Ontario Investing in Health Care Infrastructure Upgrades and Repairs in the Region of Durham

Modernizing Health Care Infrastructure to Support Safe and High-Quality Care for Patients

DURHAM REGION — The Ontario Government is investing $3,648,054 million this year to upgrade and repair infrastructure at Lakeridge Health, Community Care Durham, and Durham Community Health Centre to ensure hard working families throughout the Region of Durham continue to access the care they need in safe, comfortable environments.

“Upgrading and maintaining hospitals and community health infrastructure is one more way our government is ensuring Whitby residents receive exceptional care when and where they need it,” said Lorne Coe, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and MPP for Whitby. “These crucial investments will help build the capacity needed while ensuring our hospitals and community health centres have the tools they need to improve the quality of care for patients.”

This funding will help health system partners like Lakeridge Health, Community Care Durham, and Durham Community Health Centre to address urgent infrastructure needs such as upgrading or replacing roofs, windows, security and fire alarm systems and emergency generators to ensure people can continue to connect to care in safe, modern facilities.

The following amounts are what each individual organization has received:
• Lakeridge Health: $3,579,013
• Community Care Durham: $37,314
• Durham Community Health Centre: $31,727

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.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, 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. “This year our government is investing an additional $20 million to allow facilities to modernize and make critical upgrades, ensuring people can connect to the care they need, when they need it, close to home.”

“Our government is dedicated to ensuring the people of Ajax and the Durham Region can rely on efficient and convenient healthcare when they need it,” said Patrice Barnes, MPP for Ajax. “By investing over $3.6 million, we’re supporting our community healthcare partners Lakeridge Health, Community Care Durham, and Durham Community Health Centre, so that they are equipped with the right tools to deliver quality care across the Durham Region.”

“This funding will help our health system partners address urgent infrastructure needs from upgrading or replacing roofs, to ensuring access to emergency generators,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. “By enhancing these essential facilities, we ensure that hardworking families across the Region of Durham can access the quality care they need in safe, modern environments.”

“Our government is fully committed to supporting publicly funded healthcare to build a stronger, more resilient system capable of better responding to the needs of Durham Region residents,” said Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham. “As one of Ontario’s largest hospital systems, Lakeridge Health is renowned for its exceptional programs and services delivered with care and compassion. This additional investment will provide the essential funding to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Durham Region.”

Through Your Health: A Plan For Connected and Convenient Care, the province is taking action to expand and modernize Ontario’s hospitals to ensure patients and their families receive the right care, in the right place, for years to come.

“We thank the Ontario government for the investment in Durham Community Health Centre. This funding will enhance our facility’s safety and functionality, allowing us to better address social determinants of health in our equity-deserving community. We appreciate the government’s commitment to strengthening regional healthcare and the positive impact this will have on Durham families.”

– Francis Garwe, B.Sc, MAOM, CCMP, ICD.D, CEO Durham Community Health Centre

“Infrastructure upgrades are necessary but costly,” said James Meloche, CEO of Community Care Durham. “As a not-for-profit organization, we are so grateful to have the support of the Ontario government to help us maintain our facilities, allowing us to continue our focus on helping our clients maximize their independence and thrive wherever they live.”

– Community Care Durham CEO, James Meloche

“We’re grateful to our provincial partners for their invaluable investment and unwavering commitment to enhancing local health-care services and hospital infrastructure. This support is crucial to enabling Lakeridge Health to provide the highest quality of care and ensure the healthiest communities. Together, we’re helping to achieve our vision of One System. Best Health, creating a comprehensive, integrated system of care for the people of Durham Region.”

– Cynthia Davis, President and CEO, Lakeridge Health

QUICK FACTS
▪ This year, Ontario has increased the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund and the Community Infrastructure renewal fund by a total of 10 percent.

▪ This year’s increase includes an additional $20 million through the Exceptional Circumstances Project (ECP) Grant which is designed to provide targeted support for the most urgent hospital infrastructure renewal needs throughout the province.

▪ Community health facilities are publicly funded and provide a range of programs to patients including primary care, community mental health and addictions services, allied health care (such as physical therapy and respiratory therapy) and programs delivered by a public health unit.

▪ As part of Ontario’s 2024 Budget, the province is investing a record, over $85 billion into the healthcare system. This includes a record 4 percent increase in investments to the hospital sector.

▪ Since 2018, the Ontario government has added over 3,500 beds across the province. Over the next 10 years, Ontario’s investments will lead to nearly $50 billion in more than 50 health infrastructure projects across the province, adding 3,000 more new beds.

▪ The government is investing an additional $500 million over 10 years for small hospital projects and community health programs.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care