Royal Canadian Legion Barry’s Bay Branch 406 serves a territory that reaches Killaloe in the east, Whitney in the west, and Palmer Rapids to the south. The Legion actively supports the community as a whole, not just Canadian Forces veterans, as anyone who has attended the Barry’s Bay Vaccination Clinic can attest. The Legion Hall is provided at no cost so that residents can receive COVID-19 vaccinations. Both vendors and customers of the Barry’s Bay Farmers’ Market held in the Legion parking lot on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. are also grateful to the Legion for providing a spacious venue. And the Barry’s Bay Horseshoe League looks forward to practices and competition at the Legion pits starting Friday, July 2 at 6:30 p.m. Above fork lift hoists 1000 lb picnic table into position. Photo supplied.
Given this background of service to the community, it’s no surprise that when the Legion requested help to complete its long-planned patio project, area businesses and individuals stepped up to return the favour. Branch 406 President Heather Poliquin said, “We are grateful for the support from so many for this project, and are excited to offer the public a much improved patio experience.” The list of donors includes the following:
- Murray Bros Lumber Company Ltd. provided the lumber at half-price.
- McRae Lumber Company provided a cash donation and donated a large picnic table.
- Barry’s Bay Home Hardware provided a forklift and operator.
- Individuals who helped build the patio deck and railings were Kevin Chapeskie, Gary August, Frank Burchat, Tom Bryce, Darcy Sheehan, Mike Shulist, Mike Poliquin, Dan Hudder.
Legion membership is not required to enjoy the new patio which is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Community members will be pleased to learn that the Legion will announce indoor events such as their popular monthly Pancake Breakfasts when they are allowed to open.
Above: members of the working party building the patio deck. Photos supplied.
Visitors will note that the Legion’s flag is at half-mast. Branch 406 recently explained on social media that this was to honour the memory of residential school children: “In Remembrance, and out of respect for all these souls, all Branches will be lowering their flags to half-mast for an indefinite period of mourning. We continue to join in spirit with our First Nation comrades to help them through this devastating time. Our thoughts remain with all related families and communities.”
The Legion Banner program has been extended to the first week of August. “The response to this program has been exceptional, and there is still time to order your banner and help honour our veterans,” said Poliquin. Just call her at 613-756-9027. Click HERE for a brief Facebook video with more information about the Banner program.