Whalley Legion lounge charges $2.50 for water

Vimy Lounge at Whalley Royal Canadian Legion Branch 229 is charging customers $2.50, including tax, for water. Signs at the Surrey lounge say the fee applies to tap, hot, cold and bottled water and is intended to help support the branch.

Branch president Murray Hill said the charge is aimed at patrons who use amenities such as free pool and live entertainment without otherwise spending money. Water remains free for customers who order food, he said.

The lounge opened in 2023 in the Veterans Village tower at 10626 City Parkway after the former Legion building was demolished and the site redeveloped. It hosts live music, karaoke, bingo, trivia, pool tournaments and meat draws.

Hill said the branch’s finances have improved and it is nearing break-even or a small surplus, helped in part by renting a commercial space beside the main lobby that had sat vacant for years. Legion membership is free this year.