Provincial budget includes grant for new regional hospital
Posted May 22, 2025 01:37:38 PM.
Last Updated May 22, 2025 02:52:26 PM.
Waterloo Regional Health Network‘s (WRHN) new regional hospital project just got an influx of cash from the province.
A $10 million planning grant was included in the 2025-2026 provincial budget. It is intended to be used specifically for planning the new acute regional hospital coming to the University of Waterloo’s north campus, and to redevelop existing healthcare infrastructure..
WRHN VP of development, Cliff Harvey, was a guest on The Mike Farwell Show. He said this is actually the second provincial grant for the project.
“Back in 2022, we received a $5 million planning grant to start the processes. We’re now ready to submit what is called a functional program. Basically, it outlines the programs we’re going have in the new hospital. The $10 million is showing their (the province’s) support for the project.”
He went on to say, “basically, what it keeps us on track to keep the submissions forthcoming and then get into construction as soon as possible.”
Harvey said the way the development of the project has been structured optimizes provincial investments to ensure the construction timeline is maintained.
“The hospital has strategically broken it (development) phasing so that it is easier and more competitive to build, and this is very attractive to the government at this point. This is one way that we are, basically, meeting the needs of the government for the infrastructure. At the same time, making sure we’re delivering the project as quickly as possible to the community.”
When the Waterloo facility is completed, WRHN will maintain three hospital sites, Midtown (formerly Grand River) and Chicopee (formerly Freeport), along with several outpatient offices, clinics and other services.
WHRN Waterloo is expected to be completed by 2035.
