I am writing in support of the expansion of Legion Manor at 1934 Hovey Rd. Many years ago, in the late 1960s and early '70s, land which was bequeathed to the Legion from First World War veterans was in turn donated to the South Vancouver Island Housing Society, which operates currently as Legion Manor Victoria. The spirit of this arrangement was that veterans would always have first priority for care and a place to live at the facility.
This arrangement has been kept for over 52 years, and is a proud example of a non-profit working to support a need in the community. While its first focus is veterans, it has also come to support all seniors in need of access to low-income housing.
I have a personal example to share of the good work these folks are doing. A colleague of mine has been a Saanichton resident for nine years, living in a temporary situation due to financial hardship. She and her husband have been on the Legion Manor waitlist for over five years, waiting for a place to call home which they both could afford with their small pensions.
This spring they got a call that brought tears to their eyes when they were notified a suite had become available. I cannot describe the relief and joy that this call brought to my colleague. Later this spring, Legion Manor became the home for two veterans displaced from their home in Victoria. These men had served Canada for years, and their country had turned its back on them.
Both formerly residents of Saanichton, a social worker found out who they were, and put them in touch with our organization. We worked with Legion Manor to find a suite, and we worked with the Pendray family and others in the Legion to provide furniture, clothes, and other amenities to get them in a safe, secure, and dignified place to live. I was happy to bring three truckloads of furniture in from John PendrayB次元官网网址檚 house to help these veterans. That is the reality of Legion Manor. Actions over words; rolling up sleeves and doing the work to support our heroes!
As Canada and the Saanich Peninsula faces the B次元官网网址楽ilver TsunamiB次元官网网址�, we must be prepared for the future. According to the 2016 census, the Saanich Peninsula hosts the highest age demographic in the country with a median age of 48.5 years. With over 100 families on the waitlist for a place to call home now, the demand for seniors housing in our backyard is higher than ever. There are concerns about the official community plan, about bylaws, about densification. Many valid concerns, which deserve to be addressed by the district and the developer. What might not be part of these consultations though is a desire for a home for B次元官网网址榞randma and grandpa' B次元官网网址� the human side of the urban planning discussion.
The task that lies before us is to support the expansion of Legion Manor as Central Saanich answers the call to support those who have given so much for us and our way of life.
Ryan Trelford, president
Saanich Peninsula Legion Branch 37
