Ontario Hospital Gears Up for a 2027 Opening

By Fay Harvey  

PICTON, Ontario — A new $153.8 million Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) is set to make its debut in Ontario, marking a groundbreaking milestone as North America’s first unencapsulated mass timber hospital. 

HDR Inc., global architect firm, and Arnprior, Ontario-based contractor M. Sullivan & Son Limited began construction efforts, such as geothermal drilling and foundational building, in September 2024 after a groundbreaking in August. As construction, transition and demolition phases continue throughout the upcoming years, the cutting-edge hospital is slated to be completed in Fall 2027, marking history as the most significant change to Prince Edward’s local healthcare system since the first county hospital was opened in 1919.  

Inside, the new 96,000-square-foot PECMH will hold a 24/7 emergency department and 23 inpatient beds as well as an acute inpatient unit staffed with physicians within the Prince Edward Family Health Team. Diagnostic imaging—CT scans, x-rays, ultrasounds mammography, cardio-diagnostics— will be offered in addition to ambulatory care including clinics, medical day care, endoscopy and medical device reprocessing. An inpatient pharmacy, satellite hemodialysis unit and point of care laboratory can be accessed by patients. A new helipad will sit atop the hospital.  

While community is at the forefront of the new construction, sustainability is at the root. The goal of the PECMH’s net-zero design was to reflect innovative architecture by creating accessible, welcoming, green spaces. 

Constructed of mass timber, the new facility will have a decreased carbon footprint through the use of renewable, locally sourced materials. Using geothermal drilling, heat from the ground will boost energy efficiency to align with global environmental goals.  

In preparation for the elements, snow and rain were considered in the parking lot design. Vegetated swales in the lot slow stormwater before they reach a system that filters pollutants before draining into natural systems. Plants selected for the storm water channels are salt-tolerant and strong enough to endure varying moisture amounts. Over 90% of trees species on the hospital’s grounds are native or native-adjacent to the land, including the Kentucky Coffeetree, Eastern Redbud and Paper Birch, and were chosen for their low-maintenance, strong makeup.  

In addition to the plant palette, the overall design of the outdoor gathering spaces, like collaborative lunch spot or gardens dedicated to reflective solitude, pulled inspiration from PECMH’s community quilt that was donated to the first hospital by the community. Designers selected colors from the quilt to pay homage to local history and create a familiar environment. The hospital’s large windows allow a look out into the rich natural environment, a design decision aiming to positively impact the mental health of patients, visitors and staff.  

“Together, with passion, purpose, and gratitude, we are forging ahead to break ground,” said Stacey Daub, Quinte Health CEO in a company statement. “Each foundation poured, and every piece of timber utilized will stand as a testament to our collective commitment to enhancing local healthcare for today and for generations to come.”