On Monday October 31st, 2022, the Weston Family Foundation was pleased to participate in the ribbon cutting for the reinvigorated tunnel system that connects SickKids, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto General Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and Toronto Rehabilitation Institute.
In use since the 1970s, this important underground corridor has long been used but could be tricky to navigate.
In 2019, members of the Weston Family Foundation approached the University Health Network with an idea to reimagine the tunnels for the people who travel through while giving or receiving care and enlisted world-renowned designer Stefan Sagmeister shortly thereafter. Today, each element of the tunnel design is the result of research into wellness and emotional well-being. Brought to life by Canadian painters, the multi-patterned walls and brightly coloured floors enable smoother journeys between hospitals and create a feeling of hope and serenity. The music — composed and recorded specifically for this project by pianist Victoria Hong — adds another layer to the unique, inviting atmosphere.
The Weston Family Foundation hopes this will be a place of momentary respite for patients, as well as for the dedicated family members, medical professionals and hospital workers who look after them.