South Niagara Hospital Project Newsletter- March 2026, Issue 10

Signing the Future Hospital

The South Niagara Hospital Project recently marked a major milestone with a beam signing celebration.

One of the final structural beams has been signed and raised at the South Niagara Hospital site, marking a major construction milestone in the $3.6-billion project that will transform hospital delivery across Niagara.

Less than three years ago, donors, elected officials and community partners joined Niagara Health and the Niagara Health Foundation on an empty field at the corner of Montrose and Biggar roads in Niagara Falls to break ground on what will become the future of hospital care in Niagara. On Feb. 25, that same group came together again — this time to sign one of the final structural beams and watch as it was lifted into place atop the 12-storey South Niagara Hospital.

The beam signing represents far more than construction progress. It is a visible symbol of collaboration, shared commitment, and the significant investment by government, donors and community partners to deliver a state-of-the-art hospital that will serve Niagara for generations to come.

“More than a decade ago, we stood in this field and talked about the need for a new hospital for Niagara Falls and the broader region. To see this beam being raised today is a sign to the community that anything is possible through partnerships and working together. The future of healthcare in Niagara is here.”

- Jim Diodati, Mayor of Niagara Falls

“Placing this beam is a meaningful milestone for Niagara Health and for the patients and families we serve. Reaching this point reflects years of planning and dedication from our redevelopment, clinical and operational teams who have been preparing not just a new building, but a new model of care,” said Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO of Niagara Health. “The South Niagara Hospital is central to our transition to a three-site system, and we are focused on ensuring it opens ready to deliver safe, modern and connected care for our community.”

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Every signature on this beam represents the collective strength of a community that believes in better care for its neighbours. This project is possible because of the generosity of our donors and the unwavering support of individuals, families and organizations that stepped forward to make a difference. Their commitment is helping build not just a hospital, but a place of healing, hope and possibility for everyone who will walk through its doors."

-Andrea Scott, President and CEO of the Niagara Health Foundation

“"“Niagara is entering a new chapter in healthcare. With a newly rebuilt West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, ongoing construction of the South Niagara Hospital and planning grant in place for the redevelopment of the Welland Hospital, we are building a stronger, more connected hospital system that meets the needs of patients across the region.”

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Sam Oosterhoff, MPP Niagara West

Premier Doug Ford, Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure, joined the celebration, each adding their signatures to the beam before it was raised onto the 1.3-million-square-foot facility.

“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 healthcare to residents of 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 healthcare services, no matter where they live.”

“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."

- Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure

At seven metres long, the beam carries the signatures of thousands of individuals who have played a role in bringing this project to life, including construction workers, healthcare staff, physicians, patients, donors and community members. Because the beam itself could not be transported, commemorative signing panels toured all Niagara Health sites, allowing peo-

“"Infrastructure Ontario is proud to work with Niagara Health and partners across government and industry to deliver a modern healthcare facility that will serve the Niagara community for generations. As one of the largest healthcare projects in the region, this milestone underscores our commitment to building transformative infrastructure for the people of Ontario.”

-Angela Clayton, President and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario

“This beam signing event marks the dedication, hard work and persistent effort of all involved on the South Niagara Hospital project. Reaching this milestone is a testament to the steady, coordinated progress driven by hundreds of individuals working toward a common goal. It also offers a much-deserved moment of recognition for the skilled tradespeople who have been vital in bringing this site to this point and beyond – none of this would be possible without them. We look forward to continuing our work with Infrastructure Ontario, Niagara Health and the community as we continue to deliver this much-needed hospital."

- Andrew Anderson, Senior Vice President & Area Manager, Toronto, EllisDon

ple across the organization and community to leave their mark. The panels were later affixed to the beam ahead of the ceremony, ensuring this milestone truly reflected the collective effort behind the project.

The moment underscored the scale and significance of the South Niagara Hospital - not just as a construction project, but as a shared community achievement supported by strong partnerships and government investment.

“This beam is more than a piece of steel - it represents the commitment and determination of an entire community. Every signature reflects a shared promise to deliver compassionate, state-of-the-art, enhanced high-quality care. We are not just building a hospital, we are building a healthier future for Niagara,” Guerriero said.

In just two and a half years, the South Niagara Hospital will open its doors to patients, ushering in a new era of care for the region.

“Located in Niagara Falls at the corner of Montrose and Biggar roads, the South Niagara Hospital will significantly increase hospital capacity across the region. Designed to meet the needs of a growing and aging population, the facility will feature centres of excellence in complex care, wellness in aging and stroke care.

The 12-storey hospital will include 475 single-patient bedrooms, enhancing privacy, improving the patient experience and reducing the risk of infection spread. It will offer a full spectrum of services, including emergency, critical care, diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical services. With eight operating rooms, two MRI machines, and an Emergency Department three

“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. 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.”

-Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health

times the size of the ED at the current Niagara Falls site, the new hospital will play a critical role in improving access, reducing wait times and supporting both patients and healthcare professionals.

The South Niagara Hospital will be among the most advanced healthcare facilities in the region, purpose-built to support exceptional patient care and the people who deliver it every day.

CONSTRUCTION ZONE

Construction Update

Construction on the South Niagara Hospital continues to progress at an exciting pace, with significant progress being made in all areas. It remains on schedule for completion in 2028.

Construction reached the penthouse floor of the building last year. Approximately 95 per cent of the penthouse steel installation and 20 per cent of the roof decking is now complete.

On the exterior of the building, the installation of pre-cast panels is nearing completion, with only the penthouse level remaining. Exterior brickwork is 60 per cent complete, and exterior siding is advancing on multiple floors. Curtainwall installation is finished up to Level 9 on the east side of the building, with work continuing on levels 7 to 9 on the west side.

Work inside the building is taking shape as well. Masonry work is complete up to Level 11, with penthouse masonry starting soon. Drywall and framing are underway on the first nine floors.

Interior mechanical and electrical rough-ins are ongoing through the first eight floors, and ceiling installations have also begun on Levels 0 and 1.

In the coming months, crews will begin wall and floor finishes, marking the start of another major phase of interior progress.

It is anticipated that construction teams will complete more than 4 million total worker hours to build the South Niagara Hospital. More than 2 million worker hours have already been completed.

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Heavy Lift Milestone

In February, major mechanical equipment for the penthouse, including generators, boilers and chillers were all delivered and staged on site. A special 900 tonne crane was brought in to lift and install the four generators onto Level 12, as their weight exceeded the capacity of the tower cranes.

Using the fuel storage capacity on site, these generators will enable the hospital to operate in a power outage at full capacity for up to 72 hours.

Conga for a Cause

Niagara Health Foundation’s Havana Nights Gala Raises Over $722,000 for South Niagara Hospital.

The Niagara Health Foundation’s Havana Nights Hospital Gala, held Feb. 28 at Fallsview Casino Resort, brought together 832 guests from across Niagara for one of the region’s most anticipated charitable events of the year — raising $722,301 in support of the South Niagara Hospital and the “It’s Our Future” campaign, with additional donations still coming in. With this year’s success, the Niagara Health Foundation’s annual Gala has now raised $2,563,294 over the past four years in support of the new South Niagara Hospital.

The Grand Hall at Fallsview Casino Resort was transformed into a vibrant Havana-inspired celebration, featuring lush tropical décor, live entertainment and immersive experiences that created an unforgettable evening for guests.

Funds raised from the Gala will support the purchase of vital medical equipment for the new South Niagara Hospital, a transformational healthcare project that will serve communities across Niagara for generations to come.

“We are incredibly grateful to the more than 830 guests, our sponsors, volunteers and supporters who helped make Havana Nights such a success,” said Andrea Scott, President and CEO of the Niagara Health Foundation. “With a record 45 sponsors supporting this year’s event, the energy in the room was truly electric. The Gala has become one of Niagara’s most anticipated events each year, and it’s inspiring to see our community come together in such a powerful way to support the future of healthcare in our region.”

“Wow — when our community comes together, do we ever show we can get behind a cause!”

One of the most powerful moments of the evening came during the event’s Fund-A-Need, hosted by Breakfast Television’s Tim Bolen, who also served as emcee, alongside Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, Co-Chair of the “It’s Our Future” campaign. In just 20 minutes, guests pledged an incredible $288,600 to support medical equipment for the new hospital.

“Wow — when our community comes together, do we ever show we can get behind a cause!” said Mayor Jim Diodati. “Raising $288,600 in one room, one night is mind-blowing, and our residents keep coming back to give. We’re more excited than ever for the momentum toward the new hospital.”

Guests also participated in the evening’s silent auction, which raised nearly $27,000.

The Havana Nights theme came to life through immersive entertainment including a live Cuban band from Toronto, energetic Latin dancers, and a vibrant tropical birds photo station. A stunning 1957 pink

Cadillac convertible, generously provided by Dina Elefante with special thanks to S & W Towing Services, served as a memorable centrepiece inside the event space.

The new South Niagara Hospital will represent a significant transformation in healthcare for the region.

“The NH Foundation Gala was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when our community unites behind a shared vision. The extraordinary generosity shown that evening will help bring the new South Niagara Hospital to life - a hospital thoughtfully designed around patients and our teams, equipped with leading-edge technology, and built to meet the evolving needs of residents across Niagara. The new hospital will transform the way hospital care is delivered in Niagara by expanding access, improving patient flow, and creating modern spaces that foster healing, innovation, and collaboration. We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this remarkable night possible. Together, we are building the future of hospital care in Niagara,” said Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO, Niagara Health.

