Kensington Legion faces uncertain future after land deal falls through

It's been a mainstay in Calgaryfor more than 50 years, but now the Kensington Legion says it may haveto close its doors for good.

The planwas to build a three-story building with a new legion on the main floor and office space above, which could generate revenue for the Kensington branch. Members say it was achance to revitalize, andthe legion partnered with thedeveloper Qualico to make it happen.

"It was a win for the community, win for thelegion, and a win for the city with the potential density increase for the core as per the municipal core development plan," saidMark Barham, the dominion treasurer ofRoyal CanadianLegion who is also a trustee at the Kensington branch, said in an email.

The developer wanted to purchase a small piece of land next to the legionon18AStreet.Barham said the land isroughly seven metreswide by 30 metreslong and is a utility right-of-way that cannot be built on.

"The lease actually states that itcan be usedas an access point and forparking, and that was not going to change," he said.

For the past 36 years the legion has leased it from the city for $150a year.

But to buy it,the city pegged the price of the land at more than $1.5 million even though theproperty has only beenassessed for$350,000.

Area councillor looks to help

The city gave the developer two months to purchase the land, butthe developer walked away from the deal on Wednesday.

At this point there is no solid timeline for how long this current legion can last.

"It's reached the point where we can no longer stay in it for an extended period of time," Barham told CBC News.

Members believe it's crucial to have a new building soon to attract visitors and support veterans, but they say a lot of their future now hinges on the city.

"We don't have the money to start this process again. We don't. We spent approximately $50,000 and this building is falling apart around our ears," said Barham.

Ward 7 Coun. Druh Farrell, who represents the area, says the city is eager to strike a deal but couldnot comment on the cost of the parcel of land.She also believes there is more at play than just the price tag.

"From what I understand it's more than just that one access point," she said.

"But certainly that was a big disappointment.The legion needs this development and it's also reallybeneficial to the neighbourhood. And so whatever I can do to help bridge that gap. It may not be with thisparticular developer, but perhaps introducing them to other interested parties. I'll do what I can to help them."