As part of the EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare team and CHEO’s long-term redevelopment vision, WalterFedy served as Architectural Prime Consultant and provided Civil Engineering Services for the design of a seven-storey, 1,050 space open-air parking garage on the hospital’s Smyth Road campus. The new structure increased parking capacity by approximately 180 percent, addressing long-standing accessibility and congestion challenges while paving the way for future campus growth.
Designed with patient care at its core, the parking facility enhanced the arrival experience for families, staff, and visitors. A prominent entrance off Ring Road provided intuitive access to the structure, while one-way circulation and a central ramp ensured simple, stress-free navigation throughout the building. Each level featured bold, vibrant colours to support wayfinding and help users easily identify parking locations, elevators, and stairwells.
The garage’s colourful façade and integration of Indigenous artwork transformed a utilitarian structure into a welcoming, community-focused space that reflected CHEO’s mission of care. Lower levels were designed with increased ceiling heights to accommodate accessible vans, along with dedicated parking for caregivers of children and youth with disabilities.
Constructed with cast-in-place concrete and flat-slab design, the garage reduced floor-to-floor heights while enhancing visual openness. Targeting LEED Silver certification, the project met the City of Ottawa’s urban design standards and delivered a functional, uplifting structure that contributes to a more inclusive and sustainable healthcare campus.
