Site Speak: At the Centre Fall 2003

At the Centre

The past few months have been exciting for the redevelopment process at CAMH. CAMH received a letter from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) indicating their support for the consolidation of our programs and services on our Queen Street West site under a hub satellite model. The Queen Street site will serve as the hub, housing CAMH's main facilities while allowing for the expansion of smaller satellites offering a range of services and facilities that are closer to where people live. CAMH continues to meet with the MOHLTC regarding the functional program, and we hope to have the Ministry's staff approvals by the end of the year.

In September, Toronto's City Council unanimously approved CAMH's application to amend the Official Plan and the Zoning By-Law for our Queen Street site.

The CAMH Board of Trustees adopted principles to guide the redevelopment of the Queen Street site at its October 15, 2003 meeting based on feedback received from over 40 consultations held across the organization. A copy of the report outlining these principles will be posted on the CAMH Web site. The Board also encouraged ongoing dialogue within the organization and with external stakeholders regarding the principles and the redevelopment.

We are currently meeting with clients and family members to discuss the design of the core beds. As described in our functional program, CAMH will have two types of beds: core and alternate milieu (AM), both of which will be more homelike than our current facilities. Core beds will be used in the care of our most acute clients and AM beds for the care of clients who are stabilized. The AM buildings are smaller (six beds per floor) and offer clients more choices and responsibilities, and will enhance a client's successful return to the community.

As well, we have been meeting with staff to determine the recreational needs for the new site. There will be consultations held with more staff and stakeholders on specific functions and/or buildings as the various stages of planning unfold.

For updates on the site redevelopment project, please visit our Web site at www.camh.net. You can contact us at 416-535-8501 ext. 1650, or by e-mail at redevelopmentfeedback@camh.net.