Building disruptive technologies is at the core of what we do, and since our inception, the University of Waterloo has also been disrupting the boundaries of health.
In a landmark development for health-care innovation and regional transformation, the University of Waterloo has been selected as the site of Grand River Hospital and St. Mary's General Hospital's new joint hospital, serving Waterloo-Wellington and beyond.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, Minister of Red Tape Reduction Mike Harris and Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop attended the announcement event on July 22. This new facility is part of the Hospital's redevelopment and merger project Building the Future of Care, Together, which aims to better serve the region's health-care needs. The event featured leaders from Grand River Hospital, St. Mary's General Hospital and the University. Local politicians and community leaders were also in attendance.
"I'm so thrilled to be here with all of you to announce that this campus has been selected as the future site of the new Waterloo Region hospital," Premier Ford said. "When complete, the state-of-the-art facility will be a huge part of the future of health care in this region."
"I'm always bragging about just the incredible work you do at the University of Waterloo, second to none. I'll put our students and our profs against anyone in the world when it comes to competing in technology," Ford continued.
Building the Future of Care, Together launched in 2022 with a $5 million grant from the Ontario Ministry of Health. Recognizing the critical need to enhance health-care services, the selection of the site on University of Waterloo's north campus is a strategic move. This centrally located site aligns with the region's forecasted urban and rural growth areas, making it an ideal location for this innovative health-care project.
"Now we are here to celebrate the new site of the future University of Waterloo hospital campus that will continue to expand access to key services and add more beds addressing the needs of your growing community, to ensure families across the region can connect to the care they need from now and for decades to come," Minister Sylvia Jones said.
Sylvia Jones, Ontario's Deputy Premier and Minister of Health speaks at the announcement event
The new Hospital will occupy approximately 60 acres in the David Johnston Research + Technology Park on the University's North Campus, fostering a closer relationship between the University and community health-care providers. Waterloo's researchers already maintain strong relationships with hospitals across Ontario, and this new development will only strengthen these connections.
"Today's announcement means more than a new state-of-the-art hospital in our region; it will mean a deepening of an already strong collaboration between our institution and health institutions in our community," said Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo. "It's yet another example of empowering students, faculty and community to contribute to a healthier region through community-focused, cutting-edge research and experiential learning opportunities."
Waterloo is home to 16 research chairs specializing in health and medical technologies and several health and medical-focused schools. The University is dedicated to providing a world-class education for its students. This collaboration promises to bring innovative health-care solutions and reimagine the future of human health through Waterloo's tremendous strengths in research, technology, innovation and deep community connectedness.
The merger of Grand River Hospital and St. Mary's General Hospital into a single organization is slated to be complete by Spring 2025. Redevelopment projects on existing Hospital infrastructure are underway, as is planning and design for the new Hospital. By bringing together the region's reputation for entrepreneurial thinking, technology, innovation and experiential education, the new hospital aims to become a world-class hub for health care.
University researchers and entrepreneurs are leading health innovation in Canada. Whether it is developing biomedical technologies, advancing biostatistics, or advising on equitable global health policies - Waterloo's interdisciplinary approach to research and innovation enables us to unpack the complexity of where these critical discoveries meet.
The University of Waterloo is committed to working with Grand River Hospital and St. Mary's General Hospital to support the "Building the Future of Care, Together." This collaboration is more than an opportunity to build a new hospital - it is a chance to foster innovation in health care and drive social and economic opportunities for the region.
"We look forward to playing a role alongside this new facility in advancing transformational health innovation in our region, our country and globally," Goel said.
This landmark decision to build a new Hospital on the University of Waterloo campus underscores the region's commitment to improving health-care access and driving new ideas. As the project moves forward, it promises to bring transformative benefits to the community, the University and the broader health-care landscape.
The site offers a picturesque setting on a west-facing hillside overlooking the University of Waterloo Environmental Reserve - which will remain undeveloped. This area provides natural spaces for walking and enjoyment, including views of Columbia Lake and the Laurel Creek watershed. The park features nearly seven kilometres of walking and cycling trails, integrated with the Laurel Trail and the Trans Canada Trail.
Proximity to transit and amenities will enhance the experience for Hospital teams, patients, families, visitors and the broader communities accessing the Hospital.
