One of the final structural beams has been signed and raised at the South Niagara Hospital, marking a major construction milestone in the $3.6-billion project that will transform healthcare delivery across Niagara.
Less than three years ago, donors, elected officials and community partners joined Niagara Health and the Niagara Health Foundation on an empty field at the corner of Montrose and Biggar roads in Niagara Falls to break ground on what will become the future of hospital care in Niagara. On Feb. 25, that same group came together again — this time to sign one of the final structural beams and watch as it was lifted into place atop the 12-storey South Niagara Hospital.
The beam signing represents far more than construction progress. It is a visible symbol of collaboration, shared commitment, and the significant investment by government, donors and community partners to deliver a state-of-the-art hospital that will serve Niagara for generations to come.
“Placing this beam is a meaningful milestone for Niagara Health and for the patients and families we serve. Reaching this point reflects years of planning and dedication from our redevelopment, clinical and operational teams who have been preparing not just a new building, but a new model of care,” said Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO of Niagara Health. “The South Niagara Hospital is central to our transition to a three-site system, and we are focused on ensuring it opens ready to deliver safe, modern and connected care for our community.”
"Reaching this point reflects years of planning and dedication from our redevelopment, clinical and operational teams who have been preparing not just a new building, but a new model of care."
Premier Doug Ford, Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure, joined the celebration, each adding their signatures to the beam before it was raised onto the 1.3-million-square-foot facility.
“With more than 150 additional beds, a 24/7 emergency department and experts across the spectrum of care needs, the South Niagara Hospital will provide convenient, world-class healthcare to residents of Niagara Falls and across the region,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Our government will continue to deliver on our historic hospital and primary care expansions, so families have reliable access to quality healthcare services, no matter where they live.”
At seven metres long, the beam carries the signatures of thousands of individuals who have played a role in bringing this project to life, including construction workers, healthcare staff, physicians, patients, donors and community members. Because the beam itself could not be transported, commemorative signing panels toured all Niagara Health sites, allowing people across the organization and community to leave their mark. The panels were later affixed to the beam ahead of the ceremony, ensuring this milestone truly reflected the collective effort behind the project.
The moment underscored the scale and significance of the South Niagara Hospital - not just as a construction project, but as a shared community achievement supported by strong partnerships and government investment.
“This beam is more than a piece of steel - it represents the commitment and determination of an entire community. Every signature reflects a shared promise to deliver compassionate, state-of-the-art, enhanced high-quality care. We are not just building a hospital, we are building a healthier future for Niagara,” Guerriero said.
In just two and a half years, the South Niagara Hospital will open its doors to patients, ushering in a new era of care for the region.
Located in Niagara Falls at the corner of Montrose and Biggar roads, the South Niagara Hospital will significantly increase hospital capacity across the region. Designed to meet the needs of a growing and aging population, the facility will feature centres of excellence in complex care, wellness in aging and stroke care.
The 12-storey hospital will include 475 single-patient bedrooms, enhancing privacy, improving the patient experience and reducing the risk of infection spread. It will offer a full spectrum of services, including emergency, critical care, diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical services. With eight operating rooms, two MRI machines, and an Emergency Department three times the size of the ED at the current Niagara Falls site, the new hospital will play a critical role in improving access, reducing wait times and supporting both patients and healthcare professionals.
The South Niagara Hospital will be among the most advanced healthcare facilities in the region, purpose-built to support exceptional patient care and the people who deliver it every day.
Quotes
“Today’s milestone brings the province one step closer to delivering on its goal to connect more families in the Niagara Region, to convenient, high-quality care close to home. The new South Niagara Hospital will significantly increase capacity to meet the needs of the region’s growing population, ensuring Niagara communities can connect to the care they need, right in their own community for generations to come.”
- Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health
“Congratulations to all the workers and project partners on achieving another milestone in the construction of the new South Niagara Hospital. Once complete, this modern and integrated facility will provide residents and families across the Niagara region with the quality care they need and deserve. Thanks to Premier Ford’s leadership, our government is investing nearly $60 billion in health infrastructure across the province, as part of our more than $223 billion capital plan to support growing communities, keep workers on the job and protect Ontario.”
- Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure
“Niagara is entering a new chapter in healthcare. With a newly rebuilt West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, ongoing construction of the South Niagara Hospital and planning grant in place for the redevelopment of the Welland Hospital, we are building a stronger, more connected hospital system that meets the needs of patients across the region.”
- Sam Oosterhoff, MPP Niagara West
“More than a decade ago, we stood in this field and talked about the need for a new hospital for Niagara Falls and the broader region. To see this beam being raised today is a sign to the community that anything is possible through partnerships and working together. The future of healthcare in Niagara is here.”
- Jim Diodati, Mayor of Niagara Falls
“Every signature on this beam represents the collective strength of a community that believes in better care for its neigbours. This project is possible because of the generosity of our donors and the unwavering support of individuals, families and organizations that stepped forward to make a difference. Their commitment is helping build not just a hospital, but a place of healing, hope and possibility for everyone who will walk through its doors.”
- Andrea Scott, President and CEO of the Niagara Health Foundation
“This beam signing event marks the dedication, hard work and persistent effort of all involved on the South Niagara Hospital project. Reaching this milestone is a testament to the steady, coordinated progress driven by hundreds of individuals working toward a common goal. It also offers a much‑deserved moment of recognition for the skilled tradespeople who have been vital in bringing this site to this point and beyond – none of this would be possible without them. We look forward to continuing our work with Infrastructure Ontario, Niagara Health and the community as we continue to deliver this much‑needed hospital.”
- Andrew Anderson, Senior Vice President & Area Manager, Toronto.
"Infrastructure Ontario is proud to work with Niagara Health and partners across government and industry to deliver a modern healthcare facility that will serve the Niagara community for generations. As one of the largest healthcare projects in the region, this milestone underscores our commitment to building transformative infrastructure for the people of Ontario.”
- Angela Clayton, President and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario
