The Ontario government is making an additional investment of over $15 million to support the planning and design of West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Grimsby this year, with construction expected to start in 2022.
The project is entering Stage 3, which is a further definition of specifications for the hospital before it goes to design then tender later this year. Construction is expected to start in June 2022. The facility opening is scheduled for 2024 or 2025.
“The pandemic only serves to underscores the need for a hospital built to modern standards and of course it will have a significant improvement on the patient experience,” said Rob MacIsaac, President, and CEO of Hamilton Health Sciences, which is responsible for the hospital build and operations. “We firmly remain committed to getting shovels in the ground next year.”
The new state-of-the-art hospital, being built and administered by Hamilton Health Sciences, will replace the aging facility in east Grimsby that currently serves West Niagara communities.
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, called the project “another great step toward the new hospital West Niagara needs. …Since the announcement of a new hospital in 2018, everyone has moved quickly to make this a reality. Getting to Stage 3 is an immense accomplishment for the many staff and planners who have helped get it to this point.”
The Ministry of Health has reviewed and accepted the Functional Program Submission. The new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital will provide patients and families in the region with the following:
- A modern, up to date facility with capacity for a total of 61 beds;
- A larger, 24/7 emergency department that will provide more space for staff and patients;
- Maternal and newborn services for care during labour and birth;
- Modern surgical suites
- Outpatient care services including minor surgical procedures such as endoscopies.
The news was met with enthusiasm from the three mayors from West Niagara communities.
“This a great moment really,” said Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton. “On behalf of the town of council and staff…the fact we have worked our way through this very windy road as partners…there are ups and down you not going to have a project complex and as emotional not to find its moments but the end result…is really very heartwarming and a very good place to be.”
Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan said he is pleased that Stage 3 of the hospital project is starting “and the speed on which we are moving forward is great. COVID has brought increased awareness that we need a great health system for everyone in Niagara and Hamilton.”
West Lincoln Mayor Dave Bylsma called the project “an absolute gem of a site. That fact that we get to have a long-term care home and hospice sharing the same site, the campus model of health care reflects very well for an aging population.”
The new hospital in Grimsby is part of Ontario’s investment of $20 billion over 10 years to build new and expanded hospital infrastructure.
The funding announced is in addition to the over $2.2 million in provincial funding provided to support the planning of the redevelopment of the hospital.