Legion contributes to Petawawa’s flood relief efforts

To help with flood relief, the Royal Canadian Legion in Petawawa presented the town with $1,000.

“It really is appreciated after the devastation in the town as a result of something we had no control over,” said Mayor Bob Sweet. “We soundly appreciate the Legion coming forward and donating this money to our cause here.”

Though much of the town has recovered from the massive spring flooding, scars remain. A visit to Centennial Park shows just how high the fast moving water rose and destroyed pavement, signage and features along the waterfront, carving deep grooves into the dirt. The steep embankment near the Legion itself, as well as adjacent to the Petawawa River bridge, also still bear significant erosion.

Though the building is still standing, it was a close call for the Legion and at one point, the building was evacuated.

“Our gas line had become exposed and our hydro pole had to be held up by a boom truck for a couple of days,” said Legion Branch 517 Treasurer Lianne Remus.

Many of the Legion’s members have seen first- hand those in the community who have been affected by the floods, or have themselves experienced the struggle of rebuilding after a disaster. As such, they decided to put some of the money raised through the Legion’s popular “Catch the Ace” game towards flood relief.

“We feel we’d rather give the donations here to our community in Petawawa,” said Remus.

“If you ask why we are giving back, it is because the community helps us tremendously over the years,” added Membership Chairman Pat Perry.