Blog

September 25, 2014

Project Blog – Bridgepoint Health

One of my favourite CFMS projects is Bridgepoint Health.  There are several reasons why, all related to my being an East End Torontonian my whole life.  Having always had an interest in things historic, not to mention spooky, the Don Jail captured my fascination from a young age.  The old Bridgepoint Hospital stood out on the East End landscape because it was: next to the Don Jail, located at the south end of Riverdale Park, and overlooking the Don Valley Parkway and the Toronto skyline.  But maybe one of the most stand out features was the semi-circular shape of the building itself – a classic example of 60’s architecture.

Regardless of the impracticality (circular or semi-circular building are not exactly the most practical), or aesthetic qualities (or rather lack thereof) of the old hospital, it seems many people were attached to the East End landmark.  Living in the area, I recall when it was first announced that there were plans for the hospital, and there were quickly rallying supporters in favour of keeping the old building in tact.  It took a long time for the reality to sink in for area residents when the demolition of the old hospital was confirmed, despite the protest against it.  Even though I personally had no loving attachment to the building (I was in the ‘it’s old, unaesthetic, and impractical’ camp), it did feel strange and somewhat sad to see it come down.

The Don Jail is another story – I think most area residents were relieved to find out it would be converted into administration for the hospital.  (Having an active jail in your neighborhood isn’t exactly what people include on their home buyers wish list!)  But residents were also relieved that the architectural integrity of the original Don Jail was preserved.  I could still kick myself however, that I missed seeing it during Doors Open Toronto prior to the conversion (but the renovated Don Jail Admin Building is open to the public Monday to Friday, 9-5, for those of you interested).

And here we are on the other side of it all now, with a completed and active hospital.  I enjoyed watching the whole process from demolition of the old to completion of the new.  Not only do I drive by that way daily, but one of my favourite Toronto walks is along Broadview down from the Danforth, and of course any Torontonian knows that Riverdale Park has the best tobogganing in the city.  I haven’t heard any further grumbling from the locals about the old hospital now that the new one is complete – it is stunning – especially at sunrise or sunset when the windows are lit up by the dramatic sunlight and the (also illuminated) Toronto skyline provides the backdrop.  It is LEED certified, and not surprisingly has won numerous other awards as well.  I recommend reading more about it here, and maybe checking it out yourself in person.

P3 Bridgepoint Health in East End Toronto

It’s exciting to me that CFMS provided the commissioning for such a Toronto landmark project as Bridgepoint Health!

For those of you interested in the technical side of what CFMS did at Bridgepoint Health – stay tuned!  A full profile will be coming out soon as the feature project for our website.  

Why Commissioning