Moose Jaw’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 59 will hold a street party on Canada Day to raise funds so it can purchase a new venue that better meets its needs.
During the June 13 regular council meeting, city council voted unanimously to approve the legion’s request to operate a licensed cabaret and street dance on the 200 block of High Street West on July 1 from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. on July 2 if the organization adheres to the City of Moose Jaw’s alcohol use events policy.
The veterans’ organization expects about 500 people to attend; tickets are $15 pre-purchased or $20 at the gate. As part of its permit, it must consult with all businesses affected by the road closure. The road would be closed from around Ballet to Broadway to Third Avenue Northwest.
Two bands will provide entertainment during the evening: Brandon and Company and the Milkman and Sons.
Presentation
Justin Eddison, the legion’s public relations officer, told council that volunteers would provide security and handle clean-up, which they expect to complete by noon the next day.
“I think this — after the two long years we’ve had of very limited community events — is a great opportunity for the City of Moose Jaw to put on a Canada Day event to allow the community to come together to celebrate together and to have a great time with entertainment,” he continued. “And another great side effect is we get to raise some good money to help us find a new home … .
“If we can’t find a new home, our ability to help veterans will be limited and our local veterans will suffer from that.”
Edison added that because of the legion’s location, attendees would have a clear view of the fireworks later that evening to close out Canada Day.
Discretionary use
High Street West is considered a discretionary use for events that feature alcohol, so operators must submit a written request to city hall for approval, a council report explained. The parks and recreation department reviews the request and submits a recommendation to council.
Branch No. 59 has indicated that it will meet or exceed all conditions that the municipality and Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) have established for such events, the report continued. All volunteers will be required to complete the responsible alcohol service training for special occasions, as mandated by SLGA.
There are several conditions the parks and rec department expects the legion to follow with this process, such as:
- Ensure the area where beverage alcohol will be is fenced
- Ensure there is adequate security so attendees remain within the area’s confines where alcohol is
- Ensure the event complies with all regulations of The Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act
- Secure and display all necessary SLGA licences and approvals
- Ensure that all tent and fence locations are co-ordinated with and approved by the parks and rec department
- Maintain event public liability insurance of $5 million and alcohol-related public liability insurance of $2 million
- Agree to indemnify and hold the City of Moose Jaw harmless from and against all liability, loss, demands, costs and expenses, including legal fees, due to negligence or acts or omissions during the event
- Be responsible for all costs, including obtaining appropriate liability insurance, purchasing alcohol, providing security, providing washrooms and installing and removing fencing
City hall also expects the legion to adhere — as best it can — to the noise bylaw, which states that an outdoor public event can only operate from 7 to 10 p.m. Anything outside those hours requires the permission of the city manager, engineering services director or city council.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, June 27.
