Hospital update

Virtual update as new County hospital build gets underway

The site of the new County hospital is a hive of activity as the long-awaited build gets underway. The ground has been cleared and rock excavation is in progress. A new west entrance has been constructed and a new power feed to the existing hospital has been completed. Work on the building foundation has begun and geothermal well drilling is in progress. The most obvious sight from a distance is the tower crane, which is being used to move construction materials around the site. On Tuesday, February 25, Quinte Health provided a virtual update for County residents to learn about the progress, vision and impact of the project.

Stacey Daub, Quinte Health president and chief executive officer, welcomed attendees to the virtual meeting and introduced the speakers at the event. She also thanked the many partners and supporters, including the Prince Edward Family Health Team, the Hospital Foundation, the Hospital Auxiliary, the Ministry of Health, Infrastructure Ontario and the municipality, who have worked tirelessly to bring the project to this stage. She noted that innovation and sustainability are two of the core principles at the heart of this project. “They’re really critical aspects of the build of our new hospital. The new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital is going to more than a health care facility; it’s going to be a beacon of what’s possible when you think about innovation and meeting commitments. This will be the first mass timber hospital in North America and will set a new standard for the way people think about sustainable healthcare infrastructure. This is an opportunity to meet the growing and diverse needs in the County, encompassing newcomers, our aging population, as well as visitors to this area.” she said. She noted that the builder selected for this project, M. Sullivan & Son Limited, has made a commitment to hiring and using local trades and businesses. This will provide a huge economic stimulus to the County. Ms. Daub said that the sustainability element of the hospital was raised as an important aspect by the community. “The building reflects the aspirations and dreams of the community,” she said.

During the virtual presentation, Trevor Stewart, director of redevelopment and facilities, and Ian Stone, PECMH project lead, called in with a video feed from the actual build site, showing the current state of the project. Mr. Stewart said that his job was to bring this project to the finish line, on time and within budget. Mr. Stone said the construction phase will be completed near the end of 2026, with a transition period and move-in set for mid 2027. Demolition, landscaping and a new parking lot should be completed by the end of 2027, with the project closeout in early 2028.

Jason-Emery Groen, senior vice president and design director for HDR Inc., the architects for this project, then spoke about the use of mass timber and some of the design principles embedded within the new build. Mass timber is layers of wood that are held together with adhesive. They can be made into panels to serve as floors or walls, they can be made into beams or columns, or can be made to provide high bending or compression strength. Mass timber is made from a renewable resource and is less energy-intensive to produce compared with steel or concrete. Mr. Groen said that the building design is an extension of the Hippocratic Oath, “Do no harm”, as applied to the broader environment. “The purpose of this building is fundamentally to ensure the members of the community as well as visitors to the area can be cared for and supported by the staff,” he said. Sustainability and climate resilience are cornerstones of the build. In addition to the all mass timber structure, which has a low carbon footprint, the building will also feature solar cells to offset energy grid usage and a green roof that slow down water runoff after rains and well as provide plants that attract pollinator species. Geothermal energy is part of the heating and cooling system, providing a roughly three-fold advantage for every unit of energy consumed. He said the design of the building includes wellness elements, with plenty of natural light, pleasing interior surfaces, and outdoor court areas for the staff and public.

Shannon Coull, executive director of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation, provided an update on the Foundation’s fundraising efforts. To date, the Foundation has raised $24 million towards its $30 million goal, which she is confident they will meet. She noted this project is more than about simply building a hospital. “It’s the people in the building that really matter and that’s why we’re so proud to be a part of this project. Thanks to your community support we will provide exceptional care for residents and visitors to Prince Edward County.” For more information about the hospital build, please visit pecmhf.ca.