Bridgepoint Health

Bridgepoint Health as seen from the Don Valley bicycle path.

Bridgepoint Health is a rehabilitation hospital in Toronto and affiliated with the University of Toronto. Its mission includes rehabilitation, treatment of complex chronic disease and management of disability.

Location

It is located next to the Don River in the Riverdale neighbourhood of the city and adjacent to the old Don Jail.

History

The first hospital on the site was the Riverdale Isolation Hospital, which opened in 1875. It was a specialized facility located on the edge of the city to house patients with communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis. As times changed, in 1957, the hospital's name and mandate were changed; its focus was shifted to helping those with chronic ailments and/or needing rehabilitation. The current building was completed in 1963. In 1997 as part of Mike Harris' cutbacks the government moved to close the facility, but a community lobbying effort kept it open.

Redevelopment

In 2003, a $200 million expansion project was announced, that would modernize and expand the facility. The final result will be a complex of different buildings, including the old Don Jail, which will be used for offices.

Additional images

• 

  The curved Bridgepoint Health building.

References

• "What to do with a Riverdale landmark?" Dave LeBlanc. The Globe and Mail. Toronto, Ont.: Jun 17, 2005. pg. G.6
• "Hospital blazes a trail in complex care" Brian Dexter. Toronto Star. Toronto, Ont.: May 10, 2003. pg. K.01

External links

• Official site