Members of the 447 Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Association in Mount Hope have faced turbulence before, but now the headwinds look like they will blow down their clubhouse completely.

The owner of the building on Homestead Drive plans to demolish the facility used by Air Force veterans and other members to make way for a mixed-use commercial building.

On Monday evening, Coun. Brenda Johnson hosted a public meeting to discuss the plan by JPS Marketing for a two-storey building to house a restaurant, retail and offices — a development that is expected to be beyond the means of a struggling club.

Johnson, who represents Ward 11, says nothing can be done to oppose the proposal because the plan is consistent with local zoning.

"There is no question that it is something that would be allowed," she said.

Past-president and longtime member Jim Hooton says, "It's a shame because there is nothing like the association in the Mount Hope area. and people come from all around to use it — Hagersville, Caledonia, Binbrook, Ancaster, Stoney Creek and Waterdown."

He said demographics are working against legions, veterans' associations and service clubs. The club has very few veteran members.

"Previously, I was president of the Mountain Hamilton Kiwanis Club. We had to fold because of lack of members. And this is not something that we want to happen here."

Sandra Wells, one of the directors of the association, says "We have to find a new home and what that home will be we don't know. Do we continue running a full restaurant and bar or will it just be an association having meetings at another location?"

She says the club has less than 140 members, down from a high point several years ago when there were more than 400. But general public can eat and drink at the club without being members.

The number of actual veterans are very few, she said, something that came into sharp focus a few weeks ago when Jack Finan, a Second World War Lancaster pilot, celebrated his 100th birthday at the club.

The owner of the building, JPS Marketing, could not be reached for comment. It's not clear when demolition will take place. The company has submitted detailed architectural drawings to the city.

The 447 Wing began in 1962 operating out of building at Hamilton's airport, but expansion plans forced the association to find new quarters.

Then, about 10 years ago, the club moved into Homestead Drive address that was a former Chinese Restaurant.

But rent prices were tough, eventually reaching $2,700 per month. And the club over the years faced varying degrees of financial hardship.

In 2015, the City of Hamilton explored a plan to buy the building and become the club's landlord.

But the idea didn't fly with city staff and councillors rejected the idea.

Johnson says "my heart and soul is with the wing."

"I just wish the city could do something for them. Like all legions they are valuable to our community and we need to take care of our veterans and this is one of the ways that we can do that.

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"I tried everything. I don't know what to tell them. I feel for them. I just don't know what I can do to help. I feel helpless."

mmcneil@thespec.com

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