Mar 22, 2013 in News In the Community

In the Community: Don Jail turned into a space of healing and hope

Who would imagine that a space once used to hold inmates from taking part in normal societal living would be home to a space where patients are rehabilitated and encouraged to take part in their normal societal living with full independence and integrity. On Wednesday March 20^th Bridgepoint Health Hospital Foundation invited patients, donors, board members and staff to gather in the old Toronto Don Jail on the newly named Jack Layton Way to unveil the recently acquired space that will provide hope and courage to patients overcoming health challenges. There was a heightened level of excitement in the old cell block as staff unveiled the rehab facility: a project that has been in the works for over three years. Construction for this ultra-modern, state of the art rehabilitation facility began in the fall of 2009 and finished early this year. An architectural collaboration between Canadian and American architects included Diamond Schmitt Architects, HDR Architects, KPMB Architects and Stantec Architecture, plus Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg and MBTW Group who will handle the landscaping design of the rehab grounds this spring. Bridgepoint, whose mandate focuses on complex chronic diseases, is now the largest facility of its kind in Canada, has built a brand new 680,000 sq. ft. Leed-Certified building which will house all of its patient care operations. The new facility will house 455 beds and include larger therapy gyms located on each patient floor, increased ambulatory space, a larger therapeutic pool, new green spaces which include parks and public gardens that integrate with the nearby Riverdale Park, added living space and double of the existing therapy space. Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers is immensely proud to support Bridgepoint and its staff in bringing to hope to this advanced rehab facility that will go a long way in helping patients regain their independent routines following traumatic incidents. Keep up the good work!