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Back to SearchOttawa (ON) – July 29, 2024 – CHEO has embarked on an ambitious plan to redevelop its campus to better meet the needs of children and youth today and in the future. As it celebrates 50 years since opening its doors, the hospital is planning for new buildings, reimagined spaces, and the integration of new technologies to change the face of 401 Smyth Rd.
“The needs of children and youth today have changed significantly since we opened our doors in 1974,” says Alex Munter, CHEO President and CEO. “This is why we need to rethink and adapt our space to meet the needs of a growing population of children and youth.”
To make room for the expansion, work has begun on a new parking garage that will replace surface parking lots. Construction is also underway on a new tunnel that will link to the upcoming Integrated Treatment Centre for kids with physical and developmental disabilities, complex medical needs and facing mental health challenges.
Other projects include:
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Creating more mental health spaces, and improving them, to address the mental health crisis in our region.
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Expanding key areas such as the Emergency Department, medical imaging and the pharmacy to improve access to care.
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Adding more beds and outpatient spaces to help manage patient demand more efficiently and safely, including a new critical care Step Down Unit for patients who are improving but not yet ready for the medical or surgical wards.
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Reducing the building’s environmental impact through modernization.
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Enhancing diagnostic capabilities, expanding newborn screening and allowing for more breakthrough research by building cutting-edge laboratories.
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Completely overhauling operating rooms to enable the latest surgical techniques.
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Revitalizing spaces to improve the experience for families.
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Improving access to on-site learning and training for everyone who works at and partners with CHEO.
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Modernizing research space to improve pediatric care outcomes.
CHEO’s main campus previously added two wings in the early 2000s. The current redevelopment project is estimated at $818 million, paid for through fundraising and funding from the Ontario government.
“CHEO is writing an exciting new chapter in its history, so we have better space to deliver care to the next generation of children and youth,” said Munter.
CHEO's five-year roadmap will anchor the redevelopment plan, which also includes attracting, supporting and teaching the very best people and empowering everyone to make big, bold and meaningful contributions.
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Media contact
media@cheo.on.ca
About CHEO
Based in Canada’s capital, CHEO is a globally renowned health institution with a mission to provide exceptional care and support to children, youth and their families. Opening our doors in 1974, we offer a full range of specialized pediatric care and services to children from eastern and northern Ontario, western Quebec and Nunavut. Our site is home to a hospital, a children’s treatment centre, a school, a research institute, and is affiliated with the University of Ottawa as an academic health science centre. Named Canada’s best health-care employer by Forbes in 2024 and 2025, we are home to more than 6,500 staff, clinicians, scientists and researchers, as well as volunteers – all of whom work together to help children and youth achieve their best lives.