With the recent completion of a new power plant, the second phase of redevelopment for Wallaceburg’s hospital is moving full speed ahead.
Aaron Ryan, vice president of performance and chief financial officer at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, said the hospital is aiming to complete the design and planning phase of the project by the end of the fall. A proposal will then be submitted to Ontario’s Ministry of Health for approval.
Because the provincial government has already provided significant funding for the construction of the replacement power plant, Ryan said the hospital is optimistic the ministry will continue to support the redevelopment of the hospital as it moves forward.
“If they’re willing to invest in this new power plant, it’s a good indication that they see more investment to come [as well as] the potential of the Wallaceburg site,” said Ryan.
The current design for the Wallaceburg site focuses on 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 would be converted into additional space for ambulatory care services.
An early cost estimate for the entire project is expected to total around $25 million. If given ministry approval, the province would foot the bill for 90 per cent, while the remaining 10 per cent would need to be publicly funded.
Hospital officials have previously stated that community engagement will be a significant part of the planning process, which would include focus groups and public surveys.
Ryan said the hospital expects to make an announcement in the coming weeks regarding a new planning committee for the project, which will include representatives from the local community.
