Waterloo chosen as new location for regional hospital

Developing breakthrough technologies is at the heart of what we do. Since our founding, the University of Waterloo has also pushed the boundaries of healthcare.

In a groundbreaking move for healthcare innovation and regional transformation, the University of Waterloo has been selected as the site for the new joint hospital between Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital, serving Waterloo-Wellington and the surrounding area.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, Minister of Red Tape Cutting Mike Harris and Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop attended the announcement event on July 22. The new facility is part of the hospital’s Building the Future of Care, Together redevelopment and merger project, which aims to better serve the region’s health care needs. The event was attended by leaders from Grand River Hospital, St. Mary’s General Hospital and the university. Local politicians and community leaders were also in attendance.

“I am so pleased 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,” said Premier Ford. “When complete, this state-of-the-art facility will be a huge part of the future of health care in this region.”

“I always brag about the incredible work you do at the University of Waterloo, it’s unparalleled. I put our students and our professors up against anyone in the world when it comes to technology competition,” Ford continued.

Building the Future of Care, Together was launched in 2022 with a $5 million grant from the Ontario Ministry of Health. Choosing the location on the University of Waterloo’s North Campus is a strategic move, recognizing the urgent need to improve health care delivery. This centrally located location aligns with the region’s predicted urban and rural growth areas, making it an ideal location for this innovative health care project.

“Now we are here to celebrate the new location of the future campus of the University of Waterloo Hospital. This campus will continue to expand access to important services and add more beds to meet the needs of your growing community, ensuring families across the region have access to the care they need now and for decades to come,” said Minister Sylvia Jones.

Sylvia Jones, Ontario 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 closer ties between the university and local health care providers. Waterloo researchers already have strong relationships with hospitals across Ontario, and this new development will only strengthen those ties.

“Today’s announcement means more than a new state-of-the-art hospital in our region; it deepens an already strong partnership between our institution and health care providers in our community,” said Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo. “It’s another example of empowering students, faculty and the 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 schools. The university is committed to providing a world-class education for its students. This collaboration promises to bring innovative healthcare solutions and reshape the future of human health through Waterloo’s vast strengths in research, technology, innovation and deep community connection.

The merger of Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital into one organization is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2025. Redevelopment projects on the hospital’s existing 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 healthcare.

University researchers and entrepreneurs are at the forefront of health innovation in Canada. Whether developing biomedical technologies, advancing biostatistics, or advising on equitable global health policies, Waterloo’s interdisciplinary approach to research and innovation allows us to unravel the complexities of where these critical discoveries come together.

The University of Waterloo is committed to working with Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital to support “Building the Future of Care, Together.” This partnership is more than an opportunity to build a new hospital – it’s an opportunity to advance innovation in healthcare and create social and economic opportunities for the region.

“We look forward to playing a role in advancing transformative healthcare innovations in our region, our country and globally with this new facility,” Goel said.

This landmark decision to build a new hospital on the University of Waterloo campus underscores the region’s commitment to improving access to health care and fostering 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 hill 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 hiking and biking trails, integrated with the Laurel Trail and the Trans Canada Trail.

Proximity to public transport and amenities enhances the experience for hospital teams, patients, families, visitors and the wider communities who visit the hospital.