The Ontario government has announced an investment of $15 million to support the planning and design of the redeveloped Collingwood General and Marine Hospital.

The province made the announcement on August 10. Once the project is complete, the hospital’s existing aged infrastructure will be expanded and upgraded.

“After years of waiting, patients and their families can finally look forward to a new and improved Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, ensuring the hospital’s dedicated staff and frontline health care workers can continue delivering high-quality care in the community,” said Health Minister Christine Elliott. “By investing in major hospital infrastructure, our government is furthering our commitment to build a modern, connected health care system and put an end to hallway health care for all Ontarians.”

Originally built in 1956, Collingwood General and Marine Hospital serves a community of more than 60,000 people, and more than 3.5 million annual visitors who visit the surrounding communities—all with very few physical upgrades.

Through this investment, the hospital’s aging infrastructure will be redeveloped through a mix of new construction as well as renovations. The redeveloped hospital will include:

• the expansion of key services, including intensive care, emergency, diagnostic imaging and the operating suite;
• additional inpatient capacity to allow the hospital to serve more patients and families; and
• renovations to upgrade the existing facility to ensure a comfortable environment for patients to receive care.

This funding is in addition to the $500,000 previously invested to support early capital planning.

“We are very pleased to receive approval from the Ministry of Health for our Stage One submission, and to officially move to Stage Two of the five-stage process,” said hospital President and CEO Norah Holder. “Collingwood General and Marine Hospital and our community are excited to commence engaging in Stage Two of the process. This announcement represents a significant milestone regarding our hospital redevelopment project.”

Timelines for project implementation and construction won’t be determined until planning is completed.

Featured image: Collingwood General and Marine Hospital. (Collingwood General and Marine Hospital)