Construction is officially underway on the CHEO Integrated Treatment Centre in Ottawa, a landmark project that will transform pediatric care for children and youth with complex medical, developmental, and behavioural needs across eastern Ontario. A recent groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of this much-anticipated facility, which will bring together programs and services from eight separate locations under one roof.
Project Scope and Timeline
The new facility will span approximately 200,000 square feet over six storeys and will be fully accessible to all users. Scheduled for completion in 2028, the centre is expected to serve roughly 13,700 children and youth with special needs, along with their families. Strategically connected to the existing CHEO hospital, the new centre will enable seamless care coordination and greater convenience for patients.
Ontario Newsroom reports that the project is led by EllisDon Infrastructure OCH Inc., a prominent Canadian infrastructure contractor. It is funded jointly by the Ontario government and CHEO as part of nearly $600 million in provincial investments toward the modernization of children’s treatment centres.
Bringing Services Together for Better Access
Currently, many of CHEO’s services are spread across eight different sites. The new centre will consolidate these into a single, state-of-the-art building, reducing travel and improving the experience for families. The centralized model aims to streamline services and enhance communication among care providers.
Features and Programs at the New Facility
The new centre will offer a wide range of services, including:
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On-site rehabilitation services:
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Occupational therapy
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Physiotherapy
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Speech-language pathology
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Recreation therapy
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Additional support therapies
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Coordinated care for children with multiple or complex special needs
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In-school rehabilitation services
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Programs supporting neurodevelopmental disorders such as:
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Ontario Autism Program
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Extensive Needs Service, featuring teams of physicians, social workers, and behavioural consultants providing customized care
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These services will be delivered by interdisciplinary teams, allowing for more effective and personalized care plans. This structure is designed to reduce barriers and simplify the care process for families.
Construction Phases and Trades Involved
The project’s large scope will involve multiple phases of construction and a wide range of skilled trades. Key activities include:
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Site excavation and foundation work
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Structural steel and concrete framing for a six-storey facility
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Installation of complex mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems
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High-spec interior finishes suitable for medical and therapeutic environments
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Compliance with accessibility and safety standards
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Fit-out of specialized medical and therapy rooms
Coordination with CHEO and the surrounding hospital campus will be essential to minimize disruption and maintain patient care throughout the build.
“Today’s groundbreaking is another step in our commitment to protecting Ontario’s provincial health care by improving services for children and youth with developmental needs. We are deeply grateful for the work of CHEO, the CHEO Foundation’s Board of Directors and all the community advocates, organizations and local MPPs who have helped make this new facility a reality.”
Minister of Children, Community & Social Services | Michael Parsa
Part of a Broader Provincial Strategy
This initiative is just one of several major projects focused on transforming pediatric care throughout Ontario. Additional efforts include:
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Construction of the new Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent
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Advanced planning for Lansdowne Children’s Centre in Brantford
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Completion of Grandview Kids in Ajax
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Relocation of the Health Sciences North Children’s Treatment Centre in Sudbury
These projects share a common goal: to modernize and integrate services for children with specialized healthcare needs, improving both access and outcomes.
Conclusion: Advancing Pediatric Care Through Modern Infrastructure
The CHEO Integrated Treatment Centre will play a vital role in Ontario’s healthcare system by consolidating critical services, improving care delivery, and reducing the logistical burdens on families. As a long-term investment in health infrastructure, the project will also generate significant employment and provide rewarding work for construction and trade professionals.
Once completed, the facility will be a model for how design, planning, and collaboration can come together to support the health and well-being of children and youth—building stronger communities for generations to come.
