Historic Wall Open Ideas Competition Spring 2003

An Open Ideas Competition was held in partnership with the City of Toronto to help determine the future of the historic wall that runs along the east side of the property of the Queen Street site at Shaw street.

The wall had been a focus of discussion for some of the 1700 people who attended the more than 70 consultations CAMH held over four years about its proposed plans for the site. Some people said that history would be lost if the wall was removed and that it should be preserved and used for public education. Others felt the wall should come down because it represents negative attitudes toward people who experience mental health problems, the poor treatment of patients in the past and a physical barrier to the property.

Over 127 submissions were received from local artists, architects, conservation groups, people who have experienced the mental health system and an entire class at the Ontario College of Art and Design. There were two winning entries; three designs received honourable mention; and five were designated as finalists.

The winners of the competition are Carlos Moreno and Cassie Kent and Janet Rosenberg and Glenn Herman with artwork provided by Lynn Donoghue.

As this was an Ideas Competition, the entries proposed ideas, rather than detailed finalized designs. The best aspects of the two winning ideas, and perhaps some elements from the honourable mention and finalist entries, will need to be further refined by CAMH and its architects, in consultation with City of Toronto Heritage Preservation Services, Councillor Joe Pantalone, and with the input of the Competition winners. These will be incorporated into the redevelopment at a later stage.

Media release/More on the winners