Projects

Ronald McDonald House Toronto Expansion

Expanding short-term accommodation and ancillary support services for families accessing specialized health care.

The ask: Bousfields was retained to provide planning, urban design and community engagement services to facilitate a significant expansion of Ronald McDonald House Toronto’s capacity to accommodate families travelling to Toronto so their children can access life-saving medical treatment at nearby hospitals.

Team Members

Partner

Partner

Associate


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The Challenge

Accommodating 200 suites for families in need was a key objective of the application, which necessitated balancing intensification with built form, transition, and compatibility considerations within a complex urban context.

Our Solution

Bousfields worked closely with RMH Toronto, the consultant team, and City staff to advance a development proposal that would enable the organization’s continued growth and long-term presence on the 240 McCaul Street site near Toronto’s Hospital District. The approved proposal permits linked 19-storey and 4-storey buildings, containing 200 suites that will provide short-term accommodation for families whose children are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. The development has been carefully integrated into its urban setting and will significantly expand the organization’s ability to support families who need to remain close to specialized medical care.

The Outcome

In July 2026, Toronto City Council adopted the City Staff Report recommending approval of the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments. Once completed, the project will significantly increase accommodation capacity for families accessing pediatric health care services, helping reduce barriers to treatment and providing a supportive home away from home during difficult times. The approval represents an important investment in Toronto’s health care ecosystem and the vital social infrastructure that supports children and families from across Ontario and beyond.

Ronald McDonald House Toronto Expansion

Ronald McDonald House Toronto

Address: 240 McCaul Street, Toronto

Peter Smith

Partner

Planning
416-947-9744x212
psmith@bousfields.ca

Peter is one of the leading urban planning practitioners in the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, having graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1979 with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Urban and Regional Planning). 

Over the ensuing four decades (and counting), Peter has developed a particular expertise in leading the planning approvals for some of the most complicated and highest profile developments in the Province and, in particular, in the Downtown Toronto area. As well, he has undertaken planning policy studies for the Province and municipalities throughout Ontario and has spoken at numerous conferences and events regarding the need for properly balanced and integrated policy initiatives.

He has been recognized as an experienced professional witness before the Ontario Land Tribunal and the Courts on numerous occasions and has developed a strong reputation for analytical thinking, professionalism and integrity. Peter is a full member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and is a Registered Professional Planner.

Jocelyn Deeks

Partner

Community Engagement
416-947-9744x284
jdeeks@bousfields.ca

Jocelyn Deeks is a Partner at Bousfields and leads the Community Engagement practice. Jocelyn is a Registered Professional Planner and brings several years of experience working at the intersection of planning, development, and community engagement in the public and private sectors. She has developed and executed stakeholder engagement strategies for some of the GTA’s most complex and challenging development projects. Jocelyn also has experience developing strategic plans for Ontario municipalities.

Jocelyn has a Master in Planning (M.Pl) degree from Queen’s University.  She is a member of the Ontario Professional Planning Institute and the Canadian Institute of Planners. She is a regular presenter at conferences including those hosted by the International Association of Public Participation and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute, speaks on panels, and enjoys sharing ideas with peers on podcasts. 

Hailey McWilliam

Associate

Planning
416-947-9744x216
hmcwilliam@bousfields.ca

Hailey joined Bousfields in 2021 as a Planner and became an Associate in 2024. She is a Registered Professional Planner and holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies with Honours from the University of Waterloo. Through Waterloo’s co-op program, Hailey worked as Student Planner at the City of St. Catharines and at the Ministry of Transportation as an Assistant Environmental Planner.

Prior to joining Bousfields, Hailey worked as an Environmental Planner at IBI Group. In this role, Hailey worked on Environmental Assessments for large-scale transit and transportation projects including the London Bus Rapid Transit and Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit projects, and other subway and road improvement projects. She was also involved in the preparation of transportation and land use studies and policies, such as the Port Credit GO Station Area and Connectivity Plan.