The revitalization of Wallaceburg’s hospital is taking another step forward after receiving the green light from the provincial government.
The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) announced at its Wallaceburg site on Wednesday that it will now move forward with the “sketch plan submission” portion of the Ministry of Health’s Capital Planning process, which includes a further detailed integrated site/site servicing plan, floor plans, systems plans (mechanical and electrical designs), furniture and equipment lists, all associated specifications and design briefs, a cost estimate, and proposed project scheduling.
“Every stage that we progress through in the planning process provides not only greater certainty but also greater clarity about the level of detail,” said CKHA President and CEO Lori Marshall. “This [phase] gets to the level of detail in terms of light fixtures, wall sockets, every wall, all those sorts of things. So the level of detail is at a much finer point in order for them to reconfirm the costs.”
The current phase is expected to take six to nine months and will culminate with a specification and tender package.
The full cost of the revitalization project is estimated at $41 million, with 10 per cent of construction costs to be raised locally.
The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation has launched a $9 million fundraising campaign to cover the community’s local share cost, which includes a portion of the construction cost for the capital project and the necessary equipment to outfit the renovated space. The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has already contributed $4.5 million towards the fundraising goal.
If all goes according to plan, Marshall said CKHA officials hope to have shovels in the ground by the summer of 2025 with the new hospital completed 18-24 months later.
“Certainly every time we’re able to make an announcement like this, it really solidifies for people that this hospital is here to stay. A 24/7 emergency department is really, really important and critical in rural healthcare,” said Marshall.
Several local politicians and dignitaries were in attendance at the Wallaceburg site of the hospital on Wednesday to announce the next phase of the project. The guest of honour was noticeably absent, however, with Premier Doug Ford cancelling his appearance just moments before a news conference was scheduled to begin.
Provincial staffers said the premier was delayed due to fog in the GTA.
In the meantime, a group of protesters remained outside the hospital, voicing their concerns about a proposal by York1 Environmental Waste Solutions to reopen and expand a dormant landfill near Dresden.
Once complete, the redeveloped Wallaceburg hospital site will include new medical beds, a diagnostic imaging department, and a laboratory, as well as a newly constructed building for the emergency department. The current emergency department at the Wallaceburg hospital is slated to be converted into additional space for ambulatory care services.
A new power plant has already been constructed as part of the first phase of the redevelopment project.
“The government would not have supported the building of this power plant if there was not an intention to support the rest of the building that would go along with it,” Marshall added.
