Infrastructure improvements proceeding thanks to funding from Ontario government

Posted on 07/31/2024

Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care is receiving $1,147,500 from the Ontario government this year to upgrade and repair infrastructure.

The money is part of a nearly $6.9-million investment shared by Waypoint, Georgian Bay General Hospital, Enaahtig Healing Lodge and Learning Centre, Wendat Community Programs, the Canadian Mental Health Association Simcoe County Branch and Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.

“Our government is committed to improving health care for all Ontarians through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund (HIRF),” said Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop. “I am thrilled to share that six organizations in Simcoe North are recipients. This crucial support will help these organizations further build strong health care facilities, ensuring our communities have access to high-quality care when they need it most.”

Waypoint will put the money to good use by installing a new fire pump in the Toanche Building, upgrading/replacing building automation system controllers, replacing boilers in the Environmental Services Building and upgrading fire alarm panels, to name just four of the 13 projects on tap.

Dr. Nadiya Sunderji, Waypoint’s President and CEO, said the hospital appreciates the funding.

“I am thankful to the government for this investment in Waypoint’s buildings and systems," she said. "Upgrades and improvements like these aren’t always visible to the outside eye, but they are vitally important to providing a safe and comfortable environment for our patients, families and staff. I look forward to continued collaboration in support of our hospital and community.”

The Ontario government is investing more than $228 million this year to support critical infrastructure upgrades and repairs at 129 hospitals and 58 community health care facilities across the province.

“Our government is making record investments in the health care system to ensure people are able to access care at state-of-the-art hospitals and community health providers,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

Hospitals are responsible for planning infrastructure repair and rehabilitation activities to ensure their facilities remain in a good state of repair. Recognizing the need for continuous infrastructure renewal, the province established the HIRF in 1999. It is designed to supplement a hospital’s existing renewal program and help address infrastructure repair and replacement requirements on a priority basis.