Bowmanville Hospital re-development getting the fast-track treatment by the Province
Published March 14, 2022 at 2:54 pm
The long-awaited re-development of the Bowmanville Hospital got a big boost Friday when the Province expedited the expansion by moving the project to Stage 2 of the planning process.
Outgoing Health Minister and former Whitby MPP Christine Elliot said fast-tracking the re-development is a “vital part” of the government’s plan to build a stronger, more resilient health care system to support future generations of Ontarians.
“Moving the hospital to Stage 2 of the planning process brings us closer to getting shovels in the ground and ensuring that patients and families in Durham Region can access the modern facilities and services they need and deserve.”
The re-development, which will include a mix of new construction (such as a new emergency department) and major renovations and include a new helipad, is expected to more than double the size of the facility.
Shovels in the ground are expected now by early 2025.
The project has been top of mind in Clarington for many years and got a big boost when funding was promised by Queen’s Park in the 2019 budget. That same year the Municipality of Clarington gifted the hospital $5 million and last year the Province threw in another $2.5 million for planning. The Region of Durham also included a dedicated levy of .25 per cent in this year’s budget, which converts to about $1.9 million. Last year the Region chipped in more than $37 million.
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Local MPPs David Piccini (Northumberland-Peterborough South) and Lorne Coe (Whitby) were on hand for the announcement, along with members of the Lakeridge Health Board of Trustees and Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.
“On behalf of Clarington Council and the entire community, I am so pleased to see the Bowmanville Hospital expansion moving forward to Stage 2,” said Adrian Foster, Mayor of Clarington. “Thanks to the Province’s ongoing commitment, we’re another step closer to the realization of this long-awaited project that will ensure continued access to timely, high-quality health care in our growing and vibrant community.”
Piccini said the government investment in local healthcare is “essential” for the proper patient care experience. “This announcement today means that we’re getting shovels in ground faster, so that our community has access to the best quality of care possible.”
Coe called it “unprecedented times” for healthcare across Durham as Lakeridge Health builds up its acute care system. “This transformational renovation and expansion will provide modern facilities to deliver care that will improve the patient experience and enhance access to the programs and services our community needs most.”
The next step in the re-development is the planning process before the project is put to tender. Sharon Cochran, who Chairs the Lakeridge Health Board of Trustees, said the expedited process means the re-development project design team can get busy finalizing plans so the hospital can “efficiently meet the acute care needs of the community.”
“Completing this project helps us achieve our vision of One System. Best Health. and enables Durham Region to have increased access to high-quality, modernized health-care services close to home for generations to come.”
Bowmanville Hospital is home to the Regional Eye Centre and is a full-service community hospital serving people across Durham Region.
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