"SASKATOON LEGION HALL LOSES OUT TO DEVELOPMENT" from Hēritage – The Magazine of the Heritage Canada Foundation, Spring 2006
Hēritage – The Magazine of the Heritage Canada Foundation
Volume IX, Number 2 Spring 2006
Heritage Headlines
Page 62
SASKATOON LEGION HALL LOSES OUT TO DEVELOPMENT
A local developer’s plans to build a luxury hotel and spa in downtown Saskatoon will swallow up the historic Royal Canadian Legion Hall.
Built in 1929 by veterans of the First World War and equipped with one of the last horsehair dance floors in Saskatchewan, the hall has no official designation or protection as a heritage site. It is the last remaining building on the future River Landing site where developer Remai Ventures will build its riverfront complex.
“Unfortunately, the Legion building will be demolished, but the 1929 cornerstone and the Legion coat of arms plaque will be incorporated into a memorial to the building,” said Remai’s director of real estate, Curtis Zwack.
The Saskatchewan Architectural Heritage Society (SAHS) sees the demise of the Legion building as another prime example of big development showing little or no consideration for built heritage.
“This building was erected with the sweat equity of First World War veterans. They hand-dug the basement,” noted Al Rosseker, SAHS executive director. “One has to wonder if there isn’t any room on this expansive riverbank for development without sacrificing the Legion hall.”
The extensive multi-million dollar River Landing project has already swallowed up the Gathercole building and old electrical buildings.
The sale of the building was approved at a veterans’ meeting last fall which was attended by 61 of an estimated 250 members, 49 of whom voted in favour of the deal. “It breaks my heart to sell the building, but…the reality is that we don’t have the money to pay the bills,” said Branch president John Davidson.
The City of Saskatoon developed the master plan for the phase I riverfront in 2003 and the provincial government provided $4 million in capital funding to begin the redevelopment project.
The StarPhoenix, Saskatoon, Sask., 02/02/06 and 02/28/06.
Letter to the editor of The StarPhoenix in response to J.F. Sargeant regarding Remai Ventures Inc. and the Legion Building - August 6, 2006
Date: Sun, 6 Aug 2006 14:44:40 -0400 (EDT)
From: "J. Kuchta"
Subject: letter to the editor submission -- thank you!
To: "Star Phoenix" spnews@sp.canwest.comDear Editor:
In his letter Legion treated well by mayor, developer (SP Aug. 5) J.F. Sargeant wrote, “During all of the discussions, Remai Ventures Inc. were very sensitive to the concerns and emotional issues involved with the sale of the building.” So sensitive and caring is Remai that destruction of the historic hall will be among the first orders of business.
It is interesting to note that a John Sargeant, in a December 1, 2003 letter to city council as chair of the Legion’s building review committee wrote: “We would like the Mayor and Council to know we do not plan on moving from our present location or selling the property. At present, we have a viable branch with over 300 members. The building is significant not only to our membership but also as a historical Saskatchewan building. It was built by First World War I Vets in 1929, a memorial to their fallen comrades. Since that time, it has housed an active Legion membership through W.W. II and the Korean conflict. Our current membership consists of Vets, active service members, as well as new members. It is one of the few existing original Legion buildings in Saskatchewan still occupied by a Legion branch. Although we are not interested in the sale or demolition of our building, we would like to work closely with our future neighbors.”
What a difference a couple of years and a reported $1-million from Remai makes. I understand the developer’s latest luxury spa hotel plans may now include the condos that Mayor Don Atchison has long desired. If so, will Remai get tax breaks for those too?
Saskatoon will be poorer for the loss of the Legion Building. Council members supporting its demise do not deserve our vote in the next civic election.
Joe Kuchta
Saskatoon, SK
Correspondence to the StarPhoenix and City Council regarding the downtown Legion Building - August 5, 2006
[Note: The author of the letter below, J.F. Sargeant, appears to be the same gentleman who in December 2003 sent a letter to city council – on behalf of the Legion – advising that the Branch had no plans of moving or selling the property and were not interested in the demolition of their building. "The building is significant not only to our membership but also as a historical Saskatchewan building", he wrote.
It is interesting what a difference a couple of years and a reported $1-million offer from developer Remai Ventures Inc. makes.]
Legion treated well by mayor, developer
The StarPhoenixSaturday, August 05, 2006
I was disappointed to read Bill Nixon's letter Voters should remember how veterans treated (SP, June 12), in which he wanted City Hall to reconsider allowing Remai Ventures Inc. to demolish the Legion Hall on 19th Street.
He alleges Mayor Don Atchison turned his back on the veterans and referred to Remai Ventures Inc. as "uncaring developers -- so called good citizens"!
The building review committee for Branch 63, Royal Canadian Legion had a meeting with the mayor, the project manager for the south downtown development and one councillor during which the mayor and city representatives made their proposal and the committee stated the legions position. The mayor was very supportive of the legion and at no time did he turn his back on the veterans.
The discussions between Remai Ventures Inc. and the branch regarding our legion hall were conducted in a very professional and honest manner.
During all of the discussions, Remai Ventures Inc. were very sensitive to the concerns and emotional issues involved with the sale of the building. It's interesting to note that Nixon is not a member of Branch 63 and should not be using the legion as his excuse for suggesting the electorate vote against the mayor and council at the next election.
The mayor and the majority of council have supported our branch and deserve our respect and vote.
J.F. Sargeant
Saskatoon
© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2006
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December 1, 2003
City of Saskatoon
P.O. Box 7030
Saskatoon, SK
S7K 8E3
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
To date there has been much speculation regarding the development of the South Downtown. The Legion has not at any time been approached regarding this development. Because of this, we assume the Legion building is not part of the downtown plans. We thought, however, you might wish to know our intentions regarding our future. It is felt that knowing our plans may aid you in your decision making regarding the South Downtown development.
We would like the Mayor and Council to know we do not plan on moving from our present location or selling the property. At present, we have a viable branch with over 300 members. The building is significant not only to our membership but also as a historical Saskatchewan building. It was built by First World War I Vets in 1929, a memorial to their fallen comrades. Since that time, it has housed an active Legion membership through W.W. II and the Korean conflict. Our current membership consists of Vets, active service members, as well as new members. It is one of the few existing original Legion buildings in Saskatchewan still occupied by a Legion branch.
Although we are not interested in the sale or demolition of our building, we would like to work closely with our future neighbors. Our door is open to ideas on how we can co-operate in the future development of the South Downtown area.
Council members wishing for more information may contact me at 244-7575 and I will be happy to answer any inquiries.
Sincerely,
John Sargeant
Chairman
Building Review Committee
Branch #63, Royal Canadian Legion
/sh
