Summerland Legion to celebrate 100th anniversary

Summerland Legion has had a long presence in the community

Summerland Legion to celebrate 100th anniversary Published 12:29 pm Tuesday, July 14, 2026 The Summerland branch of the Royal Canadian Legion will celebrate its 100th anniversary this week, on July 17 and 18. On July 17 at 11 a.m., a new mural will be unveiled at the Legion building, facing Rosedale Avenue.

This will be followed by a maple tree dedication ceremony. The maple tree will replace the 35 trees removed from the property in 1961, when the present Legion building was constructed. Those 35 trees had been planted shortly after the First World War to memorialize the 35 names on the cenotaph at that time.

Apple Valley Cruisers will have vintage cars on display and the Summerland Pipe Band will perform. The 902 Nighthawk Royal Canadian Air Cadets and the BC Dragoons will have information tables. A $19.26 dinner will be served at 6 p.m., followed by entertainment and a dance.

The following day, a vintage car show will be held at the Legion from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. On both days, a hot dog or hamburger with a soft drink will be served for $5 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Legion has had a long history in Summerland. In 1919, veterans for the First World War formed the Great War Veterans Association and the Summerland branch received its charter that year. A few years later, several veterans’ organizations merged and became the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Services League, incorporated on July 17, 1926.

The Summerland Legion held its meetings in the St. Stephen Anglican Church hall until their first building was constructed in 1928. That building was destroyed by fire in 1961 and the present Legion building, on Rosedale Avenue, was constructed and opened in October, 1961.