Waterfront treasure

Where better to support Royal Canadian Legion members and their families than on the beaches.

Many veterans’ military service included the beaches in Europe during the Second World War, in the Korean Conflict and peacekeeping efforts around the world.

This year, Rotary Club of Quesnel is devoting up to $20,000 of the net proceeds from its 52nd Annual Rotary Auction, Nov. 23 – 25, to improvements to Legion Beach on Dragon Lake.

“Legion Beach is a community asset,” Rotary president Liane Kimmie said.

“Updated and improved access to a community beach on Dragon Lake, a world renowned fishing lake, will provide a higher profile and visibility of

the lake for not only Legion members but residents and visitors to Quesnel.”

It was 50 years ago when Legion members Bill Irwin and his wife leased the property to

the Legion as a meeting place by the lake for members.

Swimming, picnics, horseshoes, boating and school outings were just some of the activities

that took place on the beach.

And 15 years later, the Legion purchased the property for $30,000.

Since then it has been open to the public and well used during the summer months.

“For a period of time, there were year-round caretakers and some improvements have been made to the beach area,” Legion president Lil Anderson said.

“A concession booth was built and campsite areas cleared.

“But it has remained rustic for the past 20 years.

“That’s why it’s our intention to upgrade the facility.”

When Legion members began looking for a community-minded partner, they didn’t have to look very far.

“Last year Rotary Club of Quesnel gave us $2,000 for our memorabilia cabinets, along with $2,000 from Integris Credit Union,” Anderson said.

“We approached Rotary with a plan to upgrade Legion Beach and they generously made

the decision to devote auction proceeds to this plan.”

She outlined the plans as underground wiring for lighting and campsites, waterlines to campsites and erecting a gazebo over the existing concrete dance floor.

“This last project is in partnership with School District 28,” Anderson said.

“We have an ongoing partnership with SD28. Students have already constructed 15 new picnic tables for Legion Beach.”

The final project Legion members hope to accomplish is new docks for the boat launch.

“We think its a wonderful idea to improve and expand what Quesnel has to offer,” Kimmie said.

Anderson added the Legion hopes to make Legion Beach an accessible, welcoming place year-round.

“We want to make Legion Beach a destination spot for Legion members, their families, locals and visitors,” she said.

“The Legion greatly appreciates the support in this and past projects that benefit the whole community,” Anderson said.

“The Legion mandate is to assist veterans, their dependents and the community at large and where better than on

the beach.”

Pledge forms are available online, quesnelrotary.com or from any Rotary members including Simon Turner, 250-992-7669, Liane Kimmie, 250-747-2329 and Bev Haluschak, 250-992-6154.

“We ask that donations have a minimum value of $25,” Kimmie said.

“As of Oct. 28 we have more than $17,000 value in pledge donations.

“All donations will be acknowledged on air.”

She also said donations are accepted right up to the auction start Nov. 23 and cash donations are also accepted and recognized.

To bid on any of the fabulous items in the auction, call 250-991-5700.

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