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Exterior of G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre with wayfinding sign in the foreground

Sacred Spaces & Gathering Places at G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre

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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

Currently open

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 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.

Download the Places to Stay Guide 

G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre

G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre is British Columbia’s largest rehabilitation centre. As a freestanding facility, it provides inpatient, outpatient, and clinical support services to clients/patients in four unique programs: Acquired Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, and Neuromusculoskeletal, and a Transitional Rehabilitation Unit.

Sacred Spaces and 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.