Destroying the Mental Health Stigma, One Design at a Time

401 Richmond

At 401 Richmond, East of Spadina, there is an old Warehouse that contains 113 different tenants, and each tenant has their own businesses. Among the vast collection of tenants, there is an amazing business that goes by the name of Hilditch Architect. You can find them on the first floor of 401 Richmond at Studio 139. Their company is all about designing spaces for the community and that could be anything from houses to medical facilities, or cultural recreation and food security.

What’s so great about this company is that they create spaces for the disabled. One of their projects is building medical facilities that help those with mental disabilities. One of the spaces they designed and built was the Rexdale Community Health Centre. It is located in the Rexdale Community Hub on Panorama Court, just the northwest of Downtown. In designing and building a more modern health facility, the Rexdale Community Health Centre can complete its purpose of supporting its diverse community, physically, economically, socially and mentally.

A view of the waiting area in Rexdale CHC’s new satellite location. Hilditch Architect.

Mental health is one of the most common health issues the majority of Canadians face. It has one of the most stigmatized reputations, according to the Mental health Commission of Canada. People with mental disabilities want to fit in, but it is difficult when the illness they have carries such a stigma. It prevents them from revealing their illnesses to others, and making a safe, inclusive community they desperately need. So it is integral that facilities like this are built to accommodate them and to create a safe space.