Ontario is renewing hospital infrastructure in Niagara to ensure patients get the care they need.
Through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund, the province is investing $3,144,212 for infrastructure upgrades to Niagara community hospitals. The funding will help address critical infrastructure needs at local hospitals such as:
- Structural upgrades such as roof replacements and new windows
- Upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
- Improvements such as upgrading back-up generators
- Upgraded fire alarm systems and other work needed to address requirements under the Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code.
In the 2015 Budget, the government committed to providing more than $11 billion in hospital capital grants over 10 years, including grants administered through the HIRF. This funding is part of the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario’s history — more than $130 billion over 10 years. This investment is helping connect regions, develop new economic opportunities and improve quality of life for Ontarians by supporting infrastructure projects in cities, towns, and rural and remote communities across the province.
Upgrading health-care infrastructure is part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
QUOTES
“Through this investment in hospital infrastructure, we are ensuring that patients have access to care in spaces that are safe, healthy and comfortable. These projects make a real, positive difference in the healing environment, complementing the high quality care patients receive in Ontario hospitals.”
― Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
“The safety and comfort of patients should always be a high priority in our healthcare system and the allocation of over $4.5 million dollars to Niagara hospitals for upgrades to their infrastructure helps to achieve this essential goal.”
― Jim Bradley, MPP, St. Catharines
“These HIRF investments will allow hospitals in the HNHB LHIN to make important facility upgrades that would not otherwise be feasible due to already tight budgets. With the ability to undertake these essential infrastructure projects, many of which are safety and accessibility related, our hospitals can deliver better care and direct more health care dollars towards frontline services.”
― Michael Shea, Board Chair, HNHB LHIN
“On behalf of the Niagara Health System Board and our Team, we are extremely grateful for this infrastructure investment. With this funding we will continue the exciting work of building the health system of the future while making sure everyone in Niagara has access to world-class care provided by the very best professionals.”
― Barry Wright, Niagara Health System Board of Directors Chair
“Excellent patient care requires health care facilities to be in proper working condition. HIRF affords Hotel Dieu Shaver the opportunity to replace or repair aging equipment to maintain a safe and efficient environment for our patients. Without it, we would not have the ability to invest in essential services and programs for Niagara residents.”
― Jane Rufrano, CEO, Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre
QUICK FACTS
- In 2014–15, the Ontario government increased the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund to $125 million — more than doubling its investment from $56.2 million the year before. It has maintained the fund at $125 million in 2015–16.
- Modernizing infrastructure will support more than 110,000 jobs a year on average in construction and related industries.
- A Conference Board of Canada report estimated that Ontario’s public infrastructure investment would add more than $1,000 to the average annual income of Ontarians in 2014 and lower the unemployment rate by about one percentage point.
LEARN MORE
For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free in Ontario only)
MEDIA CONTACT:
Betty Humphreys
Office of the Hon. Jim Bradley, MPP
905-935-0018
