Story 29: The First CEO of QCH - Garry Cardiff

From rural fields and construction trailers to a thriving community hospital, Garry Cardiff, QCH’s first CEO, shares the story of building a hospital many thought would never happen.

In the middle, Garry is seated at the opening ceremony of QCH.

The hospital proposal was rejected three times and questioned by decision-makers, who doubted a rural community hospital was worth the investment. Despite political roadblocks, Garry led the vision forward of opening QCH, with the support of community leaders D. Aubrey Moodie and Jean Pigott.

On the left, Garry Cardiff and Jean Pigott are seen at the opening of psychiatry services at QCH. To the right, Garry and Bill Davis are in mid-conversation.

In the middle of a meeting, Garry is joined by D. Aubrey Moodie, seated to his right.

As Ottawa’s west end communities continued to expand in areas such as Stittsville, Barrhaven, and Kanata, QCH evolved over the years from a small community hospital into a vital healthcare centre serving nearly half the city of Ottawa today.