‘With this approval, we move decisively into planning for a greenfield, new hospital co-located at the Lakehead University Orillia campus,’ said OSMH official
A giant sign announcing the new Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) was unveiled Friday morning as provincial officials announced the hospital project has advanced to the next stage.
Health Minister and Deputy Premier Sylvia Jones joined Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop along with several Orillia city councillors, OSMH leaders and Lakehead University officials for the unveiling, speeches and reception held at Lakehead University.
“As a part of our $64-billion plan to get shovels in the ground for over 50 hospital projects across the province, our government is proud to support the development of a new, state-of-the-art Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital,” said Jones.
“Today’s announcement brings us closer to delivering enhanced patient capacity, world-class modern healthcare infrastructure, and expanded access to critical care services and inpatient beds, to meet the healthcare needs of Orillia and Simcoe County,” she said.
The sign stands on University Avenue on a 25-acre open property, owned by Lakehead University, that has been identified as the “preferred site” for the new hospital. Premier Doug Ford announced last May that Orillia was getting a new hospital and provided a $3 million planning grant.
“Following our government’s commitment to support planning for a new hospital, today’s announcement reflects the strong collaboration between OSMH, Lakehead University, and our community,” said Dunlop.
“This new hospital will help ensure families across Orillia and the surrounding region have access to modern, high-quality health care for generations to come. I am proud to continue working alongside our partners as we move this important project forward.”
The ministry announced the Orillia project moves from proposal development stage (1.2) to functional program stage (1.3) within the capital planning process. This next step enables advanced planning work and early design elements that will physically shape the new hospital.
“Reaching stage 1.3 represents a major milestone in our redevelopment journey and reflects the strength of our planning work to date,” said Tom Roberts, interim president and CEO of the Orillia hospital.
“With this approval, we move decisively into planning for a greenfield, new hospital co-located at the Lakehead University Orillia campus.”
Lawrence Pietras, chair of the OSMH board of directors, said today’s announcement heralds a shared commitment to the future of health care in our region.
“As a board, we are focused on ensuring this new hospital is thoughtfully planned, financially responsible, and built to meet the needs of the communities we serve for decades to come,” said Pietras. “The support of our provincial and community partners gives us confidence that we are on the right path.”
Media were not notified or invited to Friday’s event.
Coun. Whitney Smith, who is running for mayor in the October municipal election, posted about the event on her Whitney Smith for Mayor of Orillia Facebook page.
“A new hospital is something our community needs and deserves. As our city continues to grow, investing in modern healthcare infrastructure is critical for local families, seniors, healthcare workers, and future generations. This is a positive step forward for Orillia, and I am excited to see the project continue moving ahead,” she posted.
Smith, along with Mayor Don McIsaac and councillors Ralph Cipolla and Luke Leatherdale presented a report to council May 24 looking for support for a downtown hospital location rather than University Avenue, the identified preferred site. That motion was not supported by the majority of council. McIsaac, Cipolla and Leatherdale did not attend Friday morning’s announcement.
Lakehead leaders made a deputation to Orillia council at the same meeting, outlining university expansion plans that are contingent upon Lakehead University selling land to OSMH for the new hospital.
Smith grilled Lakehead officials, saying proceeds from the sale of the property — estimated to be worth $15 million — should be directed back to the City of Orillia. She said Lakehead’s plan to use the proceeds to help fund the expansion should not proceed. Lakehead will need the city’s blessing to sell the property.
Orillia Coun. Jeff Czetwerzuk, who is running for re-election in the October municipal election, was at Friday’s announcement.
“No matter what location ultimately becomes the home of the new hospital, it’s a great step forward,” said Czetwerzuk. “What a wonderful opportunity for the city to have a state-of-the-art facility. The fact that we have a bunch of people in the room and who were at the sign today wanting to see this project through is a great sign to me.
“I’m hopeful that everyone comes together to support the idea of a new hospital. It’s such a great opportunity and a generational opportunity,” he said.
The gathering and the sign unveiling shows the city is “far along” in the planning process for the University Avenue site, said Coun. Janet-Lynne Durnford, who is also running for mayor in this fall’s election.
“This just makes it really clear the planning is moving ahead. Roberts referred to it moving to the next phase of planning,” said Durnford.
“The city doesn’t have jurisdiction when it comes to selecting the site. It is a Soldiers’ and a Ministry of Health decision,” she said.
McIsaac was sent questions about the hospital development but did not reply. Last week, he informed OrilliaMatters he would no longer entertain interview requests due to its commenting policy.