The project, which was announced in July 2016, has sat idle almost since its announcement. Lakehead University wants to take advantage of federal and provincial stimulus funding to finally get the facility built.

October’s total of $8.2 billion is nearly 15 percent lower than September’s near-record performance, but more closely reflects normal monthly construction activity.

The redevelopment project will involve the construction of a new, larger hospital on the property behind the existing facility in Grimsby.

In Ontario, the  site plan approval process takes an average of 249 days, almost 100 days more than the average in other OECD countries, says the report.

Witmer, who has served on the board since 2012, will remain in her leadership role through the end of 2021.