A Dartmouth legion is receiving $35,000 in federal and provincial money for a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

The Royal Canadian Legion's Somme Branch 31 in Dartmouth will receive $25,000 from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. The government of Nova Scotia is putting $10,000 toward the project.

'Preserving and celebrating'

Darren Fisher, the MP for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, said the Canada 150 money is about reinvesting in community infrastructure across the country.

"It's about families having local places to learn and spend some precious time," he said.

"It's about preserving and celebrating our national pride, and the wonderful quality of life that we enjoy here in Canada."

Fisher said the legion commemorates the service of veterans and contributes to Canada's legacy.

'Best chowder and biscuits anywhere'

The former treasurer of the Somme Branch said the building has a long history in the community, as a church hall in the 1920s and a soup kitchen in the 1930s.

"Today, as the legion, it honours those who have served and gives our community a place to gather to celebrate all of life's occasions," Dave Camp said in a statement.

Fisher said the Somme Branch supports opportunity and growth by being a place where people can come together.

"This is a place where community members young and old come in and meet for friendly conversation and activities," he said.

"Group meetings, Valentine's Day dances, moose milk. The best chowder and biscuits anywhere. And performances from local bands."