Canada's Ontario Government has announced the beginning of construction on the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) in Picton.
The latest construction milestone comes almost a month after the Ontario government officially awarded a contract to M Sullivan & Son to build the hospital.
M Sullivan & Son was selected by Infrastructure Ontario and Quinte Health following a detailed and competitive procurement process that commenced in March 2024.
The new hospital is being developed to provide the Bay of Quinte community with closer access to the healthcare that they need, both now and in the future.
PECMH is expected to feature a total of 23 inpatient beds, upgraded equipment, and expanded facilities, including a 24-hour emergency department that offers increased space for both patients and staff.
It will also provide outpatient care services such as minor surgical procedures for instance endoscopies, surgical suites equipped with the latest technology, and dialysis treatments and diagnostic imaging services.
Ontario Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones said: “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is making historic investments in health care.
“The new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital is another example of how we are investing in the health care needs of Ontario’s growing communities to deliver the highest standard of care for decades to come.”
So far, the Ontario government has allocated C$10m ($7.21m) in capital funding for the construction of the PECMH.
The construction of this healthcare facility is part of the Ontario government’s larger initiative, 'Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care'.
This initiative seeks to simplify and accelerate access to care for people of all ages, ensuring it is available when and where they require it.
It also includes breaking ground on nearly 50 hospital projects across the province, which will create an additional 3,000 hospital beds over the next decade.
This builds on the 3,500 beds the provincial government already added since 2020.
Quinte Health president and CEO Stacey Daub said: “After more than a decade, we are moving forward with the build phase of the new hospital and I am filled with gratitude.
“I am grateful to our steadfast project partners, to every donor across the community who has 'Backed the Build', and to Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith for his unwavering support.”
