Fort McMurray’s Royal Canadian Legion is acting as an emergency shelter after people were forced to leave their units at a downtown apartment building.

The approximately 200 residents were forced to leave Hearthstone Manor after a water line in their boiler room broke Monday evening, flooding the main lobby.

Legion President Pat Duggan said more than 40 people were initially helped on Monday, with approximately 18 staying the night. Some have since relocated, but Duggan said they are still serving about a dozen people, with many of those staying the night again on Tuesday.

In addition to having a place to sleep, the Legion is also providing help with any medical needs, counselling services, food and anything else people need.

“It’s unfortunate when it happens, but we take a lot of pride in being a part of the (Emergency Social Services) program and being able to help out other residents in the city,” said Duggan. “We’re happy to be able to help our wonderful community and we’re there for the community.”

While the Legion is acting as an emergency shelter, regular functions of the building have been temporarily suspended, with the upstairs being completely blocked off.

“Fortunately this time we weren’t too busy, so a minimal amount of customers were actually affected,” said Duggan.

The emergency shelter was agreed to be put in place for 72 hours, meaning regular operations at the Legion will be back by Friday.

Municipal spokesperson Adam Hardiman said in an email that should additional support be needed by residents after the 72 hours, the Canadian Red Cross will help support affected residents directly.

lbeamish@postmedia.com