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- calendar_today November 9, 2026
Prince George Legion Pursues New Development Outside Downtown
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 in Prince George, B.C., is considering relocating from its downtown basement location as it explores plans to purchase land for a new veterans and seniors housing development.
Plans for a Multi-Use Facility
The proposed project would feature a facility that includes the Legion branch, a lounge, a small concert hall, and rental units for seniors and veterans. Branch 43 first vice president Craig Douglass stated, "From month to month, it's very difficult for the Legion to survive. We're barely getting by as it is." Douglass emphasized that rental income from the housing units would cover the costs of the building and mortgage, ensuring the branch’s sustainability. As a non-profit, any surplus funds would be reinvested into supporting veterans, seniors, and maintaining the building itself.
Inspired by Other Legion Projects
Douglass cited the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, as an inspiration for the new project. That branch constructed a nine-storey facility featuring 108 housing units, a gathering hall, and meeting spaces. The Prince George Legion is currently collaborating with the City of Prince George to acquire property on the city’s exhibition grounds near 22nd Avenue and Ospika Boulevard, a site with a significant military legacy.
Historical Connection to Proposed Site
The specific parcel of land under consideration served as military grounds during World War II. In 1942, Prince George became a base for the 8th Canadian Infantry Division, one of three divisions training to reinforce Canadian troops in Europe. George Davison, chair of the Prince George Heritage Commission, noted that the base initially featured tents, later replaced with barracks and rifle ranges. Douglass remarked, "It's ideal, not only for location, but also for the history of the property."
Impact on Downtown Music Scene
While the move may benefit veterans and seniors, it raises concerns among members of Prince George’s local music scene. In recent years, the downtown Legion location has become known for hosting punk, folk, and indie shows, often in partnership with local promoters and drawing crowds of up to 200 people. "The music events that we've had have kept us afloat in, in many cases over the last few years," said Douglass, acknowledging the importance of community concerts for the branch’s finances.
Local musician Brit Meierhofer (Britt A.M.) expressed concern about losing another downtown music venue, stating, "It's become a really special room for a lot of us in the music community. I do think that having such an integral part of the downtown scene move out of that core will not be a good thing for bringing people downtown." Though Douglass hopes to continue hosting concerts at the new location, the change could shift the dynamic for local artists and audiences.
Next Steps and Preliminary Phase
The Legion’s project remains in an early stage. Once land acquisition is complete, further development steps will proceed. As discussions continue, the outcome will affect the Legion’s future presence in Prince George and the landscape of its downtown cultural scene.
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Source: cbc.ca.
