Located just one block from Kitsilano Beach on Laburnum Street north of Cornwall, the Billy Bishop/Kerrisdale Legion is a little known gem to discover and share with your friends. Affectionately known as ‘The Billy', it is open to everyone over 19 years of age and full membership has its privileges. We advocate for individuals that require assistance with Veteran's Affairs of Canada such as counseling, financial support and community social opportunities, as well we offer support to Cadets and Special Needs Dog Services. The Billy is also home to the Kits Point Military History Museum Society, one of only two legions in Canada that is officially recognized as a military museum. Original paintings, prints, memorabilia and over 800 plaques of military badges that tributes to ships, regiments, and squadrons surround the environment. We have the most extensive collection of plaques on display in any institution in Canada – including the Canadian War Museum! Each badge has a background history annotated in one of three binders, thus providing a valuable military archive. These badges & artifacts represent Canadian, Commonwealth & Allied nations of WWI, WWII, Korea, Peacekeeping & Afghanistan involvements. The Billy also hosts the location of the Kits Village Collaborative Garden (KVCG) involved with the Village Vancouver and participates in Kits Neighbourhood House Community Garden since 2010. The Billy has numerous interactive community groups including, Kits Point Resident's Association, Vancouver Historical Society, Kitsilano AA. The branch also offers multiple live music nights, karaoke nights, weekly dinners & meat draws as well as other special events. The Billy is an evolving and unique branch of the Royal Canadian Legion; as such there are some basic guidelines to follow:
- This is a members’ club, and much more than a public bar it's part of a community.
- Ladies & Gentlemen, we ask - please take off your hats when you enter the building. The only dogs allowed either in our branch or on our patio, are assistant dogs who must be on leash & must wear proper 'assistance vests'.
- Respect others and avoid “table hopping” by asking to join tables.
- Take time to make friends. Would you like to get involved? Here are a couple of things you could do:
- Become a member. The Billy Bishop/Kerrisdale cannot exist without new members and the cost of membership gives you guest privileges in Legions and other service and social clubs around the world.
- Volunteer. This is Kitsilano, and volunteerism is part of our blood. (Greenpeace and the David Suzuki Foundation started here.) The Billy Bishop/Kerrisdale is mostly run by volunteers and newcomers are welcome to participate on Standing Committees, run for the Executive, or just help out informally.
