Summerland Legion unveils mural

Painting on building was created to mark 100th anniversary of Royal Canadian Legion

Summerland Legion unveils mural Published 2:18 pm Friday, July 17, 2026 A new mural, on the front of the Summerland Legion building on Rosedale Avenue, pays tribute to the organization’s heritage. The mural was unveiled on July 17, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Tim Searles painted the mural. Additional work on this mural will be completed and is expected to be unveiled in the fall. Patrick O’Sullivan, president of the Legion branch, said the Summerland branch predates the national organization.

The Summerland Legion was formed in 1919 when veterans of the First World War formed the Great War Veterans Association. The branch received its charter that year. A few years later, several veterans’ organizations merged to form the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Services League, incorporated on July 17, 1926.

The property was purchased in 1922 and a building was moved onto the site. It was opened in 1923. Then, in 1961, that building was destroyed by fire.

The present Legion building was constructed on the same property and was opened in October, 1961. Over the years, the present building has under gone expansions and improvements. O’Sullivan said the Summerland Legion now has 629 members and continues to play an important role in the community, especially for veterans.

He added that the organization can act as a mediator between veterans and the Veterans Affairs Canada. “We still help veterans and their families who need support,” O’Sullivan said. “As long as we have veterans, we’re still going to be here.”

Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes said the Legion has played an important role in Summerland, not only for veterans but also for the rest of the community. In addition to the mural dedication, the Legion branch also unveiled a plaque at a maple tree on its property. The tree replaces 35 trees which had been planted shortly after the First World War, to memorialize the 35 names on the cenotaph at that time.

The trees were later lost when the new Legion building was constructed. The Legion also held other events to celebrate the 100th anniversary. These included a vintage car show, a lunch and a dinner and dance.