The decision to close the 99-year-old Vimy Branch 27 of the Royal Canadian Legion in north-end Halifax has been finalized following a meeting with officials from Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command. The branch was officially shut down on Friday evening, leaving members devastated by the closure.
Despite presenting a business plan to Command staff in an attempt to keep the legion operational, the branch was deemed financially unviable after a meeting in December. The closure has been met with sadness and frustration among members, who deeply valued the branch for its significance to veterans and the local community.
The financial challenges faced by the Vimy branch have been ongoing for several years, primarily due to high overhead costs related to renting their own space. Executive director Carrie Hogan clarified that the branch’s financial issues were not directly linked to the loss of its lottery license following a scandal involving the former vice-president pocketing funds from Chase the Ace draws.
Although the executive team developed a business plan to address the branch’s struggles, it was deemed insufficient to overcome the existing problems. Approximately 150 members had renewed their memberships for 2026, but they have the option to transfer their membership to another legion.
Expressing gratitude for the efforts made by members to support veterans and the community, Hogan acknowledged the closure as a regrettable outcome for the Royal Canadian Legion.