Transforming Lives

CAMH breaks ground and makes history: Welcome to a new kind of hospital

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is making history. On April 6, CAMH is breaking ground on the next phase of its landmark redevelopment project, transforming the site of what was originally the 1850 Provincial Lunatic Asylum into a modern, welcoming 'urban village' in the heart of Queen Street West. Nothing quite like this has ever been done before.

The unique groundbreaking ceremony will give attendees the opportunity to see the future of CAMH's urban village, and hear what CAMH clients, community members and political representatives have to say about the transformation. The open-invitation event will take place on April 6, 2010 at 1001 Queen Street West at 11 a.m. in the Community Centre.

This project started with a bold vision: to transform care for people with mental illness and addictions, change attitudes, and improve our city. The result is a remarkable multi-phased redevelopment that opens up CAMH's sequestered 27-acre site to the community, creating an inclusive new neighbourhood where psychiatric facilities blend in with local cafes, businesses, parks and residences.

"CAMH is building a hospital where being part of the community is part of the treatment," explains President and CEO Dr. Catherine Zahn. "This is a proud moment for our wonderful City. This redevelopment gives us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to advance care for people with mental illness and addictions, foster scientific discovery, empower patients, and eliminate barriers in the context of a civil society. With our neighbors, we are changing the face-- and the future-- of mental illness and addictions."