Funding is ‘critical to ensuring that our facilities stand ready, enabling timely access to hospital services,’ said OSMH official
Orillia’s Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) is getting more than $1.6 million from the province to complete “vital” upgrades and repairs to its buildings.
According to a news release from Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop, the Ontario government is investing $6,930,704 in the riding: at OSMH, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, and Georgian Bay General Hospital.
The Orillia hospital’s share of the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund (HIRF) is $1,665,067. Across the province, the government’s investment totals $266 million for work at 126 Ontario hospitals.
The funding is welcome news at the 213-bed Orillia hospital that serves more than 440,000 residents across Orillia, Severn, Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Chippewas of Rama First Nation.
“Supporting our current infrastructure needs through HIRF funding, while recently approving OSMH to advance to the next stage of planning for a new hospital, is
a clear illustration of the Province of Ontario supporting us today and into the future, for which we are very grateful,” Tom Roberts, the hospital’s interim President and CEO, said in a media release.
“Over the next decade, we will continue to invest in our current site to ensure the continuity of safe, high-quality care. Investments from the Government of Ontario, such as HIRF, are critical to ensuring that our facilities stand ready, enabling timely access to hospital services,” said Roberts.
Dunlop said the investments are “strategic.”
“The $6.93 million being invested in Georgian Bay General Hospital, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, and Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care will help ensure these facilities remain safe, modern, and well-equipped to deliver exceptional care close to home,” Dunlop said.
“These critical upgrades and repairs will improve the patient experience, support our dedicated healthcare professionals, and strengthen the long-term reliability of
our local healthcare system.”
The HIRF is used to address urgent infrastructure needs including upgrading or replacing roofs, windows, security systems, fire alarms and emergency generators.
Since 2024, the Ontario government has increased funding through the HIRF by 10 per cent each year, allowing even more hospitals to complete upgrades
and repairs in a timely manner.
“Our government is making historic investments to protect Ontario’s health-care system, ensuring that more people in Simcoe North can connect to the care they need, where and when they need it,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
“This investment will enable Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, and Georgian Bay General Hospital to address priority infrastructure needs so patients and their families can continue to access vital services and care in their community.”
Over the next 10 years, Ontario has vowed to invest approximately $64 billion in major health infrastructure, notes the media release. This is part of the government’s plan to get shovels in the ground on more than 50 major hospital projects across the province.