Province antes up $6.9M for hospitals in Central Ontario

Waypoint Centre for Mental Health atrium is pictured here. Thu., July 9, 2026. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Urgent facility repairs and upgrades are being addressed by funding from the province.

The Ontario government is investing $6,930,704 to complete upgrades and repairs at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, and Georgian Bay General Hospital.

The allotment is part of Ontario’s broader investment of over $266 million through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund (HIRF) to support infrastructure upgrades, maintenance and repairs at 126 hospitals across the province.

“The $6.93 million being invested in Georgian Bay General Hospital, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, and Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care will help ensure these facilities remain safe, modern, and well-equipped to deliver exceptional care close to home.

“These critical upgrades and repairs will improve the patient experience, support our dedicated healthcare professionals, and strengthen the long-term reliability of our local healthcare system,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North.

The Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund enables healthcare system partners to address urgent infrastructure needs including upgrading or replacing roofs, windows, security systems, fire alarms and emergency generators.

“This investment will enable Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, and Georgian Bay General Hospital to address priority infrastructure needs so patients and their families can continue to access vital services and care in their community,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health

Over the next 10 years, Ontario has allocated nearly $64 billion in major health infrastructure. This is part of the government’s plan to advance more than 50 hospital projects across the province.

“This funding recognizes Waypoint’s ongoing work to deliver the best possible care experiences and outcomes for individuals with some of the most complex needs in Ontario. On behalf of all of our patients, we express our thanks.” Dr. Nadiya Sunderji, president and CEO of Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care.

Tom Roberts, interim president, CEO of Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital receiving the funding helps area patients now.

“Supporting our current infrastructure needs through Healthcare Infrastructure Renewal Fund (HIRF) funding, while recently approving OSMH to advance to the next stage of planning for a new hospital, is a clear illustration of the province of Ontario supporting us today and into the future, for which we are very grateful. Over the next decade, we will continue to invest in our current site to ensure the continuity of safe, high-quality care,” said