The latest Toronto structure succumbing to the wrecking ball are the A, B and C wings of the Michael Garron Hospital (formerly known as Toronto East General). Located at 825 Coxwell Avenue, corner of Coxwell and Mortimer Avenues, these old brick wings along Coxwell Avenue were officially closed back in March of this year in preparation for this demolition.
As intensely as I loathe East York, though, I am still very sorry to see this beautiful structure demolished; I couldn’t believe it when I first heard this was happening:
As I understand it, in addition to being an outdated medical facility, one of the factors in the building’s demise was its architecture. Built In 1951 the building was anachronistically constructed in the Art Deco and Streamline Moderne styles. Due to its mismatched style and period, it was not deemed worthy of preservation under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Working across from Michael Garron Hospital for many years I would go into the hospital several times a week for a Tim Hortons run or lunch at the Hospital’s cafeteria (my stomach still churns at the memory all these years later). I remember thinking at the time how incredibly dated, drab and dingy the lobby and interiors were. I’ve heard the state of the medical facilities there were not far behind that of the decor.
The Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre
The Hospital is all about moving forward, though. In 2023 a huge, ultra-modern and beautiful new MGH patient centre was opened on the northeast corner of Coxwell Avenue and Sammon Avenue. Previously nothing more than an empty grassy knoll, the Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre is now in full operation. The new 8-storey facility is fully wheelchair-accessible, and includes ambulatory care clinics, in-patient beds and family space, in addition to four levels of underground parking:
The Centre is so-named after a $5 million gift from Ken and Marilyn’s son Peter Thomson. The Thomson family was named as the richest family in Canada by Canadian Business magazine in 2018.
Future Plans
The opening of the new Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre and the demolition of the old Coxwell-facing wing is part of a long-term plan to modernize, revitalize and expand the Michael Garron Hospital complex. According to MGH, the teardown of “several outdated wings” will continue into 2026.
Apparently, after demolition MGH intends to preserve the stained-glass memorial windows and plaques which were in the original Coxwell lobby. Also, the hospital states that the demolished wings will be replaced with a new Coxwell Avenue entrance and future green space. It will be a welcome change for the better!
Yes, it needed To go. I lived nearby and would pass this hospital many times over the years. Looking forward to seeing a new and modern facility in the future.