Lakeridge Gardens

The global COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for new LTC homes in the province of Ontario, and a solution was required, fast. Jumping to action, the Ontario Government and Infrastructure Ontario launched the Accelerated Build Pilot Program – an innovative approach that leverages hospital-owned land and accelerated construction techniques to get shovels in the ground quickly. This approach helped build urgently needed long-term care homes in urban areas where scarce and costly land is a significant challenge for prospective developers.

G was the lead architect in the unique, design-build rapid 320-bed Long-term Care project, sponsored by Infrastructure Ontario and Lakeridge Health. This project was designed and constructed in 18 months and included a customized, resident-centred and IPAC performing design. The design team worked closely with the operator, the hospital client, constructor, and sub-trades to evaluate alternative solutions and optimize costs at each juncture.

Phased approvals and construction required coordinated consultation and approval with the municipality and Authorities having Jurisdiction for on-site and off-site improvements. This included working with the municipal planners, the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs and local authorities in addressing zoning, site plan and phased Building Permit concerns. We employed a collaborative approach with the municipal to support the project and construction schedule.

Also within the accelerated timeline, the team managed community stakeholder engagement and completed Ministry of Health Capital Planning submissions and Ministry of Long-term Care approvals. The team was led by PCL Construction, and the Design Team included Quasar Consulting Group and Parkin Architects in partnership.