The Ontario government has approved both the renovations to the Welland Hospital to prepare for the opening of the South Niagara Hospital and a planning grant for the future Welland Hospital Redevelopment Project. Together, these investments demonstrate the province’s strong commitment to hospital care in Niagara and to the long-term success of Niagara Health’s three-site hospital model.
This announcement enables Niagara Health to begin renovations at the Welland Hospital in preparation for the opening of the new South Niagara Hospital in 2028. The planning grant will provide Niagara Health with the resources needed to support early-stage development efforts, including feasibility studies and community engagement while also laying the foundation for a true campus of care that maintains Welland Hospital as a cornerstone of care in Niagara.
“This announcement is an important milestone in our journey to transform care across Niagara,” said Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO, Niagara Health. “The Welland Hospital plays a vital role in our three-site model, and this investment from the province signals strong confidence in that vision. It ensures Welland will continue to provide high-quality, accessible care for years to come while supporting a seamless system across all our sites.”
The Welland Hospital Redevelopment project is a key part of Niagara Health’s long-term planning and reinforces the government’s and organization’s commitment to delivering safe, modern and efficient care close to home.
“Our government is proud to support Niagara Health as it plans for the next generation of hospital care in Welland,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This investment builds on the province’s major commitment to the new South Niagara Hospital and is another clear example of our dedication to improving hospital care and access for Ontarians. Together, these projects will ensure residents in Niagara continue to have access to the high-quality care they need, in hospitals equipped to meet the demands of a growing and aging population.”
The province’s investment demonstrates strong confidence in Niagara Health’s long-term plan and in the future of healthcare delivery across the region.
“This planning grant for the Welland Hospital Redevelopment Project is a testament to our government's historic increase in funding for healthcare in Niagara," said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West "From building two new hospitals - including both the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Grimsby and South Niagara Hospital in Niagara Falls - to now initiating the work on a third hospital, training more local nurses and healthcare workers and connecting more people to primary care, our province is on a mission to ensure every patient and family in Niagara receives world-class healthcare when and where they need it.”
Welland Mayor Frank Campion applauded the government’s investment and what it means for his city.
“This is tremendous news for Welland,” Campion said. “The province’s investment reinforces the hospital’s place at the heart of our community and its continued importance to local residents. We are grateful to Niagara Health and the Ontario government for recognizing the essential role the Welland Hospital plays in our region’s health system.”
Planning for the redevelopment will begin immediately, with Niagara Health working closely with staff, physicians, the Ministry of Health and community partners. Engagement with staff and physicians is beginning as part of a broader strategy to prepare for both the South Niagara Hospital opening and the future of the Welland site.
“We are grateful to the Ontario government for its continued partnership and investment in Niagara,” Guerriero said. “This planning grant allows us to move forward with confidence as we plan the future of hospital care in Welland and across the region.”
