G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre
- 4255 Laurel Street Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G9
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- Switchboard: (604) 734-1313
- Referral intake office: (604) 737-6291
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.
Specialized services available on site
Depending on your needs, some specialized services may apply to you while you are at G.F. Strong. Click through the list to learn about these services.
Art Works Studio
Art Works studio is staffed by Creative arts therapists and offers a quiet place to broaden one's skills, interests and passions. Your recreational therapist will make a referral for you if this complements your rehab goals.
Assistive Technology Resource Lab (computer centre)
Assistive technology services support clinicians and rehabilitation professionals working with adults and adolescents with disabilities in assessing, selecting, and applying technology to further their individual goals. Shared computers are available in the centre.
Driver rehabilitation
The Driver Rehabilitation Program at G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre provides service to clients who have a medical condition that may affect their ability to drive.
Gymnasium
There is a basketball court and gymnasium on the main floor. This is commonly used for therapies, including recreational therapy, during working hours but is also available after hours. There is also a basketball hoop outside with a small half-court.
Sacred spaces and gathering places
We recognize the importance of being able to gather around loved ones in times of illness and healing and while receiving care. There are several comfortable spaces available at G.F. Strong. Outdoor spaces are also available for smudging, speak with your Indigenous Patient Navigator, Spiritual Health practitioner or social worker for assistance.
The Living Room (inpatient only)
The Living Room offers a private room to stay with significant others and practice independence before going home on a pass. To stay in the room, you will need a doctor's order for a day or an overnight pass. You can make bookings for the Living Room through the switchboard.
School program
Provincial resource teachers work with youth aged 12 to 19 working towards high-school graduation to help them continue their studies while staying at G.F. Strong and to assist them in returning to school.
Three Peaks Adapted Gym
The gym is open and staffed by kinesiology students during set hours during the week. This gym is located off of the main gymnasium. If you are interested in utilizing this space, please talk to your physiotherapist to make a referral and review the appropriate equipment with you. The schedule is posted on the door of the Three Peaks Adapted Gym.
Therapy pool
Recreational Therapy and Physiotherapists use the warm water therapy pool as an additional activity to support many folks in meeting their rehab goals. It is not a leisure pool for downtime, family or friends. Your Recreational Therapist and physiotherapist will make a referral for you if it complements your rehab goals.
Vancouver Adapted Music Society (VAMS) recording studio
The Vancouver Adapted Music Society (VAMS) operates a fully accessible recording studio at G.F. Strong, designed to allow access to people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
Wheelchair skills room
A place to practice wheelchair skills with your therapist. There are several obstacles that mirror what you may encounter in the community.
Common areas and shared spaces
These spaces are available for inpatients, outpatients as well as to family and visitors.
Client dining room and cafeteria
The client dining room is located on the main floor in G.F. Strong. Family and Friends are able to purchase a meal for themselves in the client dining room. This space also offers a comfortable seating areas to relax, a large screen TV, and a pool table. The meals for clients are included as part of your stay.
Our cafeteria called the Break and Entree Cafe offers a large seating area on the main floor in G.F. Strong. The cafeteria is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is a shared space for staff and the public. The menu for the month is posted in the cafeteria. Break and Entree Cafe is closed on weekends and statutory holidays. All menu items are for purchase. Requires purchasing of food.
If you are interested in dining out, learn more in the pass section.
Outdoor spaces
There are plenty of outdoor spaces near G.F. Strong. These shared spaces are available for staff, clients, friends, and family.
- Each inpatient unit has covered patios off the West and East wing.
- A patio area is off the client dining room/cafeteria with benches and tables.
- We have an enclosed courtyard accessible from the hall near the gymnasium.
- There is what is called "Figure 8"—it is south of G.F. Strong's front entrance. It has a grassy knoll, picnic tables, benches, and a paved accessible path.
- Braemar Park is across the Street from the G.F. Strong entrance.
- Douglas Park and Community Center is north of G.F. Strong at Laurel between 20th and 22nd avenues.
Inpatient guide to G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre
This information is designed to help people participating in the Acquired Brain Injury(ABI), Neuromusculoskeletal or Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) inpatient programs prepare for their stay.
Parking and transportation
G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre 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 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
Electric vehicle charging
Designated electric vehicle charging stations are available for patients and visitors. Charging is available for up to 4 hours at Level 2 stations and up to 1 hour at Level 3 stations. Please review our electric vehicle charging station etiquette for more information.
Electric vehicle charging stations at G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre:
| EV Charger Type | Parking Stall Number |
| Level 2 Charger | 33-35 |
| Level 3 Charger | 31-32 |
Getting here by TransLink
G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre 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 the centre.
TransLink provides information on transit routes and schedules. TransLink can also tell you which buses take wheelchairs and 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 Rehabilitation Centre 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.
Client and family resources
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The CIBC Centre for Patients and Families
The CIBC Centre for Patients and Families is a resource centre that helps you and your loved ones make informed choices about your health before, during, and after your hospital stay. It's a place for support, learning, and information. For self-directed practical resources and support, visit the CIBC Centre for Patients and Families website.
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Places to stay near VGH and G.F. Strong
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Spinal Cord Injury BC
Dedicated to helping people with spinal cord injury and related disabilities, as well as their families. An SCI BC Peer is on site at GF Strong and is available to provide education, peer support and help with navigating community services. You are welcome to drop-in to their space or set up a time to connect. Find SCI B.C. in the main lobby of G.F. Strong or online.
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BC Rehab Foundation
BC Rehab collaborates closely with the staff and clients at GF Strong, offering a variety of programs that include equipment, accommodation, education, and more – all available through an application process. Our mission is to provide province-wide support for individuals with disabilities through these initiatives. For more information, please reach out to the BC Rehab office. (Room 193 – main floor)
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Vancouver Prosthetic and Orthotics
An approved provider of prosthetic and orthotic treatments and services of Vancouver Coastal Health. Find them in Room 42 – basement.
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