Royal Canadian Legion branches facing declining numbers

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For many Canadian towns the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion or other veterans clubs have been a cornerstone of the social structure. But in the past number of years that position has been shaken, and now some are in danger of closing.

The Army Navy club on McNab Street is a monument to our nations bravest. It’s where a few members gather for a mid afternoon drink, but the numbers aren’t what they used to be.

“They don’t want to join a veterans club or anything anymore.” said Gretchen Cowe.

This is the oldest veterans club in North America. Founded in October 1889, and given royal assent by Queen Victoria, Gretchen Cowe is it’s oldest member. The 87-year old served as a nurse during WWII. She remembers in the 1980’s when the club would be packed on a regular basis. Now as treasurer she has fears about their stability.

“We’re keeping our heads above water, but that’s all.”

They host darts night in Monday’s and rent their facilities as much as possible, but the dollars aren’t there. Clubs like the Army and Navy Veterans or the Royal Canadian Legion, they don’t take government funding to keep the doors open, they almost rely exclusively on their membership, but that membership is shrinking.

They have lost 1500 members over the past decade alone, and they are doing better than many other.

As veterans from the 2 great wars pass, there is no one to take their place. Clubs are adding only a few members per year, and veteran’s from recent conflicts like Afghanistan aren’t filling the void.