The Ontario government is moving ahead with plans to expand and renovate a specialised diabetes clinic in Whitby, a project expected to significantly increase patient capacity and improve access to care for thousands across Durham Region, as part of a multibillion-dollar health infrastructure strategy.
In a news release, the Ministry of Health said the expansion of The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre will allow the facility to serve up to 3,800 patients annually, up from its current capacity of around 2,000. The project forms part of Ontario’s broader plan to invest nearly $60 billion in more than 50 hospital developments over the next decade.
“Our government is making historic investments to protect Ontario’s health-care system and build a connected, people-first health-care system,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Through this investment, Ontarians in Durham Region will benefit from increased access to diabetes education and care, resulting in fewer related health complications for patients and reduced stress on the health-care system.”
Capacity expansion to meet rising demand
The renovation will provide expanded clinical space, private counselling rooms and child-friendly areas, creating a more modern environment designed to support patients and their families. Once complete, the facility will almost double its reach, reflecting rising demand for specialised diabetes care in Ontario and across Canada.
The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre is Canada’s only stand-alone charitable centre dedicated to type 1 diabetes. It provides multidisciplinary care, including counselling and education, to children, adolescents and adults living with the condition.
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong autoimmune disorder in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, requiring patients to manage their blood sugar through daily insulin injections or pumps. According to Diabetes Canada, diabetes contributes significantly to serious health complications, including strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure, amputations and vision loss. Approximately 10 per cent of Canadians with diabetes have type 1.
The Ministry of Health said it is now working with the centre to finalise planning details, including operational and space requirements. Construction timelines will be determined once planning is completed and contracts are awarded.
Part of a broader health infrastructure strategy
The expansion aligns with Ontario’s long-term health infrastructure plan, which includes nearly $60 billion in spending over the next 10 years. The province aims to add roughly 3,000 new hospital beds and upgrade facilities to create what it describes as a more connected and accessible healthcare system.
In addition, Ontario is investing $257 million in 2025-26 to support infrastructure upgrades and repairs at hospitals and community healthcare facilities, marking a 12.3 per cent increase compared with the previous year.
Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said the project will strengthen healthcare delivery and improve access for families in Durham Region.
“Our government is continuing to make investments that strengthen the health-care services families rely on. This investment into the expansion of The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre will ensure more people across Durham Region can access the high quality diabetes care they need closer to home, protecting Ontarians and creating a more resilient province.”
Community and healthcare leaders welcome investment
Leadership at the diabetes centre said the expansion will help meet growing patient needs and improve quality of care.
“We are thankful to the Province of Ontario for recognizing the importance of specialized diabetes care and supporting our Building on The Best Capital Campaign. Their support will help us expand The Best Centre, ensuring all of our patients and families living with type 1 diabetes receive the care and support they need to thrive,” said Lorrie Hagen and Serge Babin, Executive Director and Chair of The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre.
Local elected officials also emphasised the importance of accessible specialised care.
“The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre is at the forefront of meeting the needs of our local children, youth and adults living with type 1 diabetes. My thanks to Minister Jones and Minister Bethlenfalvy for their ongoing support of The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre’s innovative work which ensures Whitby residents living with type 1 diabetes and other parts of the Region of Durham have the lifelong care they need, when and where they need it,” said Whitby MPP Lorne Coe.
Todd J. McCarthy, MPP for Durham, highlighted the broader national context of diabetes care.
“Our government is making the necessary investments toward a people-first healthcare system, which includes facility upgrades and an important expansion of programs for The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre right here in Durham Region. With over 300,000 Canadians living with type 1 Diabetes and relying on daily insulin injections, our investments into resources, staff and facilities brings us closer to a possible cure and an improved quality of life for those affected.”
Improving access and long-term outcomes
The expansion is expected to reduce travel times for patients, increase access to specialised education and care, and help prevent complications associated with diabetes.
As governments across Canada face growing pressure to modernise healthcare infrastructure and address chronic disease, investments like the Whitby project reflect a broader effort to strengthen long-term system capacity while improving patient outcomes.
Once construction is completed, the expanded facility will play a central role in supporting thousands of individuals and families living with type 1 diabetes across Durham Region and beyond.