Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada Opens Its Doors to the Community to Mark Its 100th Anniversary

On November 29, 2025, Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada welcomed the general public inside its hospital for the first time in a decade, inviting families and visitors to experience firsthand the care, expertise and people behind its mission. The open house was part of activities marking the hospital’s 100th anniversary.

Throughout the day, the hospital was filled with movement and curiosity as children and parents explored the building. Young visitors participated in science and magic shows, interactive activities, face painting and therapy dog visits. One of the most popular stops allowed children to “X-ray” their teddy bears, while a surprise appearance by Batman quickly became a highlight.

“I don’t even call it a hospital. It’s a home away from home for many children and their families,” said Nathalie, a Patient Ambassador. “It creates a sense of community, and opening our doors to the public allows people to see the dedication of those who care for kids like me, and for many others in the future. Cheers to another 100 years.”

Parents used the opportunity to tour the hospital, speak directly with clinical teams and learn about the hospital’s multidisciplinary approach to wrap-around care. On the fourth floor, families were offered a guided visit and a behind-the-scenes look at pre-surgery preparations, giving them a clearer understanding of what children experience before heading into the operating room.

Guided tours ran throughout the day, leading visitors through key areas of the hospital, including the clinic, radiology department, cast room, operating rooms, rehabilitation spaces, clinical research department, museum and the motion analysis facilities. For many attendees, it was their first opportunity to see these spaces up close.

“This is a hospital that can really make a difference in a child’s life, especially with a walking disability,” one parent told CBC in a news segment on the event. “It’s been two weeks since her surgery, and now she’s up and running. She’s started swimming and cycling. I see a huge difference in her life.” 

Information booths staffed by teams from social services, sports medicine, the clinical biomedical lab, the patient partner program, the office of philanthropy and Shriners International highlighted the range of services available to patients and families. Demonstrations of 3D printing and modeling also drew interest, offering a closer look at how innovation supports care.

The program included short presentations on topics, such as patient experience, medical imaging, clinical research, genetic testing, pain management and motion analysis.

“A hundred years of treating children in Montreal, right in the downtown core, is remarkable,” said Gary McKeown, chairman of the Board of Governors. “We are world-renowned for our research and the efforts that have supported patients and families over the years. We were very happy to welcome the public to celebrate our first 100 years and look ahead to the next.”

“We like to accompany patients on their journey through the entire clinical experience, so we can help them become the best version of themselves and achieve all their hopes and dreams,” said Kelly Thorstad, acting administrator at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada. The open house was a unique opportunity to inspire the community of Montreal to understand what some of our patients go through, and the event truly demonstrated why our team is so proud to work here.”

As it celebrates a century of service, the hospital’s focus remains clear: providing exceptional care, supporting families and nurturing the community for generations to come.