The new hospital will include 475 private patient rooms, increasing Niagara’s hospital capacity by more than 150 beds, 14 healing gardens and terraces, 42 inpatient dialysis stations, 170 complex care beds, a

Senior Wellness Centre, expanded mental health and addictions services, and multiple centres of excellence designed to support advanced care for Niagara patients.

The evening’s success was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Gala’s sponsors, including Title Sponsors EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare, Precise Parklink, TD, and Fallsview Casino Resort, as well as Premier Sponsors Red X Carbon, Alectra, Empire Homes, ES Fox Construction, Niagara River Trading Company, and McKeil Marine.

“ We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this remarkable night possible. Together, we are building the future of hospital care in Niagara."

The “It’s Our Future” campaign has now raised more than $75 million toward the South Niagara Hospital project. For more information or to support the campaign, visit www.niagarahealthfoundation.com or www.itsourfuture.com.

Supporting Service Animals

Service animals play an essential role in supporting patients, visitors and staff, offering independence, safety and comfort in moments when people need it most. But even the hardest working pets still need breaks to take care of business. Recognizing the vital work these animals do and how important they are to the people who depend on them, consideration when designing the South Niagara Hospital was given to create safe, accessible and thoughtfully designed service animal relief areas close to entrances. These dedicated spaces ensure service animals can take necessary breaks with ease, helping them stay healthy, focused and ready to continue assisting the people who rely on them.

Each of the five service animal relief areas will be conveniently located near all the major entrances of the South Niagara Hospital. They are connected to accessible pedestrian routes and embedded in the landscape for additional privacy. They will use an artificial turf made of a synthetic pet grade lawn material that also provides odour control. Each area will have lighting for safety, a water station where pets can get a drink, and waste receptacles to help make cleanup easy.

It’s one more way we’re building a hospital environment that cares for all who walk through the doors, including our furry companions.

Business Opportunities Ahead

Request for Proposals opening soon for Retail Pharmacy and Allied Clinical Retail Spaces in the South Niagara Hospital.

Niagara Health will soon be releasing the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the retail pharmacy and allied clinical retail spaces in the South Niagara Hospital. These spaces are intended to provide a welcoming, convenient and service-focused environment for patients, visitors, physicians and staff.

This is a unique opportunity for interested vendors to operate the retail pharmacy space, or an allied clinical retail space, both located in a high-visibility location on the first floor near the main entrance. The retail pharmacy will provide prescription medications, over-the-counter products and other personal care products. The allied clinical retail space will provide an opportunity for a healthcare-related support service or vendor to rent retail space within the hospital. The RFP with information about this opportunity is anticipated to open in April on BonfireHub.com.

Thank you, Welland

Earlier this year, Welland City Council approved a $17.8 million local share contribution to the South Niagara Hospital. We are grateful to Welland for their commitment to this project, joining the Niagara Region, City of Niagara Falls and the Town of Pelham in supporting state-of-the-art hospital care in the Niagara region.

Niagara Health's local share for the South Niagara Hospital is over $230 million, which includes 10 per cent of eligible project costs and 100 per cent of the furniture, fixtures and equipment costs.

Hospital Highlight

Technology is going to play a significant role at the South Niagara Hospital and will be integrated into almost every aspect of operations. For example, a Real Time Locating System will provide tracking for equipment, patients and staff anywhere in the hospital and is integrated with the nurse call system. This will help staff monitor patients at risk of wandering, quickly locate critical equipment and will also support staff in times of distress.

SOUTH NIAGARA HOSPITAL

Coming Summer 2028

We are transforming the way hospital care is delivered in Niagara, and the South Niagara Hospital is going to play a significant role in these positive changes.

Located in Niagara Falls at the corner of Montrose and Biggar roads, the 1.3-millionsquare-foot facility will offer a full scope of hospital services, including emergency, critical care, diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical services, as well as Centres of Excellence in complex care, wellness in aging, and stroke.

We are working towards building the first WELL-certified hospital in Canada, with features that focus on the health and well-being of staff, volunteers, patients, families, caregivers and all hospital users.

The hospital will also feature an Indigenous healing space and garden that was designed with Indigenous partners to create culturally safe and welcoming areas for Indigenous Peoples.

CONNECT WITH US

• For questions about the project: southniagaraproject@niagarahealth.on.ca

• For business opportunities and community involvement: snh@ellisdon.com

• Visit our website: www.niagarahealth.on.ca/SouthNiagaraHospital

Approximately 1.3 million square feet. Featuring Centres of Excellence in complex care, wellness in aging and stroke

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