Unique Greenspace Opens at Victoria Hospital to Support Mental Wellness

Pictured above (left to right): Will Tishinski - Named Donor, Mavis Tishinski - Named Donor, Nicole Chammartin - Chief Executive Officer of Victoria Hospital Foundation, Ray Sanchez - Chief Operating Officer of Victoria Hospital, Hon. Janice Morley-Lecomte - Minister of Mental Health and Community Wellness, and Mike Nader - President and Chief Executive Officer of Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. 

Victoria Hospital Foundation announced the grand opening of the Will and Mavis Tishinski Tranquility Trail to support mental wellness at Victoria Hospital this past Thursday, July 20th. This unique $580,000 donor-funded greenspace is part of a $1.78 million investment by Victoria Hospital Foundation in mental health care at Victoria Hospital. The Will and Mavis Tishinski Tranquility Trail was made possible thanks to a leadership gift of over $216,500 from Will and Mavis Tishinski and support from various other donors to Victoria Hospital Foundation.

“We are grateful for the generosity of Will and Mavis Tishinski, as well as the countless individuals and businesses whose support is helping to bring mental wellness outdoors at Victoria Hospital,” said Nicole Chammartin, Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Hospital Foundation. “This investment will help to transform mental health for all who visit the Victoria Hospital. Our new dedicated outdoor space is built to promote mental wellness for everyone, and make a real difference for the growing number of individuals in need of additional mental health support in our community.”

The Will and Mavis Tishinski Tranquility Trail is a designated outdoor environment located on the grounds of Victoria Hospital at the corner of Pembina Highway and Dartmouth Drive. This greenspace is designed to offer unique outdoor treatment programming including arts and crafts, recreation therapy activities, yoga and exercise programs, cultural ceremonies, and gardening.

“Having an outdoor therapeutic space where treatment can be delivered enhances the patient and family experience and promotes positive outcomes for those that seek our services,” said Ray Sanchez, Chief Operating Officer, Victoria Hospital. “The Will and Mavis Tishinski Tranquility Trail will help our dedicated teams provide the best care possible for our patients while supporting the mental wellness of our community for years to come.”

There are approximately 1,500 adults who seek mental health care at Victoria Hospital annually, with Victoria Hospital’s Mental Health program being the largest program within the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and the second largest program in Winnipeg.

The Will and Mavis Tishinski Tranquility Trail features an arbour to host art therapy and other activities, the BMO Lawn Greenspace for recreation, the Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg Shade Garden gathering space for conversation, the Winpak Forage Garden with edible plants and herbs, as well as several benches and raised planters.

An Art Therapy Garden made possible through the in-kind support of Dick and Irene Penner features two boulders which will be painted by Artbeat Studio artists later this summer using the artwork of local artist Kathleen Crosby.

In addition to the Will and Mavis Tishinski Tranquility Trail, Victoria Hospital Foundation also invested $1.2 million in the Manitoba Blue Cross Mental Health Assessment Unit which opened in June 2022. With its initial $1.78 million fundraising goal for both projects complete, Victoria Hospital Foundation continues to raise funds for ongoing development and programming needs in the Will and Mavis Tishinski Tranquility Trail. 

Anyone wishing to support the Will and Mavis Tishinski Tranquility Trail can purchase a boardwalk paver in recognition of a loved one or make a gift online at TheVicFoundation.ca or by calling 204-477- 3513.