Construction milestones at hospitals in British Columbia and Ontario are advancing major health-care infrastructure investments aimed at expanding capacity, modernizing facilities and supporting growing populations, as provincial governments collectively commit billions to upgrades and new builds.
In Mission, B.C., construction has begun on an $18-million expansion of the emergency department at Fraser Health’s Mission Memorial Hospital, a project that will increase treatment space and replace facilities damaged by flooding in early 2024.
“We’re thrilled to announce that construction has started for the Mission Memorial Hospital Emergency Department,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “This expansion represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of people in the region, ensuring they have access to high-quality care.”
The project will expand the emergency department by 35 per cent, increasing capacity from 17 to 41 care spaces. Plans include a dedicated resuscitation room with an anteroom, an airborne isolation room to strengthen infection control, and private space for mental-health patients.
“This expansion at Mission Memorial Hospital will significantly increase capacity, modernize care spaces and support the dedicated health-care workers who serve this growing community,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “By investing in stronger emergency services today, we’re helping ensure people and their families can count on excellent care now and into the future.”
Construction crews have begun site preparation and interior demolition in the former emergency department space, while patients continue to receive care in a temporary emergency unit accessible through the hospital’s main entrance.
Fraser Health President and CEO Dermot Kelly said the project is also key to recruitment and retention.
“This construction milestone is an investment in our community” said Dermot Kelly, Fraser Health president and CEO. “By creating modern, patient-centred spaces, we can attract and retain the skilled care teams that Mission Memorial Hospital needs, ensuring our community continues to receive quality care close to home, now and in the future.”
Mission Mayor Paul Horn said the hospital plays a central regional role.
“It is extremely gratifying to see Fraser Health investing in the expansion of the emergency department at Mission Memorial Hospital,” said Paul Horn, City of Mission Mayor. “This project recognizes the vital role our hospital plays, not only for the people of Mission, but for communities across the region. We look forward to continuing to work with Fraser Health, our community, and our North Fraser River neighbours to develop an even broader range of healthcare services here, as this hospital is clearly a central hub for residents throughout the area.”
The expansion is expected to be completed in spring 2027. Fraser Health said four new emergency physicians have joined the hospital over the past year as recruitment efforts continue.
Ontario hospital reaches structural milestone
Meanwhile in Niagara Falls, Ont., the province marked the placement of the final structural beam at the new South Niagara Hospital, a key milestone in the government’s $3.2-billion investment in the facility and part of a broader $60-billion plan to expand hospital infrastructure provincewide.
“With more than 150 additional beds, a 24/7 emergency department and experts across the spectrum of care needs, the South Niagara Hospital will provide convenient, world-class health care to residents and Niagara Falls and across the region,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Our government will continue to deliver on our historic hospital and primary care expansions, so families have reliable access to quality health-care services, no matter where they live.”
The 12-storey, 1.3-million-square-foot facility will include 469 beds — 156 more than the combined total at three existing Niagara hospitals — along with expanded surgical, diagnostic and specialized care services. It is scheduled to open in summer 2028 and will serve about 450,000 residents.
Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones said the project will help meet rising demand.
“Today’s milestone brings the province one step closer to delivering on its goal to connect more families in the Niagara Region, to convenient, high-quality care close to home,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “The new South Niagara Hospital will significantly increase capacity to meet the needs of the region’s growing population, ensuring Niagara communities can connect to the care they need, right in their own community for generations to come.”
Niagara Health President and CEO Lynn Guerriero called the moment the culmination of years of planning.
“Today’s milestone is a proud moment for Niagara Health and for the communities we serve. Reaching this point reflects years of planning and collaboration by our teams, and we are grateful to the Province of Ontario for its significant investment in modern health-care infrastructure. The South Niagara Hospital will strengthen hospital care across our region and ensure patients and families have access to safe, high-quality services close to home. This investment represents more than a new building — it represents confidence in Niagara’s future and a shared commitment to delivering modern, connected hospital care for our growing region.”
Infrastructure officials said the hospital is part of a wider capital plan to support jobs and economic growth.
“Congratulations to all the workers and project partners on achieving another milestone in the construction of the new South Niagara Hospital. Once complete, this modern and integrated facility will provide residents and families across the Niagara region with the quality care they need and deserve. Thanks to Premier Ford’s leadership, our government is investing nearly $60 billion in health infrastructure across the province, as part of our more than $223 billion capital plan to support growing communities, keep workers on the job and protect Ontario,” said Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure.
Local MPP Sam Oosterhoff said multiple projects are reshaping the region’s hospital system.
“Niagara is entering a new chapter in health care. With a newly rebuilt West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, ongoing construction of the South Niagara Hospital and a planning grant in place for the refurbishment of the Welland Hospital, we are building a stronger, more connected hospital system that meets the needs of patients across the region.”
Broader economic and workforce implications
Both projects highlight how health-care construction is playing a growing role in provincial capital spending, supporting construction employment while addressing capacity shortages, aging infrastructure and staffing challenges.
Health authorities say modern facilities are critical to attracting health-care professionals, improving patient care and ensuring long-term system sustainability as Canada’s population grows and ages.