Since its establishment in 1875, the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) has been a cornerstone of pediatric healthcare in Toronto. Moving to its present location at 555 University Avenue in 1951, SickKids is advancing 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 to be known as the Peter Gilgan Family Patient Care Tower.

West elevation, designed by Stantec and KPMB Architects for Hospital for Sick Children

Submitted to the City of Toronto as an Official Plan Amendment (OPA), the application aims to establish an advanced concept for the redevelopment, if not a final design at this point. Located on the eastern side of University Avenue between Elm and Gerrard Streets, the hospital's history is deeply interwoven with Toronto’s evolution of pediatric care. The existing Black and Hill wings, constructed in 1951 and 1962 respectively, are increasingly unable to meet the demands of modern medical technology and care, necessitating their replacement.

Ground floor interior of Peter Gilgan Family Patient Care Tower, designed by Stantec and KPMB Architects for Hospital for Sick Children

The redevelopment, envisioned by Stantec and KPMB Architects, features a 29-storey tower (171m) offering approximately 241,500m² of advanced healthcare space. It would integrate with the rest of the SickKids complex, including direct connections to the Burton and Atrium buildings, and on to the more recent Patient Support Centre and Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning buildings via a bridge over Elizabeth Street.

Massing perspective, designed by Stantec and KPMB Architects for Hospital for Sick Children

The proposed redevelopment would extend its impact beyond healthcare, with planned enhancements to the surrounding public realm. These include a larger open space at the corner of University and Elm, upgraded pedestrian pathways, and revamped landscaping. Additionally, the plan entails rerouting vehicular access from University Avenue to foster a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

Looking northeast to the current site from University Avenue and Elm Street, image from Google Maps

In total, the block currently boasts 176,500m² of space in total in the Black, Hill, Burton, and Atrium buildings. Of that, about 74,300m² in the aging Black and Hill wings would be demolished, while the new tower would add 241,500m² of space. As a result, the total future GFA on the site is projected to be around 343,700m², marking a significant expansion of the hospital's capabilities.

Interior perspective of the Peter Gilgan Family Patient Care Tower, designed by Stantec and KPMB Architects for Hospital for Sick Children

SickKids' vision for its downtown campus, Project Horizon, is a comprehensive strategy that encompasses technological and infrastructural advancements for the next two decades and beyond. Under Project Horizon, the recently completed 22-storey Patient Support Centre marks the initial phase, serving as a consolidation point for administrative and educational functions, and providing necessary space for ongoing and future developments.

Located within the thriving Health Science District of Toronto, SickKids benefits from and contributes to this area's medical innovation and expertise. The district is a nexus of hospitals, research centres, and educational institutions. Notable nearby facilities include the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre of Toronto General Hospital and the SickKids-tied 21-storey Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning.

Aerial view of the site and surrounding area, image from Hospital for Sick Children

The SickKids site has exceptional transit connectivity, being within a 250m radius of both Queen's Park and St Patrick subway stations on University Line 1. Additionally, College and Dundas subway stations on Yonge Line 1 are within a 700m radius, offering convenient access points for patients, staff, and visitors, further underscoring the hospital's role as a vital hub in the region's healthcare network.

Surrounding development activity, image from Hospital for Sick Children

In the context of Downtown Toronto’s development landscape, the SickKids expansion is in sync with the trend toward significant local densification. This includes a range of residential and commercial projects, such as a 57-storey residential tower proposal at 700 University Avenue to the north, with 64 storeys at 505 University Avenue and 72 storeys at 123 Edward Street to the south, while the 52-storey United BLDG is already under construction at 481 University Avenue to the south.

UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

* * *

UrbanToronto has a research service, UrbanToronto Pro, that provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Toronto Area—from proposal through to completion. We also offer Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.

Related Companies:

Cohen & Master Tree and Shrub Services Ltd, RWDI Climate and Performance Engineering, Urban Strategies Inc.