Wallaceburg hospital redevelopment project receives $2.5M provincial planning grant

The Wallaceburg hospital redevelopment project is moving a step closer to reality thanks to provincial funding. CTV’s Chris Campbell reports.

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance says a key milestone has been reached in the redevelopment of its Wallaceburg site after securing a $2.5-million capital planning grant from the provincial government.

The funding supports the next stages of planning under the “Our Hospital, Our Future” campaign, moving the project closer to a modernized health-care facility for the Wallaceburg community.

Officials say the grant will fund Stage 2.2 and 2.3 of the province’s capital planning process, including the development of a detailed sketch plan and final contract documents needed before the project can move to tender.

“This $2.5-million investment marks an exciting step forward for Wallaceburg and the future of local health care,” said Lambton–Kent–Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault in a statement, adding the redevelopment will enhance care for patients and families across the region.

The latest funding brings total provincial planning support for the project to $3.5 million, building on earlier grants awarded in 2019 and 2022.

The redevelopment includes a proposed 22,000-square-foot addition to the existing hospital, with plans for a new emergency department, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, and an inpatient medicine unit.

Adam Topp, president and CEO of the health alliance, said the funding allows the organization to finalize detailed design work required to move the project forward.

“We are committed to providing high-quality, local care, and this progress ensures that our facilities will match the excellence of the medical services our teams provide every day,” he said.

Christine Mitchell, president and CEO of the CKHA Foundation, said the announcement also reflects strong community and donor support for the campaign.

“Our donors and community members have been the heartbeat of this campaign from the very beginning,” she said.

“Seeing the province match our local enthusiasm with this $2.5 million investment is incredibly validating. It reinforces the fact that the ‘Our Hospital, Our Future’ project is a shared priority, and we are thrilled to see the momentum continue as we prepare for the eventual construction phase.”

The health alliance says the redevelopment aims to modernize infrastructure, improve patient flow, and better integrate services to meet the needs of rural health care in Chatham-Kent.

The project will move to the procurement stage once the Ministry of Health approves the final planning submission.