Mass timber construction takes centre stage in PECMH build
Construction on the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) building reached a major milestone at the end of June.
The arrival of mass timber materials to the construction site was marked by a celebration from local and provincial partners, including Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp, Prince Edward County Mayor Steve Ferguson, and representatives from Infrastructure Ontario, HDR Inc., M. Sullivan & Son Limited, PECMH Foundation, PECMH Auxiliary, Prince Edward Family Health Team, and Quinte Health.
The mass timber being used in the build is a Canadian-sourced renewable resource manufactured in northern Quebec—reflecting a commitment to homegrown, sustainable solutions.
The hospital’s structure will feature mass timber beams, columns, and cross-laminated timber slabs—a design choice that reduces the building’s carbon footprint by sequestering carbon naturally.
Once operational, the building will become North America’s first un-encapsulated mass timber hospital.
To ensure both safety and aesthetic appeal, the structure incorporates fire-resistant mass timber, combining strength with a warm, natural look. Beyond sustainability, mass timber also creates a soothing, natural environment that promotes healing.