The Old Janeway Hostel in Pleasantville
Pleasantville, St. John's
The Janeway Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre is a children's hospital currently located in the Health Sciences centre in St. John's. Every year it helps an uncountable number of children and infants who suffer from serious health conditions get better and continue a healthy lifestyle. The facility was founded in 1966 and was originally named the Dr. Charles Alderson Janeway Child Health Centre after Charles Alderson Janeway who was credited for his immense help in establishing the hospital. The centre was originally located in the old US Military Base Hospital at Fort Pepperell on the North side of Quidi Vidi Lake.
The hospital however did not contain enough room to house the parents of children admitted to the hospital. No hotels were located near the building and, hotel and travelling prices often caused many troubles for visiting parents who needed to be close to their children. Because of this in 1982 the St. Johns Northwest Rotary Club raised 2.5 million dollars to build the Rotary-Janeway Hostel located just across the street from the hosipital. The hostel provided parents and families with a cheap and close place to stay.
Parents and family members staying at the hostel only had to pay $32 dollars a night for a room and could check in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When the new Janeway Centre (renamed Janeway Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre) opened in the Health Sciences Centre in 2001 the hostel was abandoned in the area known as Pleasantville. A new hostel was built inside the health science to continue helping families remain close to their sick love ones.
The layout of the building consisted of a large atrium with two long hallways extending out each side, known as wings A and B. The building had a canteen, check in office, laundry rooms, daycare, etc. Today the building is closed but its importance can still be felt. For 35 years the building helped loved ones stay close to their children and in turn helped thousands of children stay happy and comforted during their process of getting better. Something that makes the building truly priceless.
The building is no longer accessible and is closed off to the public.