Branch Charter, Building & History
1926
Charter Awarded
The Charter was officially awarded to the Qualicum Beach Legion.
The Land Search
The Branch sought a piece of property on which to build, entering negotiations for funding with the Qualicum Beach Village Council. Financing enabled the Branch to proceed.
1972
Legion Community Park Opens
The park officially opened, following support the Branch had provided throughout its development.
Clubhouse Construction Begins
Many volunteers began building the Branch clubhouse by hand.
1976
Golden Anniversary Ball
The official opening of the building was celebrated with a Golden Anniversary Ball, marking the Branch’s 50th anniversary.
1990
Memorial Garden Dedicated
Funded through private donations and government grants, the dedication supported the garden’s landscaping, irrigation and fencing. An additional grant enabled construction of the sun deck.
The Three Cenotaphs
Qualicum Beach Cemetery
A cenotaph was erected in the Qualicum Beach Cemetery, later replaced on December 10, 2008 due to deterioration.
1949
The Waterfront Cenotaph
A stone cenotaph was built at the waterfront.
1973
The Yellow Cedar Log Cenotaph
Officially dedicated in front of the Branch. Due to deterioration, it will be decommissioned in 2026 and replaced with the stone waterfront cenotaph.
More Notable Dates
Veterans Way Dedicated — October 13, 2005
A block of 1st Ave East in front of the Branch was officially dedicated as Veterans Way in honour of “The Year of the Veteran.”
Membership Growth — 2025–2026
Membership grew over the years to 760 in 2025. In January 2026 alone, the Branch welcomed 67 new members.
Fundraising & Donations
Pancake Breakfast Program
Started in 2009, this program continues to run every May through September. Approximately 50 volunteers give up their Saturdays to make it happen, drawing residents and visitors alike. Revenue from the past 16 years has reached a phenomenal number.
Community Support
The Qualicum Beach Legion continues to provide a generous amount of financial support to the local community.
Special Events with Tradition
New Year’s Day Levée
First held on January 1, 1646 by Charles Huault de Montmagny, Governor of New France (later Québec), this custom continues today across Canada by the Governor General, Provincial Lieutenant Governors, the Canadian Forces, the RCMP, and select Legion Branches and municipalities. The Qualicum Beach Legion carries the tradition on each year with refreshments, food, and live music for the community.
Canada Day
Branch celebrations began in 1990. The day starts with a parade through town to the Branch, followed by an official welcome, music and children’s events throughout the day, and an evening street dance to close.
Church Parade
Held the Sunday immediately prior to November 11th, the Branch Colour Party and a contingent of members attend a church service near the Branch before laying a wreath at each of the three town cenotaphs.
Visitations at Care Homes & Seniors’ Residences
Following the cenotaph wreath ceremonies, the Colour Party, a Piper, and members of the executive travel to each of the town’s four residences to perform a special Remembrance ceremony.
Candlelight Tribute
A tradition that began in the Netherlands in 1995, the Qualicum Beach Legion holds a candlelight tribute at the Branch cenotaph every November 10th. Candles are sold beforehand to those remembering Veterans who have passed, and attendance has risen over the years.
Qualicum Beach Pipe Band
The Band began in May 2014 with a thoughtful donation from Branch members, followed by personal donations from ten members and continued private support. The Band remains integral to Branch special events and runs one of the weekly Meat Draws each month.
Robbie Burns Supper
Held annually every January since 1990 with full Scottish tradition and pageantry, it remains one of the Branch’s most successful functions.
Youth Support & Volunteerism
Annual Distance Swim Trophy — since 1997
The Branch funds an award and trophy for 14- to 18-year-old swimmers in the town’s annual distance swim along the Qualicum Beach waterfront, presented each August by a Branch member.
85th Anniversary Mural
Three high school students painted a mural to honour Veterans, proudly displayed on the Branch building’s exterior, just behind the cenotaph.
November 10th Candlelight Tribute
Air and Sea Cadets provide the honour guard for the cenotaph and assist with laying the candles.
Ahead of November 11th
Veterans meet with grade school children at the Branch to talk about Remembrance.
Remembrance Day Ceremony
Since 1996, held at the community Civic Centre. Air Cadets and Sea Cadets take position at the four corners of the temporary cenotaph on the stage, and cadet contingents march in the parade afterward.
Battle of the Atlantic Ceremony
Cadets take on roles related to ship naming and naval bells.
Robbie Burns Supper
Air Cadets volunteer as servers for the annual dinner, and each cadet receives a thank-you letter for their personal service record.
Poppy Campaign
Special Relationships
Canadian Air Force Base Comox
On November 11, 2018, a squadron based in Comox, BC chose the Branch as its “Home Legion.” Since then, a close bond has developed — a contingent attends the Remembrance service each year and is hosted at the Branch afterward, and squadron members have volunteered flipping pancakes at Summer Pancake Breakfasts when duties allow. The Branch also collaborated with the Town to enact a Freedom of the Town celebration on May 7, 2022 — an ancient honourary tradition dating back to the 13th century, bestowed by municipalities on esteemed individuals or military units for exceptional service, symbolizing a strong, enduring bond with the community.
Service Dog Programs
In 2019, Barb Ashmead co-founded a service dog program in Qualicum Beach, going on to start a national service dog program in March 2020. The Branch has developed close relationships with both programs over the years and has donated funds in support.
Medical Loan Cupboard
Used by Veterans, Legion members, and the community at large, the cupboard is staffed by volunteers and open Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00–2:00 pm. Stocked with varied medical aids, from wheelchairs to shower seats, it serves approximately 500 individuals per year.
Qualicum Beach Ladies’ Auxiliary
Facts About the Ladies’ Auxiliary
- Established 1929
- Continuous support of two Veterans in a seniors’ care home
- Supports several local societies
- Presented five Meritorious Service Awards to date
- Presented four 50-Year pins, one 45-Year pin, and one 40-Year pin
- Average service of current members: 12 years
- Ten current members have served over 20 years
- The Branch and LA maintain a harmonious relationship
Wait until 2029!