The formal master planning process has begun for a new hospital in Guelph, something that’s been discussed in the community for many years.
Mayor Cam Guthrie announced the effort on Thursday morning during the annual Guelph Chamber of Commerce Mayor's State of the City Address at the Delta Hotel.
“I have been told this is on the radar at the Ministry (of Health),” he said. “They are aware of the need and the hospital is working hard to try to move things forward.”
Suzanne Bone, CEO of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital, confirmed the provincial planning process recently began.
“It’s a long process. We’re working our way through it … but we’re well on our way,” Bone told GuelphToday. “We have consultants that are helping us through the process.”
Options to be considered include a new building on the current Delhi Street site and building a completely new hospital elsewhere.
With the city’s population mandated to reach 203,000 by 2051, Guthrie said it’s “absolutely clear” a new, larger hospital is needed.
“Our current hospital simply does not have the space, the capacity or the layout to accommodate the thousands of families who are coming to Guelph. Parts of the hospital are more than 70 years old,” he said.
“In an ideal situation, this build could happen and be completed within 10 years,” Guthrie added, noting that while the province funds 90 per cent of hospital construction, the remaining 10 per cent must be raised in the community.
“Ten per cent of a brand spanking new, larger hospital is a lot of money,” he told the crowd of about 250 local business people, community organization representatives and dignitaries. “We must start working toward it right now.”
To that end, Guthrie explained could involve extending the six-year, $750,000 collective property tax levy dedicated to the hospital, as approved by council in 2019, as well as other community fundraising initiatives.
“Do I believe this community will step up and rally around a new hospital? Absolutely. There’s no doubt in my mind,” the mayor said. “This is a community that cares.”
The special levy was implemented in support of expansion and renovation efforts at Guelph General Hospital.
