A Brighter Tomorrow

by Cara Williams, Renderings by Parkin Architects Limited

A new Collingwood General & Marine Hospital rises to meet the demands of an evolving region.

“When I sit back and think about the community I want to live in, it naturally causes me to look forward and ask, what can my impact be? How can I make it better? Everyone in this community will need this hospital at some point. South Georgian Bay is truly an extension of larger healthcare systems, and it’s up to us to ensure we have world-class care here. We cannot sit back and assume it will happen. It’s our responsibility to make it happen.”

These words from Craig Hayman, CGMH Foundation Campaign Ambassador, capture the heart of what’s at stake as Collingwood General and Marine Hospital embarks on its most transformative project yet.

Dr. Olivia Cheng. Photo by Kimberly Vincent.

Built largely in the 1950s, the existing hospital has served the community for decades, but its aging infrastructure can no longer meet modern healthcare standards, therefore our healthcare system is at a crossroads. As the population of South Georgian Bay grows at an unprecedented rate, the demand for exceptional care has outpaced the capacity of our current facility. Crowded patient rooms, limited privacy, and outdated layouts create daily challenges for both patients and staff. Renovation isn’t an option—there’s simply no space to expand.

Now, a brighter future is within reach. In December, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones announced the approval of CGMH’s early planning submission for a new hospital to be built on Poplar Sideroad. This state-of-the-art facility will be almost four times larger than the current hospital, designed to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community and to adapt to future demands.

The new hospital will include increased capacity with up to 132 beds, expanded access to emergency and surgical services, and a focus on innovation through a cutting-edge learning centre. This 32-acre site, generously donated by a member of our community, will provide room for growth for decades to come.

Artist rendering of the new Collingwood General & Marine Hospital.

But hospitals aren’t just about buildings; they’re about people. CGMH’s staff, nurses, and physicians have worked tirelessly to deliver exceptional care in a facility stretched beyond its limits. They’ve embraced innovation and introduced new programs to meet growing needs, all while maintaining the highest standards of care.

Building a hospital of tomorrow requires more than government funding. To bring this vision to life, CGMH will launch a $100 million campaign in 2025. This “local share” represents 10% of construction costs and all medical equipment and furnishings. It’s a commitment we make as a community—a promise that the healthcare we build today will serve generations to come.

Now is the time to act. Together, we can create a healthcare system that reflects the spirit, resilience, and generosity of South Georgian Bay. A future of exceptional care is within our reach, but it’s up to all of us to make it happen. E

Visit cgmhf.com/tomorrowshospital/ to learn more and join this transformative journey.