A bold new vision for health care in BC is starting to take shape.
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation has submitted a rezoning application for the redevelopment of sites at 900 and 990 West 12th Avenue – marking the first step of an unique project that will improve access to world-class health care for patients in Vancouver and across BC.
As part of its ongoing mission to drive health care innovation in BC through philanthropic support, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation made a historic $100 million investment to acquire the 1.4-acre property in 2022.
Situated directly across from Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), on the south side of West 12th Avenue between Oak and Laurel Streets, the planned redevelopment represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to expand the VGH campus to meet the growing and evolving needs of BC’s health care system.
“This is the most significant capital project that we’ve ever undertaken and the largest investment of its kind by a health care foundation in BC. We’re proud to partner with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) to expand the VGH campus, ensuring everyone living in BC continues to access world-class health care when they need it most.”
– Angela Chapman, President & CEO, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
Vancouver General Hospital:
Leading Comprehensive Health Care
As the largest, most specialized hospital in BC and one of only two accredited Level 1 adult trauma centres, VGH treats the most complex cases from across the province. In fact, nearly half of all patients come to VGH from outside of Metro Vancouver, underscoring the urgent need for additional spaces.
Meeting a critical health care demand
The first phase of the planned development includes a 26-storey, 544,624 square-foot tower, featuring state-of-the-art clinical and research spaces, physician offices, and a new long-term care (LTC) facility with a modernized structure to better serve patients and meet growing demands.
Vancouver currently faces a significant shortage of LTC beds, with an estimated deficit of 1,300 beds. This demand is projected to grow substantially over the next 20 years. A central feature of the West 12th Avenue redevelopment is a new, state-of-the-art long-term care facility that will add 280 modern beds to the VGH campus. Designed with patient comfort and care quality in mind, these new spaces will complement the existing 207 long-term care beds at the Windermere Care Centre.
The redevelopment will also improve operational efficiency by consolidating several Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) services into the expanded campus
“This project leaves no stone unturned. From clinical and diagnostic areas to gathering spaces, offices, and collaborative hubs for our VCH partners, every element is being thoughtfully designed to deliver health care in a more efficient, effective, and modern way than ever before.”
– Angela Chapman, President & CEO, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
Funded by creative philanthropic model
The West 12th Avenue redevelopment will be funded by generous donors with no reliance on government capital investments. Under this unique philanthropic model, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation will retain ownership of the property and enter into long-term lease agreements with Vancouver Coastal Health for the use of the facilities.
All net proceeds from these leases will then be reinvested into the world-class health care services delivered by the Foundation’s beneficiaries, which include VGH, UBC Hospital, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, and Vancouver Community Health Services.
This creative solution ensures sustainable support for medical innovation and excellence, with donor generosity playing a pivotal role in moving the project forward. In fact, the success of the redevelopment hinges on additional fundraising efforts, with VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation hoping to raise $150 million to help cover the cost of construction.
“This project is only possible thanks to the long-standing generosity of our donors, and we’re confident the philanthropic community will continue to rise to the occasion to help bring this vision to life. This unique model, which amplifies the impact of every donor dollar for the benefit of our communities, has the potential to become a blueprint for other non-profits to follow.”
– Angela Chapman, President & CEO, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
Shaping the future of health care in BC
The redevelopment of the 900 and 990 West 12th Avenue sites is an investment in the future of health care in BC, adding much-needed space for both long-term and ambulatory care with modern, purpose-built facilities.
Through the power of philanthropy, this project will shape the future of health care in BC and help build a stronger, healthier future for all.
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation partners with donors to fuel groundbreaking research, cutting-edge technology, and life-saving care benefitting everyone in BC. To donate, visit vghfoundation.ca/ways-to-give
View full rezoning application for West 12th Avenue Redevelopment
Download rezoning application
