Since its founding in 1875, the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) has been a cornerstone of pediatric healthcare in Toronto. Moving to its current location at 555 University Avenue in 1951, SickKids advanced the next phase of its ambitious journey into the future through Project Horizon, a redevelopment plan that would replace some existing wings with a new building named the Peter Gilgan Family Patient care tower.
West facade designed by KPMB Architects for the Hospital for Sick Children
The application, submitted to the City of Toronto as an Official Plan Amendment (OPA), aims to create an advanced concept for the redevelopment, if not a final design. Located on the east side of University Avenue between Elm and Gerrard Streets, the history of the hospital is closely linked to the development of Toronto's pediatric care. The existing “Black” and “Hill” wings from 1951 and 1962 are increasingly no longer able to meet the requirements of modern medical technology and care and must be replaced.
Interior on the ground floor of the Peter Gilgan Family Patient Care Tower, designed by KPMB Architects for the Hospital for Sick Children
The redevelopment, planned by KPMB Architects, includes a 29-story tower (171 m) providing approximately 241,500 m² of modern healthcare space. It would integrate with the rest of the SickKids complex, including direct connections to the Burton and Atrium buildings and, via a bridge over Elizabeth Street, on to the newer Patient Support Center and Peter Gilgan Center for Research and Learning buildings.
Massing perspective designed by KPMB Architects for Hospital for Sick Children
The proposed redevelopment would extend its impact beyond healthcare and include planned improvements to the surrounding public realm. These include increased open space at the corner of University and Elm, improved pedestrian walkways and revamped landscaping. Additionally, the plan calls for rerouting vehicle access from University Avenue to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
Looking northeast at the current location from University Avenue and Elm Street, image from Google Maps
In total, the block currently has a total area of 176,500 m² across the Black, Hill, Burton and Atrium buildings. Of this, approximately 74,300 m² would be demolished in the aging Black and Hill wings, while the new tower would create 241,500 m² of space. As a result, the total future GFA on the site is expected to be around 343,700 m², representing a significant expansion of the hospital's capacity.
Interior perspective of the Peter Gilgan Family Patient Care Tower designed by KPMB Architects for the Hospital for Sick Children
SickKids' vision for its downtown campus, Project Horizon, is a comprehensive strategy that encompasses technological and infrastructure advancements for the next two decades and beyond. As part of Project Horizon, the recently completed 22-story patient support center marks the first phase. It serves as a consolidation point for administrative and educational functions and provides the necessary space for ongoing and future developments.
Located in Toronto's thriving Health Science District, SickKids benefits from and contributes to the medical innovation and expertise of this field. The district is a hub of hospitals, research centers and educational institutions. Notable nearby facilities include Toronto General Hospital's Peter Munk Cardiac Center and the 21-story Peter Gilgan Center for Research and Learning operated by SickKids.
Aerial view of the site and surrounding area, image of the hospital for sick children
The SickKids location has excellent transport links and is within 250 m of the Queen's Park and St. Patrick subway stations on University Line 1. Additionally, the College and Dundas subway stations on Yonge are located -Line 1 within a 700 m radius and provide convenient access points for patients, staff and visitors, further highlighting the hospital's role as an important hub in the region's healthcare network.
Surrounding development activities, picture of the hospital for sick children
In the context of downtown Toronto's development landscape, the SickKids expansion is consistent with the trend toward significant local densification. These include a number of residential and commercial projects, such as a 57-story residential tower proposal at 700 University Avenue to the north, 64 stories at 505 University Avenue and 72 stories at 123 Edward Street to the south, while the 52-story Residential tower is planned at 700 University Avenue to the north. The United BLDG at 481 University Avenue to the south is already under construction.
UrbanToronto will continue to monitor the progress of this development, but in the meantime you can learn more in our database file linked below. If you'd like, you can join the discussion in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the designated area on this page.
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