New provincial plaque commemorates John Andrew Hope’s leadership in establishing Perth’s memorial hospital

PERTH — After the First World War, the people of Perth chose to build a hospital to remember those who had given their lives. Today, the Ontario Heritage Trust unveiled a new provincial plaque that commemorates John Andrew Hope and his leadership in helping to turn that community ambition into the Great War Memorial Hospital.

The aftermath of the First World War and the 1919 influenza pandemic highlighted Perth’s need for permanent hospital care. Local women’s organizations were among the first to propose that a hospital could also serve as a memorial to those who had lost their lives in the war. After returning from overseas service, John Andrew Hope became a leading advocate for the project as president of Perth’s Great War Veterans’ Association.

Working with women’s organizations, veterans, municipal leaders and local donors, Hope brought momentum to the proposal and helped build public support, ultimately adapting Victoria Hall into a 20-bed hospital. On March 8, 1923, nearly 2,000 people gathered in the rain as Hope turned the key and declared the Great War Memorial Hospital open. He served as its first president.

The hospital marked an early chapter in Hope’s career of public service that later extended across Ontario. Hope was appointed to the High Court of Ontario in 1933 and served on the Ontario Court of Appeal from 1945 until his death in 1954. He also served as a governor of the University of Toronto and, from 1945 to 1950, chaired Ontario’s Royal Commission on Education.

Installed in the places where history happened, the Trust’s provincial plaques invite people to encounter carefully researched accounts of the individuals, communities and events that have shaped the province. The John Andrew Hope plaque connects his leadership in Perth with his lifetime of military, judicial and civic service. View the plaque at the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital, read its full text and explore the historical research behind it.

Quotes

"John Andrew Hope’s life demonstrates how public service can continue long after a veteran returns home. Hope brought people together around a shared purpose, and his story speaks to the lasting value of civic leadership and what people can accomplish when they work together.” — John Ecker, Chair, Ontario Heritage Trust

“John Andrew Hope’s leadership shows how honouring Ontario’s veterans can leave a lasting legacy for communities across the province. By helping build the Great War Memorial Hospital, he demonstrated how commemorative institutions can honour those who served while strengthening our understanding of the past. Recognizing Hope today helps preserve a defining chapter of our history and serves as a powerful reminder that the service and sacrifices of our veterans must never be forgotten.” — Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism

“The Provincial Plaque Program has commemorated significant people, places and events that have shaped Ontario’s history and Perth native John Andrew Hope was one of those significant people. As the first President of Perth’s Great War Memorial Hospital and through his compassion and leadership, he helped turn remembrance into a lasting community institution. On behalf of the Province of Ontario, I offer my sincerest thanks to the family of Mr. Hope. This plaque will ensure that future generations will remember his remarkable contributions.” — MPP John Jordan, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston

“After a recent annual visit to the family cemetery plot in Perth, Ontario, I began a quest of discovery after reading about my maternal grandfather Hope’s history in Born at Perth. I wanted to better understand my ancestor, and the story I uncovered filled me with awe and emotion, along with a sense of duty to honour and pay tribute to my grandfather for his significant contributions to the town, province and country beyond the stone marker at Elmwood Cemetery. With the key support of the Ontario Heritage Trust, the hospital and its foundation, today’s plaque is the fulfillment of that quest. To all, my heartfelt thanks and gratitude.” — David Poynton

“This plaque honours the vision, dedication and community spirit that established the Great War Memorial site of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital. John Andrew Hope’s commitment to bringing health care closer to home laid a lasting foundation for future generations. For our Foundation, honouring his legacy means continuing that same spirit of community support — keeping our hospital strong, accessible and here for the people we serve.”— Margot Hallam, CEO, Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation

Learn more

Find out more about the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Provincial Plaque Program.

Contact

For more information about the Ontario Heritage Trust, contact David Leonard, Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist, at 437-246-9065 or media@heritagetrust.on.ca.

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About the Ontario Heritage Trust

The Trust is committed to preserving Ontario’s cultural and natural heritage and ensuring its continued relevance for future generations. We are working towards an Ontario where heritage is not only preserved and valued, but is celebrated, enjoyed and used as a source of inspiration. The Trust will be a beacon in an Ontario where heritage is preserved, protected and promoted in ways that are sources of pride for all Ontarians.

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