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Demolition of CAMH administrative building kicks revitalization of site into high gear

Posted by Matthew Harris / March 10, 2010

6 Comments

CAMH DemolotionThe CAMH administrative building at 1001 Queen Street West is in the process of being demolished. It's part of an ongoing redevelopment of the site which aims to integrate the mental health facility with the surrounding community.

CAMH redevelopmentThe $380-million-plus renovation, which has been underway since 2006, includes plans to incorporate street-level retail, public streets, and residential properties on the site -- all of which, it is hoped, will lessen the stigma surrounding those receiving care at CAMH.

CAMH RedevelopmentOf the many changes, perhaps the most significant will be the extension of Ossington and Adelaide streets, which will eventually meet one another at the south end of the current site.

Toronto Lunatic AsylumThis is the second time the facility has been comprehensively renovated. The last time was in 1975, when the historic Toronto Lunatic Asylum was demolished.

Demolition of the CAMH administrative building is expected to be completed soon, with construction of the new buildings beginning almost immediately thereafter. Those who want to catch a last glimpse of a Toronto landmark before it disappears should act soon.

CAMH redevelopment

CAMH redevelopment

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Paulo / March 11, 2010 at 12:40 am
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It's too bad they tore down that beautiful historical building (and green space) back in '75, and replaced it with the hideous brick monstrosity. I am happy it's coming down.
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QWester / March 11, 2010 at 01:07 am
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To reduce stigma, the patients could stop peeing on the corner of Queen & Os and Rebecca St. It'd also be great if they stopped begging for coin and freaking people out when they wander around pilled out of their skull.
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hbhb5959 / March 11, 2010 at 11:09 am
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qwester, if you don't like it, move to markham. everybody has the right to live and do as they please- not just ableist people.
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seanm replying to a comment from hbhb5959 / March 11, 2010 at 08:12 pm
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I think we should at least draw the line at public urination (and worse). Have some standards at least.
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QWester replying to a comment from hbhb5959 / March 11, 2010 at 10:13 pm
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People don't have a right to walk into traffic or harass people. If somebody is screaming horror film styles for no reason, I'm going to be freaked out. CAMH stigma is well earned and new buildings and bus shelter ads with Valerie Pringle talking about her sad daughter aren't going to solve the problem of over medicated people passed out on the street or under medicateds being aggressive. Change needs to come from within, like education seminars on interacting with the community.
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annakarenina / December 29, 2010 at 12:33 pm
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camh is amazing. aside from the harmless randoms on queen, i think its important to keep in mind that this organization is helping people transform their lives. Their drug rehabilitation program should be a source of pride for the city. They are one of the first organizations to offer drug rehabilitation services geared towards to queer community (Rainbow Services). In addition to Rainbow, CAMH offers a number of programs that cater to specific groups of people with unique problems within their respective communities. While there are those that argue that the facility is better suited to a more rural setting, the urban setting is precisely what makes CAMH unique and effective. Most "rehabs" set in rural areas are not a reflection of a real environment patients will face upon completing treatment. Bottom line, its a great organization and they're helping alot of good people with serious problems. Crazies are part of Toronto, and not just at 1001 queen.. has anyone walked through sherbourne and dundas lately... moss park... just sayin. We cant just sweep these people aside and for the most part, they're far more entertaining than they are dangerous.
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