North Simcoe hospitals thankful for 'vital' infrastructure funding

NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE NORTH MPP JILL DUNLOP
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The Ontario government is investing $6,872,937 this year to upgrade and repair infrastructure at Georgian Bay General Hospital, Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (OSMH), Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Enaahtig Healing Lodge and Learning Centre, Wendat Community Programs and Canadian Mental Health Association Simcoe County Branch to ensure people can connect to the care they need, close to home, for years to come.

“Our government is committed to improving health care for all Ontarian’s and through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund (HIRF) and Community Infrastructure Renewal Fund (CIRF). I am thrilled to share that six organizations in Simcoe North are recipients,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North.

“This crucial support will help these organizations further build strong health-care facilities, ensuring our communities have access to high-quality care when they need it most."

This funding will help these Simcoe North health partners to address urgent infrastructure needs such as upgrading or replacing roofs, windows, security and fire alarm systems and emergency generators to ensure people can continue to connect to care in safe, modern facilities.

The Ontario government is investing of more than $228 million this year to support critical infrastructure upgrades, and repairs at 129 hospitals and 58 community health care facilities across the province.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is making record investments in the health care system to ensure people are able to access care at state-of-the-art hospitals and community health providers,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

“This year our government is investing an additional $20 million to allow facilities to modernize and make critical upgrades, ensuring people can connect to the care they need, when they need it, close to home.”

Through Your Health: A Plan For Connected and Convenient Care, the province is taking action to expand and modernize Ontario’s hospitals to ensure patients and their families receive the right care, in the right place, for years to come.

"We are thankful to the government for their continued investment in the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund," says Tom Roberts, executive vice president, corporate services and chief financial officer at OSMH.

"This funding is vital to maintaining our aged infrastructure and ensuring that the communities we serve have access to quality care, closer to home," said Roberts.

“Georgian Bay General Hospital is very fortunate to receive more than $4.2 million in HIRF funding for 2024-25 to assist in updating critical parts of our aging infrastructure," said Matthew Lawson, president and CEO of GBGH.

"With a building that is nearly 50 years old, there are many essential areas in need of replacement and renovation. This funding will help us continue replacing the roof and installing a new fire suppression sprinkler system," said Lawson.

"Given the scope of this funding, we will also be able to replace our service elevator and condensate tank for our steam system, as well as update some of our air handling units to ensure our hospital is functioning as effectively and efficiently as possible given its age, until we can eventually build a new hospital for our community," said Lawson.

Dr. Nadiya Sunderji, president and CEO, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, said the facility appreciates the funding.

“I am thankful to the government for this investment in Waypoint’s buildings and systems," said Sunderji. "Upgrades and improvements like these aren’t always visible to the outside eye, but they are vitally important to providing a safe and comfortable environment for our patients, families and staff. I look forward to continued collaboration in support of our hospital and community.”

That was a sentiment echoed by Wendat officials.

"We are grateful to the Ontario government for their support through CIRF," said Andrea Abbott-Kokosin, Wendat's executive director.

"The funding has allowed us to enhance the security of our building, ensuring a safer environment for our clients and staff. This upgrade is a vital step in our continued commitment to providing secure and supportive services to our community."

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