The unexpected closure of a Royal Canadian Legion branch in Cape Breton that’s home to a food program that feeds hundreds is a big loss for many in the community, a staff member says.

The branch in Louisburg, N.S., is closed indefinitely after a pipe burst on Monday. There is significant water damage in the building, said branch’s treasurer Eva MacKeigan.

“This is our most demanding and most challenging time,” said MacKeigan, who also helps with the New Food Initiatives and Security project.

MacKeigan said it’s their busiest time of year with more people needing help getting food on the table due to higher power bills and smaller paycheques. Many in the community have seasonal jobs.

The food program serves hundreds of meals every week, she said. MacKeigan said they supported between 1,200 and 1,400 people through various programs in December alone.

“This is a devastating blow to the community,” she said. “We will not have a space to run these programs until the repairs are complete.”

MacKeigan said she’ll know more about when the legion could reopen after a damage assessment is completed next week.

‘Far too many’ in Cape Breton food insecure

The food program started with a $200,000 grant from the Nova Scotia government to try to improve food security in the area.

“Unfortunately in Cape Breton, it’s far too many [people who need support],” said Steven MacNeil, a Cape Breton Regional Municipality councillor.

“That’s why these kinds of programs are so important,” he said.

MacNeil said he’s been in touch with MacKeigan. He hopes the regional council can help in some way to get the program restarted.

MacKeigan said many people rushed to help once they learned about the flooding and the support from the entire community has been tremendous.

“Our plumber was there almost immediately to get the water turned off. Our contractor was there almost immediately and both of them left paying jobs to come help,” she said.

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