Local Bakery Celebrates 100 Years in Business
A family-owned bakery in Toronto’s west end marks a century of serving traditional goods, drawing loyal customers from across the city.
By Frontier Echo Editorial Team | June 19, 2025 at 16:57
Toronto General Hospital has officially opened a new wing dedicated to mental health care, marking a major step forward in addressing the city’s growing demand for specialized treatment services. The state-of-the-art facility, located on the hospital’s north campus, includes 48 private rooms, therapy gardens, and a suite of advanced treatment technologies.
Hospital officials say the expansion is part of a broader strategy to reduce wait times and destigmatize mental illness. “Mental health is health,” said Dr. Rima Chowdhury, director of psychiatric services. “This space was designed to support healing, dignity, and personalized care.”
Unlike older psychiatric wards, the new unit emphasizes a calming, non-institutional aesthetic. Natural light floods the hallways, color palettes are warm and soothing, and patient artwork adorns the walls. There are quiet zones, family rooms, and even a digital resource library.
The wing will offer both inpatient and outpatient services, including cognitive behavioral therapy, group counseling, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention. Staff include psychiatrists, social workers, occupational therapists, and peer support specialists.
Demand for mental health services in Toronto has surged in recent years, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency room visits related to mental health conditions have increased by nearly 30% since 2019, according to hospital data.
The opening of the new facility has been praised by patient advocacy groups, who say it signals a shift toward more compassionate and effective care models. “This is how we reduce stigma—by creating spaces that treat mental health with the same seriousness as any other medical condition,” said advocate Jonas Makonnen.
Toronto General Hospital collaborated with architectural firm WellMind Design to incorporate feedback from patients and clinicians in every stage of planning. The result is a facility that balances clinical functionality with emotional sensitivity.
A unique feature of the wing is its rooftop therapy garden, designed to promote mindfulness and relaxation. Patients can participate in horticultural therapy sessions or simply sit in nature between treatments.
The project was funded through a combination of government grants and private donations, including a $5 million gift from the Trillium Foundation. Philanthropic leaders hope the model will inspire similar investments across Canada.
With the ribbon officially cut, the hospital has opened its doors to its first cohort of patients this week. Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the privacy, safety, and serenity of the new space.
Administrators plan to track patient outcomes over the next year to evaluate the impact of the environment on recovery rates, hoping the data will further strengthen the case for holistic, design-forward mental health infrastructure.