Sacred Spaces & Gathering Places at G.F. Strong
- 4255 Laurel Street Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G9
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- Switchboard: (604) 734-1313
- Referral intake office: (604) 737-6291
We recognize the importance for many Indigenous people to gather around loved ones in times of illness, healing and while receiving care. Comfortable spaces are provided within each facility, and where possible spaces are also available for spiritual and cultural healing practices.
Sacred spaces and gathering places across G.F. Strong
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Library and Prayer Room
The Library and Prayer Room (room 197) is open to patients and visitors from 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. seven days a week. This space can be used for quiet reading, reflection, and prayer. Staff can reserve the room for private ceremonies and may be able to assist in coordinating an appropriate time. The space can accommodate five to eight people.
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Indoor spaces
The open foyer on the main floor has comfortable seating.
The cafeteria is large, with plenty of seating room in the dining area.
Each floor is equipped with a dining area where families can gather. Groups of 10-15 can gather here.
Patients and families can also book meeting rooms through the Social Worker or Unit Manager where the patient is receiving care
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Open air spaces
There are several open-air spaces that are accessible to patients and visitors:
- A large uncovered outdoor picnic area with wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and surrounding gardens can be found on the north side of the building.
- Landscaped lawn with tree cover and paved pathways is located on the southeast side of the building.
- Braemar Park is located on the east side of the building.
- Two enclosed patios are on each floor at either end of the hall. Smudging and burning of medicines is permitted on these patios – please coordinate with the social worker for support. This space can accommodate approximately 10 people
Hours of operation
We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Outpatient services are available Monday to Friday. Visiting hours may vary depending on the unit. Please call the G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre switchboard at (604) 734-1313 to determine visiting times before your visit.
Parking & Transportation
GF Strong is located at 4255 Laurel Street, Vancouver, one block east of Oak Street and one block south of West King Edward Avenue.
Parking
Paid parking is available.
If you are a client or a visitor, you may park in the GF Strong visitor-paid parking lot (handicap-accessible paid parking spots are available in the front of the building). The parking meters will accept credit cards, coin payments, and pay-by-phone options. Please remember to arrive at the site prepared to pay the parking meter using one of these means, as meters do not provide change.
You may be able to find 2-hour free street parking, though spaces are very limited. With a valid SPARC parking permit, free 3-hour parking is allowed on residential streets without need for a residential parking permit (*Note: City of Vancouver by-law is subject to change. For more information visit the City of Vancouver Accessible Parking page)
Parking rates for VCH facilities
Getting here by TransLink
GF Strong is accessible by TransLink services from Vancouver International Airport, BC Ferry Terminals at Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen, Pacific Central Station (downtown Vancouver rail and bus station), and SkyTrain stations.
Buses 17 and 25 stop on Oak Street, close to GF Strong.
TransLink provides information on transit routes and schedules. TransLink can also tell you which buses take wheelchairs are wheelchair accessible.
Transit accessibility on Translink.ca
If you use HandyDart
Translink’s HandyDART – “A door-to-door, shared ride service for passengers with physical or cognitive disabilities who are unable to use conventional public transit without assistance.”
- If you qualify and would benefit from this service, we recommend you contact your family physician to assist with the completion of the application form
HandyDART Modernization Program
Places to stay around G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre
The CIBC Centre for Patients and Families at Vancouver General Hospital is a resource centre that helps you and your family make informed choices about your health, before, during, and after your hospital stay. If you are visiting G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre, the Centre also maintains the Places to Stay Guide for VGH and G.F. Strong to list accommodation options in the area.
If you are looking for additional support, you can also visit the Travel Assistance Program website to learn about the financial assistance available.
G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre
GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre is British Columbia's largest rehabilitation centre. As a freestanding facility, G.F. Strong provides inpatient, outpatient and clinical support services to clients/patients in three unique programs: Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury and Neuromusculoskeletal.
Sacred Spaces & Gathering Places
We recognize the importance for many Indigenous people to gather around loved ones in times of illness, healing and while receiving care. Comfortable spaces are provided within each facility, and where possible spaces are also available for spiritual and cultural healing practices.