Province of Ontario Approves Additional Planning Grant
Kitchener, ON, May 16, 2025 - Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) is one large step closer to building a modern, state-of-the-art hospital that will transform how acute care is delivered in Waterloo-Wellington, and beyond.
The Provincial Government included a $10 million planning grant for WRHN in the 2025-2026 Provincial Budget released yesterday. This investment supports the ongoing planning work for Waterloo Region’s new acute hospital and redevelop healthcare infrastructure to meet growing service demand. This announcement is in addition to the $5 million for planning granted by the Province in April 2022.
“We are extremely grateful to the Government of Ontario and our local MPPs for their ongoing support in bringing a new acute care hospital to the Region,” says Ron Gagnon, President and CEO, Waterloo Regional Health Network. “WRHN is in one of the fastest-growing regions in the province, and we’re committed to getting this project done quickly to meet the current and emerging needs of the communities we serve. This is more than a hospital project. It’s a transformative investment in the Region’s health, economy, and future as it shapes where and how patients access healthcare today and in the future.”
The new acute care facility, located on the University of Waterloo’s north campus, will bring an additional 400 acute care beds to the Region, ensuring more patients have access to the care they need when they need it. When complete, WRHN will still have three hospital sites (Midtown, Chicopee, and University), numerous outpatient locations, community clinics and services throughout Waterloo-Wellington.
“Each year, over 700,000 patients receive care at WRHN, and this number continues to grow. Our current facilities were not designed to support the current and increasing demand,” says Dr. Peter Potts, Chief of Staff, Waterloo Regional Health Network. “WRHN’s highly skilled care teams are working hard to meet today’s needs, and this pressure will only increase over the next 10 to 20 years. The Government’s recent announcement is a strong sign of support for the patients we serve. It confirms that the future of WRHN includes expanding programs and services. This will help more patients get care closer to home, reduce wait times, and improve overall health outcomes and patient experiences.”
“The additional investment by the Provincial Government ensures that our planning work for Waterloo Region’s new hospital will continue uninterrupted,” says Cliff Harvey, Vice President, Redevelopment, Waterloo Regional Health Network. “Over the past 10 months, working with WRHN team members and community partners, we have developed a plan on how the new hospital will come together. This incredible insight and input has put us in a position to move quickly to the next stage of the process, once we receive Ministry of Health approval.”
“This achievement would not have been possible without the steadfast support of the communities we serve. We are thankful to the many local champions, leaders, donors, and residents, whose advocacy and dedication have been instrumental in advancing this project,” says Gagnon. “We look forward to ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Health and community partners to get the new hospital construction underway as quickly as possible.”
The Region of Waterloo continues to be a proven provincial leader, attracting top innovation, education, technology, and healthcare talent. Once completed, the new hospital is expected to stimulate significant economic activity, creating thousands of jobs during construction and generating lasting benefits across the region and the province. WRHN is committed to engaging with the public to co-create a new hospital that delivers on the needs of today and prepares for the needs of the future. Learn more or stay up to date at WRHN Redevelopment Project (www.futureofcaretogether.ca).
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For more information contact:
Victoria Ott
Director, Strategic Engagement
victoria.ott@wrhn.ca
519-588-4687
About Waterloo Regional Health Network
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) represents the merger of St. Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital into a single, integrated healthcare organization. Building on over 90 years of partnership, WRHN brings the strengths of both Hospitals together and is home to seven regional programs and comprehensive healthcare services to meet the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond. WRHN is redefining the healthcare experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered, community-driven health care. At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. Learn more at WRHN.ca.