The first phase of construction on an expanded emergency department at Guelph General Hospital (GGH) is now underway.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones was on hand to announce the news on April 25. 

 “By investing in the relocation and expansion of Guelph General Hospital’s emergency mental health and addictions services, we are making it faster and easier for more people to access emergency care and mental health services they need faster and for years to come,” she said.

The province is investing over $21 million to support the first phase of the expansion, which includes renovating approximately 23,000 square feet of space to relocate the hospital’s existing emergency mental health and addictions services unit from the emergency department to a new, dedicated space within the hospital.

The relocation will allow more patients and their families to access enhanced mental health and addictions support services while freeing up space in the emergency department to better treat patients.

Construction is being led by Toronto’s BDA Inc. and is expected to be completed in spring 2026.

"This is an important step forward in enhancing the care we provide at Guelph General Hospital,” said President and CEO Mark Walton. “With patient volumes far exceeding what our facilities were built for, this upgrade will allow us to better meet the needs of our community, especially those seeking care for mental health and addictions. It’s a meaningful investment in patient safety and dignity as we lay the groundwork for a future new hospital."

On average more than 60,000 patients visit the emergency department at Guelph General Hospital every year, with local demand only expected to increase as the Guelph-Wellington region continues to grow.

The phased redevelopment of the hospital’s emergency department will renovate existing infrastructure and enhance emergency services to ensure families can conveniently connect to high-quality care in a comfortable and modern space.