary conditions in the kitchen and bar area.
“The inspector found signs of an infestation in terms of numerous mouse droppings in the bar area,” said Steve Chong, VCH environmental health program manager. “That in combination with the poor sanitation in the bar area led to the closure.”
The inspector found a build-up of food debris and grease, as well as mould in the walk-in cooler, under the counters, in the drawers and the cupboards, explained Chong. Hiring pest control and doing a thorough cleanup of the food area are among conditions legion staff must satisfy before the club can reopen.
The VCH order came less than a week after the branch was shut down by the Royal Canadian Legion’s oversight body, B.C./Yukon Command and Foundation, for an investigation into financial irregularities.
The Lynn Valley legion executive has referred the North Shore News’ request for comment on both investigations to B.C./Yukon Command.
While not commenting specifically on the Lynn Valley legion’s failed food inspection report, B.C./Yukon Command & Foundation executive director Inga Kruse stated in an email they are “continuing to review all issues and have no updates before we inform the membership.”
A reopening date for the Lynn Valley legion has not been determined, as the investigation continues.
