Later this month, CAMH will begin restoring the historic wall that surrounds much of our Queen Street campus. Built by patients of the original Provincial Lunatic Asylum during the 19th and 20th centuries, the wall borders both the hospital and surrounding community.
Preserving the heritage wall is an important part of CAMH’s redevelopment and our commitment to honouring the past. The wall stands as a tribute to the patients who built it and reminds us of the importance of treating people experiencing mental illness and addiction with respect, dignity, and compassion.
To prepare for the restoration, we will install protective fencing and hoarding around the wall. The work, scheduled through November, will include repairs, masonry restoration, stabilization, and filling cracks and gaps. If you've walked along the wall, you've likely noticed the repairs are much needed—and long overdue.
See below for more information on where and when the work will happen:
Segment 1: Eastern border on Shaw Street
Starting August 13, we’ll install fencing and hoarding along Shaw Street between construction gates 1 and 2. We expect this work to wrap up by October 6, 2025. The sidewalk along Shaw Street will remain open to pedestrians.
Segment 2: Southwest border near 10 White Squirrel Way and Daycare
Starting August 18, we’ll install fencing and hoarding on both sides of the wall from the heritage shed to Sudbury Street. This work should be completed by November 2025. There will be no impact to the George Brown College Daycare, and minimal impacts to on-site parking (approximately 3 parking spots will be removed as they are in the work zone).
Thank you for your patience as we carry out this important restoration. If you have questions, please contact redevelopment.feedback@camh.ca.
