A 70-unit residential development plan on the ground of fallen soldiers in France is meeting backlash as a “disturbance to sacred grounds,” says the Royal Canadian Legion..The D-Day landings of June 6, 1944, in the French region of Normandy resulted in the loss of 340 Canadian soldiers on Juno Beach, according to the Juno Beach Centre..The Royal Canadian Legion is aghast over plans to build a new housing development on the hallowed grounds, a press release said.. Juno Beach home development plan has Canadian forces appalledTroops of the 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade unloading in the Juno area, courtesy of the United Kingdom Government .“The grounds at Juno Beach in France are sacred and revered,” said Legion Dominion President Bruce Julian in a press release..“They are where Canadian and allied soldiers fought and died during the Second World War, and people from near and far visit this tranquil setting to pay respects.”.“This was the site of a pivotal world conflict – which led to our freedoms today.”. Juno BeachRoyal Winnipeg Rifles travelling to Juno Beach. .French developer Foncim is currently working on plans to build a 70-unit housing complex..Concerned citizens in both Canada and France are also hoping to reverse this decision..“Disturbing the surroundings permanently with a housing complex would negatively affect the area in irreversible ways,” said Julian..“We implore those involved in this project to consider the physical and emotional damage it would create and choose an appropriate alternate location.”. Juno Beach home development plan has Canadian forces appalledAerial view of the Juno Beach Centre from 2014 . Juno Beach home development plan has Canadian forces appalledDevelopment draft plans, courtesy of Foncim. .Built in 2003, the Juno Beach Centre is a Canadian Second World War museum and cultural centre in France, behind Juno Beach..According to Legion magazine, museum lawyers have been fighting the developers in court for two years..Museum organizers take issue with how the construction would kill visitor traffic to the memorial but wish to “stay legal” and not get into the ethics of building in the area, reported Legion magazine..The museum roadway is the only way to access the site, the museum paid for it and own the usage rights to it..Foncim lawyers have been battling in court for the right to use the route.. Juno Beach home development plan has Canadian forces appalledJuno Beach Centre, courtest of Juno Beach Centre Association .The Canadian Royal Legion is Canada’s largest veteran support and community service organization..The Legion is a non-profit with 250,000 members and branches in the US and Europe..Ewa Sudyk is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.esudyk@westernstandardonline.com
