The Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 179

Founded in the summer of 1945 by Tommy Thompson and other returning World War II veterans, the Grandview Legion Branch 179 has been a fixture of the Commercial Drive community for over 80 years.

Originally meeting at the local Masonic Hall, the branch moved into its own dedicated concrete-block building at the corner of 6th and Commercial in the early 1950s.

Today, it stands as one of the most successful Legion branches in Canada, celebrated for its ability to preserve military heritage while evolving into a vibrant, inclusive social hub for East Vancouver’s diverse civilian population.

The “Grandview Legion” offers an unpretentious atmosphere where history meets local culture, featuring a full-service bar, billiards, and snooker tables.

It is widely recognized for its community programming, including weekly bingo, meat draws, and live music jam sessions that support both veterans and neighborhood initiatives.

Whether attending the annual Remembrance Day march to the nearby Grandview Memorial Cenotaph or enjoying a casual evening with friends, visitors to Branch 179 experience a unique blend of grassroots camaraderie and local East Van tradition.