CGMH Receives Approval to Proceed with Hospital Redevelopment

Contained within Ontario's Provincial Budget yesterday, was news that the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital has been given the green light to proceed with Hospital Redevelopment.

"This is a very exciting day for the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital and the entire South Georgian Bay community! A new hospital for our growing region of 60 000 permanent residents, 30 000 weekenders and approximately 3.5 million annual visitors, is greatly needed. We appreciate the province's support and investment in the hospital's redevelopment and our community, as we continue to provide outstanding care - for life," says CGMH President and CEO, Norah Holder.

We continue to work with the Capital Branch of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) and our five surrounding municipalities, in a collaborative and productive manner. The project still needs to follow the MOHLTC's five stage capital planning process, which will involve reviews and future approvals from the Ministry and government. Although it's still a long road ahead and it's anticipated that a new build is likely still 8 years away, we have a good momentum going!

"This is great news for our community and I am so proud of the hard work and focus our team has maintained over the past few years. We continue to advance community health through compassionate, innovative and collaborative care for our community," says Chief of Staff, Dr. Michael Lisi.

The hospital can now commence preparations for a capital redevelopment campaign. Jory Pritchard-Kerr, Executive Director of the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital Foundation also notes, "we are very enthusiastic about the announcement which brings with it a commitment to raise $80 million as the local share of the project.A fundraising campaign of this magnitude has never been attempted in South Georgian Bay and will require a great deal of preparation before launching, but we are excited for the opportunity that lies ahead."