Scarborough Health Network

Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is advancing a major program of capital renewal across its hospital network to expand capacity, modernize aging facilities and support a more integrated model of healthcare for Scarborough. The program is also strengthening SHN’s role as a community teaching health network through investment in education, research and clinical training facilities.

Since 1991 Urban Strategies has supported SHN across a series of interrelated projects at the Centenary and Birchmount hospitals, providing municipal planning and approvals advice, coordinating approvals with the Ministry of Health capital planning process, and addressing the complex phasing requirements of active hospital campuses.

SHN Centenary Emergency Department Expansion

Urban Strategies is working with Kasian Architecture to lead development approvals for SHN Centenary Hospital’s Emergency Department expansion project. This complex expansion must navigate realignment of an existing road and building entrances, environmental protections for the ravines that line the edges of the site, and must maintain continued operation of the Emergency Department and other key facilities throughout the construction of new and expanded facilities. Our approvals strategy allowed municipal approvals to proceed alongside provincial capital planning, advancing directly to Site Plan Approval with zoning relief addressed through Minor Variance.

SHN Birchmount Hospital Phased Redevelopment

Urban Strategies and BA Group provided strategic planning and approvals advice for the phased redevelopment of Birchmount Hospital. The program included a new 12-storey Critical Care Tower and an enabling parking garage advanced as an early-works project. Urban Strategies reviewed the Stage 1.3 Functional Program and established a coordinated approach to Ministry of Health and municipal approvals. The work included developing an integrated approvals schedule, initiating discussions with the City of Toronto, refining the parking garage massing in response to City input, and supporting SHN’s business case to advance the garage independently. Urban Strategies also supported Pre-Application Consultation, Site Plan Approval strategy and multidisciplinary team procurement.

Centenary Education & Simulation Centre / Scarborough Health Centre of Excellence

Urban Strategies provided planning and approvals advice for SHN’s education and research facilities at Centenary Hospital, developed in partnership with the University of Toronto Scarborough and in support of SHN’s broader education and research strategy.

The project included a new Education & Simulation Centre and replacement parking garage. Urban Strategies established the municipal approvals strategy, led early discussions and Pre-Application Consultation with the City of Toronto, and coordinated the consultant team through the Site Plan Approval process. The work also addressed phasing and site coordination with the Centenary Emergency Department expansion to minimize disruption to hospital operations.