CALGARY – The Royal Canadian Legion's Calgary No. 1 Branch is finding innovative ways to stay afloat amid declining membership and financial challenges. Phil MacAulay, a member for 50 years, has witnessed the branch adapt to modern demands. The 103-year-old building, located in a bustling downtown area, has become a venue for punk rock concerts, Halloween parties, and wrestling events to attract new patrons and generate revenue.

After years of decline, the national membership of the Royal Canadian Legion has increased for the third consecutive year. Nujma Bond, a representative from the national legion, reported that membership has risen to 270,000, up from 250,000 two years ago. This growth is attributed to a broader understanding that membership is open to anyone, not just military veterans or their families.

Branches across Canada are exploring unique fundraising strategies to cover operational costs. For instance, the Calgary branch has embraced a variety of events to draw in crowds and create a vibrant community atmosphere. Brittany Johnson, from the Yorkton, Saskatchewan legion, shared her branch's experience of selling their building due to costly repairs. They now rent a smaller space, having invested the proceeds from the sale wisely.

As the legion adapts to changing times, it also faces the emotional weight of remembrance. Nancy Payne, whose son Cpl. Randy Joseph Payne was killed in Afghanistan in 2006, reflects on her loss ahead of Remembrance Day. She plans to lay a wreath at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, representing all mothers of Canadian soldiers who have died in combat. Cpl. Payne was killed while serving on a close protection team, a role that involved safeguarding high-ranking officials.

In other news, plans to dredge Burrard Inlet in British Columbia are still in the preliminary stages, according to a spokesperson for the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. The authority is working with various stakeholders, including local First Nations, to finalize the project's scope and costs, with potential work starting next year.

Meanwhile, Critteraid, an animal sanctuary in Summerland, B.C., is dealing with a heartbreaking situation after a positive case of H5N1 avian flu was discovered. The organization expressed devastation over the impact on their rescue animals and is coordinating with health and veterinary officials to manage the crisis.

In the wine industry, Canadian wineries are seeing a boost in visitors as U.S. wine sales decline. Narek Nersisyan, vice-president of sales and marketing at Holland Marsh Wineries in Newmarket, Ontario, noted a 10 to 15 percent increase in summer visitors. This uptick is attributed to local tourism efforts and a shift in consumer preferences following trade tensions between Canada and the U.S.

As the Royal Canadian Legion and other organizations navigate these challenges, they continue to adapt and find new ways to engage their communities and honor their histories.