The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) will say goodbye to its landmark Administration Building at 1001 Queen St. West in a ceremony on October 29, 2009 at 4 p.m. Demolition of the building will begin in January 2010 to make way for the next major phase of CAMH's ambitious redevelopment project, which is transforming care for Ontarians living with addiction and mental health issues.
"This building was once the infamous '999' Queen St West," says CAMH President and CEO, Dr. Paul Garfinkel. "It's the end of an era. While we're sad to see this building close, it is very exciting to see our new vision for care and treatment take shape. We look forward to, literally, opening up our grounds to create an urban village that will integrate CAMH with a revitalized Queen St. West community. "
CAMH clients echo the same sentiment. "I've been a client and now I work at CAMH as a peer support worker," says Linda Chamberlain, who will add her story of recovery to the time capsule at the event. "This redevelopment is extremely exciting and will play a big role in helping reduce the stigma associated with this site, and with mental illness and addictions, that clients and staff confront every day."