Flower gardens at two Royal Canadian Legion branches in Brampton have been revitalized as the city marks 100 years of the organization supporting veterans, remembering fallen soldiers and serving local communities.

The City of Brampton worked with Major William Dwight Sharpe Branch 15 and Branch 609 to refresh existing flowerbeds, add colourful blooms and install new planters as part of the Legion’s centennial celebrations.

The gardens are intended to serve as living tributes to a century of service and remembrance, offering a visible reminder of the sacrifices made by generations of Canadian military personnel and the ongoing work of those who support veterans and their families.

The anniversary has particular significance for Brampton, where Branch 15 is also celebrating its 100th year.

The Royal Canadian Legion was officially incorporated by an Act of Parliament on July 17, 1926. Its origins date to the period following the First World War, when returning soldiers faced injuries, trauma and a lack of adequate support. Veterans’ organizations formed to advocate for better care, benefits and assistance for those who had served.

Several of those groups came together in 1925 to establish the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League, which was formally introduced the following year. The organization later became known as the Royal Canadian Legion.

Today, its work extends beyond commemorating those killed in military service. The Legion supports veterans, serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP, military families and communities across the country. Its activities include veterans’ advocacy, remembrance ceremonies, educational programs and community initiatives.

The annual poppy campaign has become one of its best-known traditions, helping raise funds for veterans and keeping their sacrifices in the public consciousness.

In Brampton, Branch 15 is named after Major William Dwight Sharpe, a First World War veteran who served with the 234th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Sharpe was also a local doctor, town councillor and national president of the Great War Veterans Association.

Located on Mary Street, the branch continues to support veterans and their families, participate in Remembrance Day parades and organize educational activities for young people. It also contributes to community organizations, including local hospitals.

Branch 609 has a different history that reflects Bramalea’s growth during the 1960s. Its formation began with a group of veterans who wanted to establish a Legion presence in the developing community.

A founding meeting was held at Balmoral Public School on June 13, 1965, with 19 former service members in attendance. The branch received its official charter on July 25 that year, with Branch 15 in Brampton providing support during its early development.

The new branch initially operated out of members’ homes before moving into rented premises and eventually acquiring property. Its current clubhouse and banquet facilities opened in 1973, reflecting the organization’s growth alongside Bramalea.

Branch 609 has also played a role in preserving local military history. In 1976, it helped establish a memorial at Chinguacousy Park dedicated to those who died in the two world wars and subsequent United Nations missions. The memorial recognizes fallen service members from the former Township of Chinguacousy, Town of Brampton and Toronto Gore.

The city’s centennial recognition extends beyond the gardens. Brampton commissioned a commemorative mural by local artist Chelsea Charles, displayed outside the main entrance to City Hall. The city has also marked the anniversary through transit shelter advertising and a dedicated Brampton Transit bus wrap.

Brampton City Council proclaimed July 22, 2026, as Royal Canadian Legion Day in recognition of the organization’s anniversary and contributions to veterans, military families and the community.

The city’s Remembrance Day ceremony on Nov. 11 will include a special Freedom of the City Parade recognizing the Legion’s centennial.

For Brampton, the revitalized gardens and other commemorative projects provide an opportunity to recognize the people behind the Legion’s century-long history: veterans who fought for better support after returning home, volunteers who have kept local branches operating and generations of residents who continue to gather each November to remember those who served.

The 100-year milestone also serves as a reminder that remembrance is not limited to one day of the year. Through its local branches, the Legion continues to connect military history with the lives of residents today, ensuring that the sacrifices of those who served are not forgotten.


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