A new mural at Regina Branch honours the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, tracing its history from the First World War to modern day, explains Ron Hitchcock, curator of the branch’s expansive military museum. The mural, by artist Mary-Ann Dubé, adds to the visual distinction of the branch, which boasts five stained-glass windows in the Memorial Tower, eight large murals by Kenneth Lochhead, the museum, branch offices, a lounge and a new café.
The building was sold due to a financial crunch rooted in falling membership (“Regina Branch reopens with a new attitude,” September/October). It was partially demolished to make way for a parking garage at the back. However, the front third of the building was maintained and renovated. The branch now rents the space for a nominal fee plus operating costs, which run about $2,800 monthly, most of which is its share of property taxes.
Since downsizing, the branch no longer has space to host events that once brought in funding. The branch has approached the city for tax relief and has launched fundraisers to cover operating costs, but finances remain a problem, said Hitchcock, who is also first vice. “It’s not a lot we need. We just need to know that that’s covered so that we can help our veterans.”
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