The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #50 will be a hive of activity this month when extensive renovations to the Francois Lake Drive building are scheduled to begin.

The Legion has been successful in securing a number of grants totaling approximately $60,000 for the renovations.

According to Jeanne Parkinson, Legion secretary/treasurer, the building has not been updated since 1994.

"It is badly in need of renovation," she said.

The Legion has now received the final approval they were waiting for to go ahead with the work when Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) signed off on a $17,500 grant for the upgrades.

The Legion also received $4,500 from Comfor Management Services Ltd., $1,600 from the Bulkley Valley Credit Union, 亚洲天堂 Lake branch, $25,000 from the Lakes Legacy Fund, $7,940 from New Horizons for seniors, $12,549 from Regional District of Bulkley Nechako (RDBN) area B federal gas tax funds, $12,660 from the Nechako Kitimaat Development Fund Society as well as $2,000 from RDBN grant in aid funding.

In a letter to Parkinson, Janine North, NDIT's chief executive officer said she is looking forward to seeing the renovation have a very positive impact on the local economy.

"We are very excited about the renovations," Parkinson said.

"The Legion struggles to stay open, so we are hoping that the renovations will encourage more people to come in."

Aside form regular operations the Legion is also able to host functions such as weddings, receptions and parties.

A new furnace and fire exit door has already been put in as part of the renovations and the funding will also provide the Legion with new furniture, floors, carpets, paint for the interior walls and a new stove for the kitchen.

While most of the work is for the interior of the building, the exterior of the building has also been repainted.

Now that the funding is all in place, the final go ahead has been given.

Parkinson said renovations will begin this month once contracts for the work are in place.

"We will have to have a celebration when the work is complete," she added.