The Ontario government officially opened the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Grimsby on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the province’s ongoing effort to expand and modernize health-care infrastructure. The state-of-the-art facility, supported by a $250 million provincial investment, is designed to provide faster, more convenient, and higher-quality care to residents across West Niagara.
The hospital’s opening fulfills a 2018 provincial commitment and forms part of Ontario’s broader $60 billion, 10-year plan to upgrade and expand hospital capacity across the province. Construction began in May 2022, following years of local advocacy and community fundraising.
“With a 24/7 ER, expanded capacity and state-of-the-art equipment, the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital is a game-changer for the people of West Niagara, giving families peace of mind knowing that world-class health care is available close to home,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Our government will continue making historic investments in health care across the province to ensure families can access the services they need, when and where they need them.”
A modern facility built for the future
Operated by Hamilton Health Sciences, the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital replaces a 70-year-old facility and is nearly 80 per cent larger than its predecessor. It is also the first hospital in Ontario to feature all single-patient rooms, a design that enhances infection control and privacy for patients and families.
The new hospital offers both inpatient and outpatient services, including emergency care, complex and palliative care, surgical procedures, and maternal and newborn services. Expanded diagnostic imaging suites will feature X-ray, mammography, ultrasound, echocardiography, and CT scanning.
“Our government is making historic investments to protect Ontario’s health-care system, ensuring that more people can connect to convenient care in their community,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “We are excited to celebrate the opening of the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, building vital capacity for Niagara Region and helping more families access the right care, in the right place, for generations to come.”
The new facility includes 55 fully private inpatient beds—an increase of nine from the former hospital—along with six birthing suites, three operating rooms, and a dedicated day surgery suite. The design emphasizes efficiency, accessibility, and modern technology, allowing the hospital to meet the growing needs of West Niagara’s expanding population.
“Today is a big day for West Niagara. The opening of the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital has been highly anticipated by local residents and frontline staff since Premier Ford announced the commitment to rebuild in 2018,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West. “I am grateful to have been able to help get this life-changing project across the finish line, together with community advocates, municipal leaders, determined volunteers and a dedicated patient care team who have worked so hard to make this a reality.”
A collective community effort
The grand opening drew praise from local officials, community advocates, and construction partners who emphasized the hospital’s long journey from concept to completion.
“The opening of the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Grimsby is more than the unveiling of a building — it is the realization of a shared dream. It stands as a symbol of hope, unity and perseverance, built by a community that refused to give up,” said Jeff Jordan, Mayor of Grimsby. “It is not only a place where generations are born, healed and cared for, but where the community continues to grow stronger for the future.”
“The opening of the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital marks a historic moment for our entire region,” added Sandra Easton, Mayor of Lincoln. “For the residents of Lincoln, it represents not only access to exceptional health care close to home, but also an investment in our growing, vibrant community.”
“It is truly an honour to celebrate the grand opening of the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital,” said Cheryl Ganann, Mayor of the Township of West Lincoln. “Many hands and many voices made this momentous day possible… I am so proud to say, we did it.”
The hospital was delivered in partnership with Infrastructure Ontario and EllisDon, two organizations responsible for several major hospital projects in the province.
“Infrastructure Ontario is proud to mark the opening of the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital with our partners at Hamilton Health Sciences and EllisDon,” said Angela Clayton, President and CEO of Infrastructure Ontario. “This modern facility builds on a 70-year legacy of care in West Niagara and reflects our commitment to delivering health-care infrastructure that strengthens communities.”
“The grand opening ceremony… is the result of the dedicated efforts of hundreds of individuals, including the project team, skilled tradespeople, consultants and our partners,” added Randy Reymer, Senior Vice President & Area Manager, Southwestern Ontario, EllisDon.
Strengthening Ontario’s health infrastructure
The new hospital aligns with the provincial government’s broader health-care modernization strategy, Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, aimed at improving access to services while reducing wait times and pressure on emergency departments.
“The official opening of the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital is fantastic news for people and families in Niagara region,” said Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure. “This new hospital will serve this growing community for generations to come, providing modern and integrated care close to home.”
Hamilton Health Sciences President and CEO Tracey MacArthur called the new facility “a new era of health care in West Niagara,” saying it “raises the standard for high quality, sustainable and compassionate care close to home.”
As part of its long-term infrastructure plan, the province is investing nearly $60 billion over 10 years to build or expand more than 50 major hospital projects, adding approximately 3,000 new hospital beds across Ontario.
The opening of the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital represents a key milestone in that effort — and a promise fulfilled for the people of West Niagara.