Goodbye Hugh MacMillan Centre

OCCC
I was in TO last weekend..and on my return home via IKEA... I went in to see my old place of employment...(Ontario Crippled Children's Centre) as I had found out it was being demolished.

The name changed from OCCC to Hugh MacMillian Centre...to all our relief, as I was leaving the centre for the far north... .

Many memories came flooding back to me,while I snapped a few photo's..... I worked as an RN on the adolescent unit and it was a good place to be ...way back when. Great team work and spirit! I met many incredibly resilient children and their families and was honoured to be included in their care.

WHEN: 1975-79 yipes !

My ole pal, Jackie also worked at OCCC. She was here before I came, and I think she convinced me to apply. I had been at Hospital for Sick Children working on the Haematology/Endo unit.. and welcomed the move to OCCC.

The facility housed a school, biomedical engineering lab for creating myoelectric arms etc, full physio complement, pool, outside grounds with trails, and a "motel" for families to stay in with their loved one who was staying for treatment at OCCC.

Promoting independence was clearly a driving philosophy.
We went on many trips with the children... and Bruce came along on many of them. He was a good help and I think it gave him a better perspective of my work.


The old building looks stunted as it stands in front of the new Bloorview structure.

Next time I'll ask for a tour of the facility.



Although the new structure has many features listed on the billboard.. I do hope the surroundings will be nurtured for therapeutic calm...that was always a bonus on this property... space, greenery, birds, barbeques in summer and singing around the campfire... we even camped!

The motel is demolished..as is the school.