GTA Construction News staff writer
University Health Network (UHN) has purchased a 15-storey office building at 522 University Ave., expanding its footprint in downtown Toronto’s Discovery District to support continued growth in cancer care, research and education.
The property, located at the southwest corner of University Avenue and Elm Street, will bolster programs at UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Toronto General Hospital. It will also provide additional training space for health-care learners from UHN’s Michener Institute of Education and partner academic institutions.
UHN announced the acquisition Dec. 20, citing rising demand for cancer diagnosis and treatment and capacity pressures at Princess Margaret, which sees close to 19,000 new patients annually.
“The demand for cancer diagnosis and treatment continues to surge here in Canada and around the world,” said Dr. Kevin Smith, president and CEO of UHN. “At UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, we serve close to 19,000 new patients every year and this number is growing. The addition of 522 University Avenue increases our capacity to drive innovation and research in cancer prevention, early cancer detection, diagnostics and treatment, as well enable the introduction of new and expanded programs at UHN.”
UHN said the building will create space for new clinical and research initiatives, including potential expansion of supportive cancer care services, such as cancer mental health, and the development of an Early Cancer Detection program with a focus on prevention and molecular diagnosis.
Plans also contemplate a new Prostate Cancer Centre and a centralized Cancer Digital Intelligence team aimed at optimizing care through advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence.
“By strategically relocating specific teams and creating new programs, we will be positioned to manage the significant growth in cancer diagnosis and cancer curability in the decades to come,” said Dr. Keith Stewart, vice-president of clinical services and director of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Premier Doug Ford said the expansion will help ensure Ontario patients have access to advanced cancer care within the province.
“This latest expansion will help UHN continue delivering cutting-edge treatments, drive groundbreaking innovations and train the next generation of doctors and researchers, ensuring Ontario patients are connected to the best possible cancer care right here at home,” Ford said.
Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones added that the additional space will expand UHN’s capacity for research and innovative treatments, helping connect patients to care “when and where they need it.”
UHN said operational funding for the building will be supported in part by the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
“Our role at the Foundation is to support The Princess Margaret’s vision to lead the world in understanding, preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer,” said Dr. Miyo Yamashita, president and CEO of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. “The acquisition of 522 University Avenue will create brighter tomorrows for cancer patients everywhere.”
The purchase adds to UHN’s extensive downtown campus, which includes Toronto General Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, the Michener Institute of Education and research space within the MaRS Discovery District building. UHN also operates Toronto Western Hospital, West Park Healthcare Centre and several community-based sites across the Greater Toronto Area.
UHN worked with the UHN Foundation, the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and Colliers to complete the acquisition.
