CAMH Redevelopment Update: May 2019

Pictured above: The McCain Complex Care and Recovery Building

Last month, the final crane came down in the construction of the two new buildings on Queen Street West, and we are excited to celebrate that we are only one year away from achieving substantial completion in the third phase of our redevelopment project. Translation: At this time next year, we will be prepping our staff and patients for move in. Given this significant milestone, we thought now would be a good time to remind everyone about what each of our new buildings will house.

Standing proud at the south west corner of Queen Street West and Ossington Avenue, the McCain Complex Care and Recovery Building will house 110 inpatient bedrooms, The Temerty Centre for Brain Stimulation, a simulation learning centre for staff, a mental health library and a 290-seat auditorium. The latter two features are both shared spaces between CAMH and the public.

The McCain Building will also include the innovative Tour de Bleu Therapeutic Neighbourhood, supporting skills building and other programming to enhance patient recovery.

One block west, the Crisis and Critical Care Building will be the new home of the Gerald Sheff and Shanitha Kachan Emergency Department and will also house complex mental illness units, including 125 inpatient beds, integrating important supports from the College Street site all under one roof.  The leading-edge design of this building will promote recovery oriented care, allowing patients more independence through access to more common spaces and private washrooms, as well as lots of natural light and access to green spaces.

These new buildings represent a revolutionary shift, not only in mental health treatment, but also in sharing our message that mental health is health. Over the coming year, we will need everyone’s help as we prepare for this exciting transition.     

If you have any questions, concerns or ideas about redevelopment, please contact redevelopment.feedback@camh.ca.