WATCH: It’s been a pillar in Esquimalt for more than seventy years. But Today, the Esquimalt legion closed its doors. As Luisa Alvarez tells us, the drinks were flowing and so were the tears.
The drinks were flowing and the room was filled with loyal legion members many who have been coming here for decades.
But Saturday when they gathered at the Esquimalt branch the atmosphere was almost nostalgic. They knew it was for one last drink, one last game and one last dance before the doors close.
“Today is a very sad day you can’t see the tears they’re hidden by my glasses but it’s going to be a very sad day,” said Tom Felter who has been going to the branch for 40-years.
Emotions ran high, and as much as the drinks were flowing so were the tears.
“Its tough I won’t see guys like him for three years,” said the Longtime bartender at the branch Susan L’Hureux.
But L’hureux says they aren’t all sad tears and admits the building that’s been standing for 74 years needs an upgrade.
So, even though the building is getting torn down what being put in its place is welcomed by everyone.
“A brand new 12 storey facility that is going to have seniors care veterans care as well as the new legion. It’s going to take the legion into the next century and it’s going to be a beautiful piece for its members,” said Township of Esquimalt Councillor Meagan Braime.
“It’s a tight family that is going to have to separate for a tiny bit take a tiny little separation to get back together in three years and celebrate housing that we need desperately for our seniors and our veterans take care of our own,” said L’hureux.
And in three years time once construction is completed the doors will re-open.
Luisa Alvarez
