While construction is part of life, especially for those living in the Greater Toronto Area, it has inched that much closer into the lives of West Park patients, staff and visitors. With construction happening literally in the heart of the campus, please take a moment to read the safety tips below.
They may be common sense, but the opposite can be seen every day!
1. Obey traffic signs
With the warm weather approaching, construction activity increasing and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, we can expect more people and vehicles milling about West Park. Whether you’re moving about campus by foot, car or something in between, obey traffic signs (don’t worry, none involve bears) and always know your surroundings!
2. Make eye contact with drivers and/or pedestrians
Did you know that at the height of construction, there could be up to 500 construction workers and tradespeople onsite? That means there will be a lot of construction vehicles coming and going, in addition to the stream of patients and visitors coming to West Park. Though we try to minimize pedestrians-vehicle contact along the various routes, they will meet at some point. Whether you’re a driver or pedestrian, don’t assume the other sees you. Make eye contact with one another before going on your merry way!
3. Use sidewalks, designated crossings and pedestrian pathways
Travelling along the road is tempting and may save a few minutes, but it’s really not safe. Road safety is a concern in Toronto, so please use the sidewalks, crosswalks and pathways set-out for pedestrians! (While practicing physical distancing of course!)
4. Dirt and dust: close windows and use your judgment
Construction inevitably brings dirt and dust. How bad it gets depends on weather conditions and the construction activities of the day. Please keep all windows closed to prevent dust from getting inside the buildings. (In case you’re wondering, West Park changes its filters every month to ensure good air quality inside.) For inpatients wanting to go outside, use your judgment or ask your caregiver. For those who must venture out, consider using a mask, scarf or handkerchief.
5. Remember, West Park is a construction site…with a good end in sight!
There will be days – you know those days when you’re late and/or nothing is going your way – when construction is not fun. Just remember that in just over three years, we will be moving into a new, significantly improved facility that is contemporary, functional and flexible to adapt to the changing needs of patients, staff and visitors. So take a pause and let the frustration pass. As the old adage goes, “there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
If you have any questions related to construction or the new hospital, please contact campusdevelopment@westpark.org or 416-243-3600 ext. 2111.
Stay safe everyone!