Rankin Construction workers carefully prepared the historic archway at the former St. Catharines General Hospital for relocation. A crane was used to assist in dismantling and removing the structure.
A significant piece of St. Catharines’ heritage is in the process of being relocated to Marotta Family Hospital, thanks to the generosity and commitment of the Rankin family.
The sandstone archway - originally part of the former St. Catharines General Hospital that once marked the entrance to the old nursing school - is being carefully disassembled and moved to a new location near the hospital’s Healing Garden. There, it will be reconstructed as a historical feature and community monument.
“The arches are a meaningful part of our community’s story,” says Matt Harris, a St. Catharines city councillor and long-time supporter of the project. Harris says seeing the collaboration between Niagara Health and the Rankin family has been particularly powerful. “Thanks to everyone’s hard work, the archway will now have a new home at the Marotta Family Hospital, where they can keep reminding us of where we’ve been and how far we’ve come.”
The relocation is a meticulous and delicate process involving specialized engineering to safely remove, transport and eventually rebuild the archway in its new location. Due to the age and weight of the structure, including a multi-tonne capstone, each step is being handled with extreme care to try and avoid damage.
“This isn’t just about moving stones. It’s about preserving a connection to the past - and doing it right,” says Amir Gill, Niagara Health’s Director of Capital Planning, Engineering, Biomedical, Parking and Security. “Our teams, in collaboration with the Rankins, are working hard to make sure this archway stands again for future generations.”
The project comes at no cost to Niagara Health, with all logistics and funding generously covered by the Rankin family - a gesture tied to their own family’s connection to the former hospital site.
“To me, this arch represents the gateway to the incredible hospital built on Queenston Street in 1874 by the pioneering doctor Theophilus Mack,” says Tom Rankin. “It also honours the Mack School of Nursing, which trained generations of skilled nurses based on Florence Nightingale’s principles. Rebuilding it at the new hospital will serve as a tribute to the visionaries who helped shape healthcare in our community.”
During the careful removal of the archway’s capstone, the crew discovered a hidden time capsule containing booklets and handwritten notes dating back nearly a century.
Among them is an article showcasing the name of the donors to the St. Catharines General Hospital Campaign Fund. Also found was a statement that underscored the hospital’s importance at the time: “St. Catharines General Hospital is YOUR Hospital”, it read. “It belongs to the people of St. Catharines and neighbouring towns, villages and townships.”
These discoveries provide a powerful window into the past – reflecting the deep community roots and support that helped build the original hospital nearly 100 years ago.
A record of names of those who contributed to the St. Catharines General Hospital.
A handwritten note from 1927 was discovered in the time capsule, along with excerpts from articles published at that time.
Pending successful transport and site preparation, the archway will be reconstructed alongside a new bench and commemorative plaques, creating a peaceful space for reflection and remembrance.
“This is a great example of community partnership and pride,” says Gill. “We’re proud to be part of a project that honours the past while investing in the future.”
Final reconstruction is anticipated once the foundational work at the new location is complete.
