Grandview Kids CEO shares experience of concept to concrete for a new building

 As part of Lansdowne Children’s Centre’s annual general meeting on June 15, staff and other interest holders had an opportunity to gain some insights as to what the process of getting a new building looks like from someone who has already walked that path.

Grandview Kids is a children’s treatment centre in Durham Region; its CEO, Tom McHugh, spoke about his organization’s journey from concept to concrete, outlining the pathway and experience of recently completing a new purpose-built facility in their community.

Grandview Kids is a children’s treatment centre in Durham Region; its CEO, Tom McHugh, spoke about his organization’s journey from concept to concrete.

Grandview’s path to a new building began to intensify in 2017 with a family-led advocacy campaign, which was a springboard for the centre’s own multi-pronged government relations strategy. In May 2019, the provincial government announced that it would invest $31 million over four years to build a new Grandview Kids facility.

This wasn’t the only support they received. The town of Ajax donated five acres of land, and a local developer, Tribute Communities, donated an additional acre. The fundraising committee’s $20 million campaign had two lead gifts – $5 million from the late Jerry Coughlan (for whom the building is named) and over $5 million from the Regional Municipality of Durham.

Grandview Kids, CEO Tom McHugh

The design of the building was very intentional, to meet the needs of clients and their families.

To that end, the entire facility and surrounding area is fully accessible. Also, the building has earned a LEED Silver designation from the Canada Green Building Council.

The facility’s amenities include a fully accessible outdoor sensory trail, an arrival playground, a warm water swimming pool, a Snoezelen room, a gym with a two-story rock wall and lines for ten different sports, and over 50 therapy spaces.

The groundbreaking – which was broadcast on Grandview’s YouTube channel, took place in April 2022; the grand opening was in November 2024.

The four key takeaways he shared from the experience were:

• Don’t underestimate the impact and duration of the project on the leadership team and the board

• Budget beyond capital costs

• Build excitement every step of the way

• Dedicate time to onboard staff to the new site

Click here for more highlights from Lansdowne's annual general meeting, including the annual report.