Holland Bloorview is celebrating 125 years of care and service to children and youth with disabilities and developmental differences. This celebration will honour the rich history and the incredible people that make up our legacy. Everything that we have worked towards for the last 125 years, our advancements, accomplishments and learnings, demonstrate how we have progressed to where we are today – an organization committed to transformative care and an inclusive world. The Holland Bloorview 125 celebrations provide us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the past, present and future. It is also an opportunity to reconnect with former staff, students, volunteers, clients and their families who have made their mark on our organization and the lives of children, youth and families.
Click the button to hear an audio version of the panel.
Click the button to hear an audio version of the panel.
As we mark 125 years, we reaffirm our commitment to the most meaningful and healthy futures for children, youth and families.
Our history
Our history reflects 125 years of service to children, youth and families with disabilities and immense growth and transformation. Since our establishment in 1899, the hospital has adapted to a number of location and name changes and medical and technological advancements. Today we are Canada’s largest pediatric rehabilitation hospital, with an embedded research institute, fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.
Navigate through the timeline below for a snapshot of our history from 1899 to present day.
Land acknowledgement
As we celebrate our hospital’s 125th anniversary, Holland Bloorview acknowledges the sacred land on which our organization is located, land that has been occupied by Indigenous peoples for over 15,000 years. This land, Mother Earth, our Earth Mother, is the territory of the Huron-Wendat First Nation, the Seneca as part of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Mississaugas of the Credit River and the Mississauga of Scugog Island First Nation. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work, learn and provide care for the many children of Turtle Island, including those from First Nations, Métis and Inuit on this land. Holland Bloorview is committed to walking alongside Indigenous peoples on a healing path to truth and reconciliation based on listening, learning, collaboration and deep respect.
Our impact
As we approach 125 years of service on December 16, 2024, we want to celebrate Holland Bloorview’s major areas of impact. We’re dedicating each month to a specific impact area and diving into the past, sharing the present and looking ahead to future aspirations and goals. Below, we’ve included an overview of what to expect in the coming months.
Check back for more details as we launch new stories each month.
As we approach 125 years of service on December 16, 2024, we want to celebrate Holland Bloorview’s major areas of impact. We’re dedicating each month to a specific impact area and diving into the past, sharing the present and looking ahead to future aspirations and goals. Below, we’ve included an overview of what to expect in the coming months.
Check back for more details as we launch new stories each month.
May
History of arts and music
Evolution of music and arts programming throughout history.
June
Evolution of clinical care and services
How our broad scope of care has evolved over decades.
July
Impact of philanthropy
Impact and appreciation of major donors and partners.
August
Evolution of advocacy
Promoting and celebrating disability inclusion.
September
Celebrating clients and families
Appreciation for past and present clients and families.
October
A world of possibility
Celebrating all alumni success, from first jobs to Paralympians.
November
Evolution of research & innovation
The evolution of science, technology and research.
December
The past, the present & the future
The unveiling of our time capsule contents, to be opened in 75 years.
Our art and photo exhibition presents our history through artifacts and images, installed at the hospital and online. On December 16th, 2023 we invite you to visit an archival display case featuring select memorabilia from our past. Items include a wheelchair from the early 1900s, the first annual report and more!
The display case is located on the main floor of the hospital, next to the Grocery Foundation Resource Centre.
In January 2024, the first of 12 panels will launch as part of a large photo-history exhibit.
Every month, we’ll release a new panel focused on one area of impact, featuring images and insight into our history related to each theme. Join us as we travel back in time and move through the many chapters of our evolution.
The exhibit will be located on the main floor, in the corridor across from the pool.
Our art and photo exhibition presents our history through artifacts and images, installed at the hospital and online. On December 16th, 2023 we invite you to visit an archival display case featuring select memorabilia from our past. Items include a wheelchair from the early 1900s, the first annual report and more!
The display case is located on the main floor of the hospital, next to the Grocery Foundation Resource Centre.
*include image of display for reference
In January 2024, the first of 12 panels will launch as part of a large photo-history exhibit.
Every month, we’ll release a new panel focused on one area of impact, featuring images and insight into our history related to each theme. Join us as we travel back in time and move through the many chapters of our evolution.
The exhibit will be located on the main floor, in the corridor across from the pool.
Events
Join us in person and be part of our celebrations throughout the year! This calendar will be revised as details of each event become available. Follow us on social media or keep checking back for updates!
Events
Join us in person and be part of our celebrations throughout the year! This calendar will be revised as details of each event become available. Follow us on social media or keep checking back for updates!
May
Welcome spring with this outdoor gathering featuring special speakers, visits from past alumni, food, entertainment and more! Details to follow.
November
BRI symposium
Help celebrate 20 years of research innovation with the BRI during the annual BRI symposium featuring a 125th twist. Details to follow.
December
Click the button to hear an audio version of the panel.
Click the button to hear an audio version of the panel.
Share your memory
Do you have a special memory connected to Holland Bloorview? Whether you’re a past or present client or staff member, a Holland Bloorview parent or family member, a volunteer, a student, a donor or a health care partner, we want to hear from you!
At the end of the year, we’ll collect all memories and stories and compile them into a hard-copy book available for purchase to spotlight the people and experiences that make up our legacy and the heart of our story. We look forward to reading and sharing your unique memories!
Share your memory
Do you have a special memory connected to Holland Bloorview? Whether you’re a past or present client or staff member, a Holland Bloorview parent or family member, a volunteer, a student, a donor or a health care partner, we want to hear from you!
At the end of the year, we’ll collect all memories and stories and compile them into a hard-copy book available for purchase to spotlight the people and experiences that make up our legacy and the heart of our story. We look forward to reading and sharing your unique memories!
Media coverage
Holland Bloorview kicked-off its 125 anniversary celebrations by taking staff, students, volunteers and clients and families on a journey of “rehabilitation reimagined.” CBC News Toronto, CBC Metro Morning, Global News Toronto and CTV News Toronto visited the hospital for a look at some artifacts from our past as well as a conversation with Emily Chan, a former inpatient turned Holland Bloorview social worker and Jorge Santos, the nurse who cared for her nearly 30 years ago.
Get in touch
Questions on how to get involved, upcoming events or portal submissions?
For all 125-related inquiries, please email 125@hollandbloorview.ca.
Follow us on social media and help us spread the word!
Get in touch
Questions on how to get involved, upcoming events or portal submissions?
For all 125-related inquiries, please email 125@hollandbloorview.ca.
Follow us on social media and help us spread the word!
Get in touch
Questions on how to get involved, upcoming events or portal submissions?
For all 125-related inquiries, please email 125@hollandbloorview.ca.
Follow us on social media and help us spread the word!