UrbanToronto has partnered with Heritage Toronto to capture a moment in Toronto's past. On a weekly basis, we highlight historic photos of the city's people, places and events, and tell the stories behind them.
 

Christie Street, at the corner of Lambertlodge Avenue marks the site of what was once the Christie Street Veterans' Hospital. It’s located on the west side of Christie, north of Dupont Street.

Today an historical plaque by the Toronto Historical Board (today Heritage Toronto) tells the story of this once well known landmark. The Christie Street Veterans’ Hospital was first built as the National Cash Register Company. After the First World War ended, the factory was transformed into the Toronto Military Orthopaedic Hospital. Not only did the hospital have patients from World War 1 but also the Boer War, as well as the Fenian Roads of 1866.

Eventually the name of the hospital changed to the Christie Street Veterans' Hospital. But the hospital would not remain in operation for much longer. Overcrowding at the end of World War 2 contributed to the decision to build a new hospital at Bayview and Lawrence called Sunnybrook, opening in 1948.
 

At that time, the Christie Street Hospital became a seniors' home known as Lambert Lodge, named after Lieutenant Colonel Sidney Lambert, a veteran of both First and Second World Wars. The hospital was later demolished, and standing in its place today is the Christie Gardens Apartments and Care Facility.

Seen in this photo are well wishers awaiting veterans during WW1 at the front doors of the hospital.
 

Many thanks to both Gary Switzer of MOD Developments and Maya Bilbao for putting together the photos and research.