It has been three years since shovels went in the ground for one of the largest hospital infrastructure projects in the province. July 18 marks three years since the South Niagara Hospital groundbreaking, a time defined by remarkable progress and collaboration. With less than two years left of construction, the project is well on its way to becoming a transformational new facility that will redefine hospital care for generations to come.
This past year has seen many significant milestones, including our celebratory beam signing ceremony. Behind the scenes, Niagara Health team members are working diligently on the operational and transition planning for the new site. All of these achievements show significant progress and reflect the scale and complexity of building a modern hospital.
“It’s hard to believe that we are only two years away from opening the doors to this transformative new facility that will enhance patient care, improve the workplace experience for staff and physicians and create an environment focused on wellness. From planning teams to construction crews, we are grateful to everyone who plays a part in helping this vision become a reality,” says Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO of Niagara Health.
The hospital, which is on time and on budget, will be a cornerstone of Niagara Health’s three-site hospital model, along with the Marotta Family Hospital and the Welland Hospital. It will help attract and retain healthcare professionals, support clinical innovation and create opportunities for education, research and partnerships that will benefit the entire region. It is being designed to support modern models of hospital care, bringing together advanced technology, specialized services and enhanced patient experiences within a purpose-built environment. Patients will benefit from expanded access to services, improved care coordination, private patient rooms and spaces designed to promote healing and comfort.
“It’s hard to believe that we are only two years away from opening the doors to this transformative new facility that will enhance patient care, improve the workplace experience for staff and physicians and create an environment focused on wellness."
“This project is a symbol of what can happen when a community comes together behind a shared vision. The South Niagara Hospital would not be possible without the extraordinary generosity of the many donors, supporters and teams that have helped bring this project to life. After years of working with our community, it's so incredible to see the impact our generous donors will have on helping bring this new hospital to life right before our eyes. Together, we are building a hospital that will serve Niagara families for generations and bring the best talent to our region," says Andrea Scott, President and CEO of the Niagara Health Foundation.
“This project is a symbol of what can happen when a community comes together behind a shared vision. The South Niagara Hospital would not be possible without the extraordinary generosity of the many donors, supporters and teams that have helped bring this project to life."
There have been some major construction advancements over the past year. The building has reached its full height with the top level mechanical penthouse now fully enclosed and all major mechanical equipment in place. The building will be watertight by the end of this summer with the installation of precast panels, curtain wall, windows and roofing all in place. The final two tower cranes, which have been flagships on the site since February 2024, have been removed. Inside the building, interior work is progressing on every floor.
“Three years into construction, EllisDon’s project team and our trade partners continue to make significant progress on the South Niagara Hospital. Thanks in large part to their dedication and expertise, as well as our strong partnership with Niagara Health and Infrastructure Ontario, this complex, cutting-edge facility moves closer to becoming a reality each day. Together, we are creating a modern hospital that will become a cornerstone of advanced healthcare delivery in the Niagara region for generations,” says Andrew Anderson, Senior Vice President & Area Manager, Toronto, EllisDon.
To date, more than 2.6 million of the anticipated four million labour hours required to build the 1.3-million square-foot hospital have been completed. More than 1,200 skilled workers are on site each day, helping keep the project on track for a 2028 opening.
Located in Niagara Falls at the corner of Montrose and Biggar roads, the South Niagara Hospital will offer a full scope of hospital services, including emergency, critical and complex care, diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical services. The South Niagara Hospital will feature an Indigenous healing space and garden, co-designed with Indigenous partners to create a safe and welcoming space for all Indigenous Peoples. It is also on track to become the first WELL Certified hospital in Canada, with features that focus on enhancing the health, wellbeing and experience of everyone who uses the building.
For more information about the South Niagara Hospital and construction updates, click here.
