Plans for a new Royal Canadian Legion building in Meaford are moving forward.
Council has approved a zoning bylaw amendment for the Legion Road site plan.
The property would be rezoned ‘Urban Living Area’ instead of ‘Institutional’, to allow for the construction of a new clubhouse as well as an affordable housing complex.
Legion President Ron James says they are very happy with the decision.
He says it’s been a long road and this is just another piece of the puzzle, but at least things are moving ahead.
James says Legion Branch 32 is still without a home after the boiler broke at the current clubhouse in November.
He says they continue to meet on a monthly basis at the Meaford military base in order to comply with the terms of their charter, but they want to see a new clubhouse built.
The plans are to demolish the old hall on Legion Road and replace it with a new 8-thousand square foot clubhouse and a 3-storey, 36-unit affordable housing complex.
James says the legion believes there is a high need for affordable housing in the community.
He says the legion has the land for it and can make a change, while down the road it will help sustain the legion by providing some income.
The total cost of the project is estimated at 6.5 million dollars and James says they are applying for provincial funding.
Project approvals must also come from Grey County.
James hopes to see the project break ground this year.