Fernie City Council has agreed to support the local Legion branch with annual Remembrance Day ceremonies into the future.
The official adoption of Fernie’s Remembrance Day Policy means the Legion will no longer need to submit annual applications and the associated fees.
“Every year we go to the city and request the use of the cenotaph and in doing so, there is all the usual paperwork that goes along with that,” said Jennifer Cronin, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 36 President.
“Now every year, they will go ahead and donate the cenotaph to the Legion and the community for Remembrance Day ceremonies.”
Previously, the city could only waive 70 per cent of the total cost of renting the cenotaph grounds.
Cronin says the change will save the Legion branch time and money.
“This cuts down on the red tape and paperwork that is required from volunteers, who could better use their time to promote Remembrance Day, hand out poppy boxes, hand out wreaths and assist with community events,” said Cronin.
Cronin says she is pleased with the new policy adoption.
“It’s been a long time coming and it came about because of city staff and their recommendation to the city,” said Cronin.
“We’re very happy and grateful for the relationship we have with the city and for them to come forward and accept our proposal to waive those fees and simplify the process.”
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