In Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighborhood, the Billy Bishop Legion offers a unique blend of activities, from veterans enjoying drinks in the pub to yoga classes upstairs among military artifacts. One regular, 37-year-old Hannah, finds solace in the community and connection to her family’s military history.

Across Canada, Legions are adapting to attract younger members like Hannah, offering free first-time memberships to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion. While historically focused on supporting veterans and hosting community events, Legions are now evolving to welcome diverse new faces and ideas.

National spokesperson Nujma Bond highlights the Legion’s growth, with over 100,000 new members joining in 2026, pushing total membership past 300,000. Despite successes, challenges persist, with some branches closing due to financial strains.

Reflecting on the Bala Legion’s revival, Dennis Mills underscores the importance of evolving to stay relevant. The Bala Legion plans to expand by offering affordable housing units, aiming to generate sustainable revenue. Mills urges Canadians to join and support their local Legions to ensure their continued vitality and service to the community.