Markham Stouffville Hospital unveils Pride sidewalk

With Pride Month underway, Oak Valley Health (OVH) has unveiled a permanent Pride sidewalk at the main entrance of Markham Stouffville Hospital.

The sidewalk creates a colourful and highly visible symbol of support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

The project was spearheaded by OVH’s Pride Network and brought to life through collaboration across multiple teams within the organization. A similar Pride sidewalk is currently under development at Uxbridge Hospital and is expected to be completed later this month.

Brad Young and Lori Dunn, Staff and Physician Wellness Leaders and Pride Network co-chairs, are thrilled to see the project come to life.

“The rainbow sidewalk represents not only Pride celebrations, but is also a symbol of our organization’s commitment to inclusivity and equity in healthcare,” Dunn says. “It is a message that all are welcome here, and that our staff are committed to reducing barriers to care.”

The new sidewalk was put to work right away, with staff capturing selfies to show their Pride—several of which were submitted to the Pride photo contest organized by the Pride Network.

Oak Valley Health’s Pride Network and senior leadership team with the newly installed Pride sidewalk at Markham Stouffville Hospital. Photo courtesy of Oak Valley Health.