Kitchener, Ont. legion left without heat after copper wire theft

A Kitchener legion is without heat after someone damaged their HVAC system to steal the copper wire. As CTV’s Alexandra Holyk reports, it happened right before

A longtime gathering place for veterans in Kitchener, Ont. has been without heat for more than a week after copper wire was stolen from its rooftop HVAC unit.

Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Polish Veterans’ Branch 412 on Wellington Street North said they believe it happened sometime between Nov. 1 and 3.

“Someone decided they needed some copper, so they went up there and they damaged everything up there, ripped it all apart, took the copper out, and we haven’t had the heat since then,” said branch president Stan Howie.

Howie said he believes the thieves climbed a ladder at the side of the building and made their way to one of the units.

“We called the technician in and he showed us pictures of it and they just demolished it,” said Howie. “And there’s no way you could fix that, right? So we have to wait to get a whole new unit.”

Damage costs are estimated to be about $44,000. Howie said around $300 worth of copper was stolen. Given the cost to repair, the legion said it will purchase a new HVAC unit, which isn’t a quick installation.

“It’s hard to say when they can get one,” said Howie.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service said they are investigating the theft and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

In the meantime, the legion has set up space heaters that will remain in place through its Remembrance Day activities.

“We have portable heaters going, and hopefully we get enough people in here to generate the body heat to keep the place warm,” Howie said.

However, Howie also said he doesn’t understand why anyone would target a place honouring those who defended Canada and its people.

“Our veterans fought for freedom here in Canada, and the legion halls here are for the veterans and people that believe in the legion,” said Howie. “And then all of a sudden, they do this to a legion. But I guess, someone needs money.”

Branch 412 expects to have hundreds of people come through its halls on Remembrance Day, offering live music and free hot food. Doors open at 12 p.m., following regional commemoration services.