Hôpital Chinois de Montreal

In 1918, a compassionate nun, Mother Mary of the Holy Spirit, saw the devastating impact of the flu pandemic on Montreal’s Chinese community. She established a small, seven-bed shelter on Clark Street. This act of kindness became the seed that would blossom into the Hôpital Chinois de Montréal. The Hôpital Chinois de Montréal wasn’t always at its current location. Its journey began with that temporary shelter. It then transitioned to a former synagogue on De la Gauchetière Street in 1919 or 1920. This building served as the hospital for 45 years, becoming a cornerstone of the Chinese community. The city deemed the old synagogue unfit in 1962. This spurred the community to raise an impressive $1,000,000 for a new facility. The hospital relocated to Saint-Denis Street in 1965. It expanded its services, joining the Quebec Hospital Association in 1966. From then on, the Quebec government covered its operating costs. The Hôpital Chinois de Montréal continued to evolve. It eventually outgrew its Saint-Denis location. Through dedicated fundraising, the current building on Viger Avenue was constructed between 1997 and 1999. The Hôpital Chinois de Montréal opened its doors at this location in April 1999. Although no longer a full-service hospital with an emergency room, the Hôpital Chinois de Montréal retains its name. It continues its mission to serve the Chinese Canadian community in Quebec. It offers 128 beds, providing essential long-term care. It stands as a testament to the community’s resilience, generosity, and commitment to caring for their own.