Monumental Restoration
The Cenotaph is a valued symbol of Sunnybrook’s military origins. Its recent restoration, powered by donor support, has created a critical site of remembrance for our Veterans, their families and Sunnybrook’s health care teams.
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As Canada’s largest Veterans care facility, Sunnybrook is proud to offer long-term, complex care to nearly 150 Veterans who call our Hospital home. Founded in 1948 as a military hospital, Sunnybrook remains anchored to our very first mission: to care for and honour those who have served our country.
Growing from an intentionally-formed hospital to a world-renowned academic health sciences centre, Sunnybrook’s campus grounds have also expanded over time. Through these many eras of evolution, one monument has continued to stand as a permanent reminder of Sunnybrook’s military foundation and enduring purpose: the Cenotaph.
Erected as part of original construction plans on Sunnybrook’s Bayview campus, the Cenotaph saluted our first patients, embodying the courage and sacrifice of Canada’s bravest people. Its presence has always been a treasured touchstone, its significance woven throughout the hospital.
While the Cenotaph stood for decades through sunshine, rain, snow and sleet, its surface became etched with the natural wear of time. Recognizing the importance of sustaining connection to Veterans of our history, Sunnybrook completed a comprehensive restoration project to protect the Cenotaph’s legacy and build new opportunities on the surrounding grounds.
With updated, revitalized spaces and amplified recognition of Veterans’ service to Canada, the Cenotaph has become a welcoming tribute space, dutifully honouring the past while creating opportunities to connect in the present.
A timeless tribute, refreshed and restored
Once it was determined the Cenotaph would need to undergo restoration and revitalization, it was important to understand how the new space could best benefit our Veterans, their families and care teams.
A dedicated committee was put in place to give a voice to groups that included veteran residents, medical staff and local community members. The committee helped inform a renovation that would enrich the cherished monument, increase accessibility and foster more commemorative celebrations.
Over two years, with generous donor support from Westmount Army Navy Club, Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command and Nelson Arthur Hyland Foundation, the Cenotaph was thoughtfully renovated, adding a modern brilliance to an established symbol of deep respect and appreciation.
Enhancements included updated stonework, refreshed brick, additional flagpoles and an upgraded procession walkway featuring new seating, beautiful foliage and new plaques that honour those who have served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War and ongoing global conflicts. Common space around the Cenotaph was rejuvenated with an inclusive garden, vibrant landscaping, accessibility integrations and designated gathering areas to naturally foster a sense of community.
The newly updated outdoor space has transformed the Cenotaph into a place of year-round gathering and celebration. Since its renovation, use of the Cenotaph has grown, hosting events in the spring and summer months, much to the delight of Veteran residents, families, friends and staff.
This increasingly connective environment creates more moments of reflection, bringing a sense of belonging to events like the D-Day 80th Anniversary, Remembrance Day and the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe Day.
“It’s so wonderful to have the Cenotaph restored,” Katherine Baldwin, Manager of Recreation & Creative Art Therapy says.
“As a symbol of respect and appreciation for our Veterans, staff have been elated to see an even more formal demarcation of the space.”Katherine Baldwin, Manager of Recreation & Creative Art Therapy
Rededication marked by a historical recognition
The completion of the renovated Cenotaph and gathering space was marked with a rededication event that coincided with an important day of recognition, the 80th anniversary of a critical moment in the Second World War: the Allied invasion of Normandy, also known as D-Day.
Expressing deep gratitude and respect for this milestone anniversary on June 6, 2024, Sunnybrook welcomed Veterans and their families, as well as staff and honoured dignitaries, to commemorate their contributions and recognize Sunnybrook’s origin story as a military hospital for Veterans of the Second World War.
A powerful opportunity to reflect, remember and acknowledge Veterans and their circles of care, the event included a ceremonial procession from the L-Wing to the renovated Cenotaph, where speaking remarks reflected pride in those who have served our country.
D-Day
“Sunnybrook is proud, considers it an honour, to care for Canada’s veterans.” shared Dr. Andy Smith, President & CEO of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
The Cenotaph rededication and 80th Anniversary D-Day event was made especially meaningful by the chance to host a wreath-laying ceremony outside in the warm weather.
While the Cenotaph has long served as a backdrop for Remembrance Day, thoughtful transformation of the space has created a refreshed outdoor environment for connection with newly renovated features like the distinct open space and memorial signs, bringing a deepened meaning to more hosted gatherings throughout the year.
"These courageous men and women served our country in the name of peace and freedom."Dr. Andy Smith, President & CEO of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
The beating heart of Remembrance Day
Every year on November 11 the sound of pipes and drums can be heard across the Sunnybrook campus. Remembrance Day is a time to say thank you to our Veterans for their dedication and service to Canada, ensuring that the impact of their sacrifices are never forgotten.
In 2024, the restored Cenotaph served once again as the heart for Remembrance Day at Sunnybrook. Promoting inclusivity, Sunnybrook holds multiple ceremonies and events throughout the week leading up to Remembrance Day.
Remembrance Day
Dedicated staff and volunteers strive to ensure that every Veteran feels honoured, facilitating meaningful celebrations like Indigenous Veterans Day ceremonies, the Remembrance Day ceremony held in Warriors’ Hall, the annual on-campus procession to the Cenotaph and our Operation Raise a Flag Campaign. Operation Raise a Flag is an annual display of gratitude of support of Canadian Veterans at Sunnybrook.
Each November, community volunteers plant more than 30,000 flags around the Veterans Centre at Bayview campus, painting magnificent illustrations of gratitude in a sea of red and white, as well as flags with custom artwork designed by Indigenous artist Philip Cote to honour the sacrifices and contributions made by First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans in service to Canada.
Every flag shows our Veterans that they are valued, we remember their service and we honour their courage. Funds raised through Operation Raise a Flag support programs and activities for Veterans in their golden years, enabling our community to express gratitude for their heroic sacrifices.
Honouring our Veterans and a lifetime of service
As we continue to commemorate significant milestones and honour Canada’s history, the Cenotaph stands as a steadfast tribute to our bravest and a beloved gathering place.
On May 6, 2025, Veterans Affairs Canada hosted an honourary wreath-laying ceremony at Sunnybrook’s Cenotaph, marking another special milestone in our country’s history: the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
VE Day marked the official end of the Second World War and a momentous day in our collective history. More than 175,000 Canadians participated in the campaign to liberate the Netherlands, our final major contribution as victory in Europe and the end of the Second World War neared.
Because of Veterans who fought for our safety, generations of dreamers are free to dream, turning novel concepts into life-changing realities in health care and beyond.
VE Day
VE Day 2025 presented an opportunity to honour our more than 40 Veterans aged 100 and over who Sunnybrook is proud to care for, and serves as a testament to the remarkable community of heroes who live at the Veterans Centre.
During VE Day 2025 ceremonies these residents were also presented with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, in recognition of their exceptional service and lifelong contributions to Canada.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, along with friends, family and staff, attended the special event to celebrate with medal recipients and acknowledge their incredible importance to the history of our country.
Reflecting on the past, gathering in the present
United in our shared commitment to healing and recognizing the significance of our history, the Cenotaph serves as an important space to honour our military roots.
Today, thanks to a community of generous donors, this monument stands renewed as a symbol of remembrance and an accessible venue for shared reflection and celebration.
The roots of our military history are woven through the heart of our mission.
Growing from a site for annual ceremonies to a living tribute creating moments of connection, the restoration has ensured that the Cenotaph is not only preserved, but elevated – a welcomed place to share stories, reflect and honour both the past and present through the seasons.