Branch 79, Simcoe is dedicated to serving Veterans, their families, and the broader community through ongoing financial support, Remembrance programming, and special events. The Legion facility functions as a public space, hosting various gatherings including weddings and celebrations of life. Key features include the upper-level Sgt. Frederick Hobson, VC Memorial Hall with stage, dance floor, bar, and commercial kitchen. The lower-level Club, Meeting, and Memorial rooms offer additional unique public spaces ideal for large and small gatherings. Visit the rentals page for further details.
Daily operations and the execution of the Legion’s core mission—which encompasses the vital Poppy Campaign, support for local Veterans, and providing an open community space—are overseen by dedicated volunteer Executive Committees and Chairpersons.
Through the annual Poppy Campaign and other fundraising endeavours, the Simcoe Legion has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars towards numerous Veteran support and community-based initiatives.
Rooted in tradition and dedicated service to Veterans, Branch 79, Simcoe boasts a rich history that dates back to 1919. Originally founded as the Great War Veterans’ Association, members merged with the British Empire Service League (BESL) and in 1926 became the 79th Branch of the Canadian Legion, BESL in Ontario. Meetings were first held at the Market Square building in Simcoe before relocating to a larger space above retail stores on Norfolk Street. During these early years, the Legion focused on providing a strong voice for Veterans and commemorating those lost in the Great War; exemplified by the creation of Canada’s first Carillon War Memorial along with significant financial support of Norfolk General Hospital.
In recognition of the Legion’s endeavours, Simcoe Council gifted a corner lot at Crescent Blvd and Norfolk Street to establish a parkette in 1931. A flagpole and First World War Howitzer were displayed as a patriotic gesture to the Legion. The same year saw the formation of the Ladies Auxiliary and need for a much larger venue became necessary. In short order, the Legion moved to the upper floor of the Woolworth Building (present day Leon’s) which provided essential amenities such as a kitchen and banquet space.
By 1944, another move was needed in order to accommodate the growing membership. James Holden, a veteran and councillor, successfully advocated for the parkette to be exchanged with the Legion's current location on West Street. The former Trinity Anglican rectory, built in 1875, stood on the property and by 1946 was transformed into the official home of the Legion. In the subsequent years, the building saw significant changes with its first major renovations completed in 1957 and 1960. This included the moving of a barracks building from the Jarvis Air School to be incorporated into what would become the Sgt. Frederick Hobson, VC Memorial Hall. Expansions continued in 1971 and 1986 along with subsequent upgrades to the kitchen and clubrooms in 2017.
As Branch 79 embarks on its second century, it stands strong as a cornerstone of the community, providing a welcoming space for various programs, events, and celebrations. This remarkable longevity is directly attributed to the unwavering commitment of its founders and the generations of members who have carried their torch. At its heart, the Branch is unwavering in the Royal Canadian Legion's core mission: to serve veterans, their dependents, and to ensure that remembrance remains a vital part of its collective consciousness. The Legion's continued presence is a testament to its enduring value and relevance to the community it serves.
Our History
