The Ontario government has taken the first official step toward the redevelopment of Campbellford Memorial Hospital with a $2.5 million investment to support early planning. As outlined in the 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the project aims to replace the existing 38-bed hospital in Campbellford with a modern, expanded facility that will meet the evolving healthcare needs of communities across Trent Hills, Northumberland, Peterborough, and Hastings Counties.
A Campus Designed for the Future
The new hospital will be part of a much larger “Campus of Care” planned for a 48-acre parcel of land west of the village. Donated by local farmer Jim Curle, the land is expected to host a 50-bed hospital, a 128-bed long-term care facility, medical offices for community health programs, and space for additional medical services. Plans also include 50 affordable, barrier-free housing units, further reinforcing the site as a comprehensive hub for community wellness.
“Our government’s nearly $60 billion plan to build and upgrade more than 50 hospitals across Ontario is delivering on our commitment to provide the people of Ontario with high-quality health care close to home. Today’s announcement is a major step toward delivering a new, state-of-the-art Campbellford Memorial Hospital that will be transformational for the people of Trent Hills and across the region.”
Premier of Ontario | Premier Doug Ford
Expanded Healthcare Services
The new Campbellford Memorial Hospital will feature:
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A modernized emergency department
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A new inpatient medical wing to increase capacity
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Enhanced infection prevention and control measures
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A range of community support services to accommodate an aging population
Ontario Newsroom reports that once operational, the new hospital will not only increase the number of inpatient beds from the existing 38 to a proposed 50, but will also offer infrastructure ready to serve future growth and healthcare innovations.
Design and Construction Scope
Though exact specifications are still under development, early planning will determine bed counts and square footage requirements. The Ministry of Health will work closely with Campbellford Memorial Hospital’s leadership throughout the process.
From a construction perspective, the scope of work for a modern healthcare campus of this scale is expected to involve:
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Site preparation and civil works, including grading, road access, and utility hookups
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Structural steel and concrete construction for hospital buildings and medical offices
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HVAC and mechanical systems installation, including advanced air filtration for infection control
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Electrical systems and backup power installations
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Interior finish trades such as drywall, flooring, ceilings, and casework suitable for healthcare environments
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Exterior envelope construction, including masonry, cladding, and energy-efficient glazing systems
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Specialty healthcare facility installations, including medical gas lines, nurse call systems, and isolation room infrastructure
This wide range of construction tasks will require a robust workforce of skilled tradespeople including general contractors, electricians, plumbers, HVAC specialists, heavy equipment operators, masons, framers, and healthcare facility systems installers. Design and engineering professionals such as architects, civil engineers, and construction project managers will also play key roles in planning and execution.
Community and Economic Impact
The new hospital is expected to not only improve healthcare access but also boost the local economy through job creation in construction and related industries. Premier Doug Ford credited the local community for their role in advocating for the project and expressed his enthusiasm for returning to cut the ribbon at its future grand opening.
Next Steps and Government Support
With the initial funding committed, the Ministry of Health will continue to work with Campbellford Memorial Hospital to complete project planning. This includes scope definition, square footage allocation, facility layout, and service design.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones emphasized the strategic importance of this investment: “This shows how the government is protecting Ontario’s healthcare system and ensuring more people in Trent Hills and the surrounding communities can connect to convenient care, where and when they need it.”
Conclusion
As planning gets underway, the redevelopment of Campbellford Memorial Hospital marks an important milestone in Ontario’s healthcare infrastructure expansion. The eventual construction of this hospital—alongside long-term care, medical services, and affordable housing—will establish a central healthcare hub for the region. With site readiness and early design stages to be finalized in the coming months, the project represents a long-term investment in the health, economy, and well-being of Eastern Ontario.
Posted by Judy Lamelza