Legion branches evolve beyond veteran gathering places
Most people think of branches of the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) as places where veterans gather for a chat and a beer. And there’s truth to that. But, today, branches are open gathering places, and, in addition to supporting our veterans, the Legion is working to make greater connections with the public.
A century of service to veterans and communities
The Canadian Legion (known as the Royal Canadian Legion since 1960) has a century-long history of serving Canadian military veterans and supporting community activities. In fact, 2025 marks the 100-year anniversary of its founding as the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League. The national website indicates there are 1,350 branches and about 260,000 members countrywide.
Three distinctive branches serve the Comox Valley
The Comox Valley is home to three Legion branches: Branch 160 in Comox; Branch 17 in Courtenay; and Branch 28 in Cumberland. Each is housed in a distinctive building in its community’s downtown.
While veterans still have places of honour in their local Legion branches, where they regularly meet up for camaraderie, their numbers have decreased over time. So local presidents and volunteers are creating ways of keeping the Legion vibrant and relevant. And, in turn, are helping to build community.
Cumberland Legion builds community connections
Cumberland Legion president Rodney Nichols sees the branch as an integral part of the life of the Village. “Everything we do,” he says, “is connected to the community.” For example, the Legion supports the Cumberland Community School with a “Read to Ride” program where children can win bikes and scooters as prizes for reading more. They also fund bursaries for students graduating from GP Vanier Secondary. And new events like open mic and karaoke are having an effect on membership, with an increase in Cumberland by about 100 during the past year. “We’ve been getting new people,” explains Nichols. “It’s been fun, and many become members because they want to honour their grandparents or great-grandparents who were veterans.”
Comox branch survives pandemic with creative solutions
The Comox Legion branch got creative to survive in 2020 during the pandemic. “COVID just about killed us,” says branch president Gerry Maillet. With few people attending, and high maintenance costs, volunteers pulled together a plan to cover the costs of running the building. They decided to open a venue called the Beaufort Avenue Pub that’s open to the public. The pub brings in plenty of people, including many veterans who come in to chat at their favourite table daily. “We call it the BS table,” said Maillet with a chuckle.
Courtenay branch adapts with open liquor licence
In Courtenay, Branch 17 took the unique step of acquiring an open liquor licence that doesn’t require attendees to be Legion members (or be a guest of one) in order to enjoy a drink. Branch president Bob McDermott says the open licence is helpful, because, over the previous 15-year period, membership in Courtenay had dropped from 1500 to 400, threatening the branch’s ability to support veterans and local charitable organizations. That remains the primary focus of the Courtenay branch, of course, and McDermott says that it is volunteers who make the branch function. “About a quarter of our members volunteer their time extensively, and I see volunteers (in the branch) every day.” In addition, Saturday afternoon live music and dancing are popular, and branch-goers enjoy snooker, darts, shuffleboard, and card games on-site. The branch also has adult soccer and softball teams.
Remembrance Day remains a vital mission
Remembrance Day and the poppy fundraising campaign continue as high-profile, vital projects for all branches because the money raised helps veterans in need of temporary housing, food, and clothing—a primary purpose for the Legion.
Get curious and wander into your local Legion some time soon—you’ll be sure to have a good time.
