Marcel Servais, President of the Valley East Lions Club, knows he has a lot of work ahead of him before he sees the final construction of the new Lion’s Den on the former site on St. Joseph’s Street, but he has been energized by the support he has received from the City of Greater Sudbury’s planning committee.

The old hall suffered severe snow damage to the roof this past winter and had to be destroyed.

On Tuesday, May 15, The City of Greater Sudbury’s planning committee took a big step in showing it’s support for volunteer organizations such as the Valley East Lion’s Club by voting in favour of a 50/50 split of the $50,000 insurance deductible which must be paid to rebuild the St. Joseph Street facility.

The club has been using space temporarily in the old Our Lady of Fatima School in Blezard Valley.

Despite arguments presented by City staff that Council would miss out on revenues from the sale of the land and future property taxes as well as face an increase in insurance premiums, Councillors voted unanimously to support a plan which will see the Lion’s raise half of the deductible with the City picking up the rest.

Fundraising will now be undertaken by the Lion’s Club members to come up with their share. During the next several months, funds will be generated through a Nevada outlet, profits from Valley East Days and from private donations. It is expected that the full amount will be raised before the end of the summer and perhaps the Lions will be back in their den by Christmas.

The Lion’s Den was a familiar landmark in Hanmer, with the Lion’s calling it home for over 12 years. In all that time, the Lions conducted numerous renovations to the facility and covered all maintenance costs.

It was a true community centre and was used by numerous groups in the area. It’s reconstruction plans were welcome news to local residents.

Chartered in 1967, the Valley East Lions Club has existed in Valley East for over 30 years. As one of their final acts, the Council of Valley East renamed the former building, The Valley East Lions Club Outdoor Sport Facility in recognition of what the club has contributed to the community.

Each year the Valley East Lions Club donates money to needy organizations and individuals. The list is extensive, and includes such things as $25,000 towards the Cambrian College Special Needs Centre; a bursary donation of $10,000 to College Boreal; $10,000 for the repairs to the Blezard Valley Cemetery; and $15,000 for playground equipment outside their building. One of the things that the club is most proud of is the $75,000 they have donated over the last five years to individuals and families who required support for things like paying for medical supplies to food and clothing.

The decision by the Council to support the request to share the deductible was the right one. Now the greenbelt area which includes a tennis court, a skate boarding rink, a playground, a ball field and a walking area will once again have the club house facility to finish it off.