No
will argue that this past winter was one we will not soon forget. The
first snowfall in November stayed with us right to the bitter end, and
it seemed as if Mother Nature kept adding to the snow total every day.
It was not unusual to see residents shovelling snow this winter, but
what was unusual was that they were shovelling snow from their roofs
almost as much as from their driveways.
Unfortunately, the heavy accumulation of snow was too much for a
landmark building in Hanmer situated beside the St. Joseph’s ball
field. Known as the "Lion’s Den", this facility was home to
the Valley East Lion’s Club in recent years. If you visit the Vision
web site at we will update you on what the Lion’s Club intends to do
with respect to replacing or rebuilding the structure.
At this time, however, we are seeking the help of our readers as we
attempt to uncover some of the history of this building. Is it true that
the building was once a church or a school? Was the original owner one
of the first settlers in the area? Please dispel some of the rumours
that are floating around the neighbourhood. If you know anything about
the history of the building, please contact us by phone, fax, letter or
email so that we can let the rest of our readers in on the secrets.
UPDATE ON LION’S
DEN REBUILDING PROJECT
Marcel
Servais, spokesperson for the Valley East Lion’s Club, has informed
The Vision Paper that it is the intention of his organization to do
everything possible to reconstruct the facility which was destroyed
beyond repair by heavy snow on the roof this past winter. The building
which was located beside the St. Joseph’s Park and Hanmer ball field,
was the Lion’s home base for twelve years.
"For the past 12 years we have completely looked
after the building. It has not cost the town a penny," commented
Servais. "We maintained the property, had the snow removed from the
parking lot, put in over $30,000 worth of renovations and took care of
all necessary repairs and maintenance costs."
The Lion’s are making proposals to the City of Greater
Sudbury for a shared agreement with respect to the payment of the
$50,000 deductible to the insurance company to have the building
replaced. However, since the facility was listed as one of the surplus
buildings in the new city, Servais and his people are meeting with some
opposition.
"We feel that we can conduct a successful
fund-raising campaign in Valley East to raise $25,000 and we would like
the City to put in the other $25,000," Servais explained. "But
now we’re told that if the insurance claim is put in, it will increase
the premiums for the City and make the cost of replacement that much
greater."
Currently, the Lion’s are using the former Our Lady of
Fatima School on Percy Street in Blezard Valley as temporary
headquarters. However, that is not satisfactory to the membership,
according to Servais.
"For years we have held Sunday breakfast meetings
twice a month; other special meetings; community events; our young
people use the building; and a number of other organizations have been
allowed to use the facility for their meetings and functions. This
location is crucial to our continued effectiveness as a volunteer
organization and that is why it is so important that we be allowed
rebuild on the former site. The place needs to be made available to the
volunteer groups," added Servais.
The Lion’s will continue to work with the City
officials in an attempt to arrive at a financial plan which will allow
the building to be reconstructed. It is actually the first time that the
City of Greater Sudbury can take definite action to prove that it will
respond to the needs of the outlying areas. With Mayor Jim Gordon’s
Volunteer Task Force preparing a report for City Council, it would not
serve local politicians well to ignore the pleas of the Lion’s - one
of the most respected volunteer groups in the entire region. Everyone in
Valley East is well aware of the contributions that the Lion’s have
made to this community. They do a tremendous amount to enhance the
quality of life for so many people in this area. Now they are merely
asking to have their home restored so that they can continue their
mission.
Community support would be well appreciated. Send us
your emails and we will make sure that they get to the proper
authorities so they can see that the people of Valley East are behind
the Lion’s.