The Sister Margaret Smith Addictions Treatment Centre (SMSATC) forms part of a new multi-service campus of care located on the former Hogarth Westmount Hospital site.

SMSATC is configured as two adjoining loops, each with its own secure entrance. The first loop houses three inpatient units: a 10-bed unit for youth, a 15-bed unit for men and a 15-unit for women. Each unit includes a kitchen for residents to assist in meal preparation. The second loop accommodates public amenities and administrative functions, including a gym, an art therapy room, and a number of individual and group counselling spaces. Three courtyards provide important daylighting and views to all regularly occupied spaces, an important asset to a building housing a largely rural population who spend a great deal of time outdoors. Filled with groves of native trees and grasses, the secure, residential courtyards within the loops lend themselves to active and/or contemplative pursuits. The third semi-enclosed public courtyard with basketball court offers supports more active pursuits.

In addition to featuring best practice design for mental health and the latest E-health technologies, the building has a deeply symbolic dimension, one that takes inspiration from Ojibway culture in honour of the local indigenous population who are among the Centre’s clientele. Its primary program components converge around a generous corridor, known as the Hall of Recovery. The Hall features three skylights known as the Windows of Hope, one each for mind, body and soul. It terminates in a large, non-denominational sacred space for collective healing.

Montgomery Sisam in joint venture with FORM Architecture Engineering