News

“This is a monumental day for Southlake and this community,” stated Hospital President and CEO Daniel Carriere.

“Our effort to expand this facility and develop regional programs has been tireless, and I believe this building will serve as a testament to our dedication to meet and exceed the health care needs of this community.”

The day’s events included a morning reception for staff, physicians and volunteers and an afternoon ceremony, which was attended by Health Minister George Smitherman, Belinda Stronach, honourary chair of the hospital foundation’s “Nurture the Future” capital campaign and Joe Dales, son of hospital founder, Dr. Lowell Dales. During the evening, approximately 1,000 community residents dropped by the Hospital’s Open House and enjoyed guided tours of the new facility.

Commemorating the day was the unveiling of a plaque in the lobby of the new building and the dedication of a time capsule to the staff, physicians and volunteers.

"Many people came together in a determined effort to raise the funds that were needed to build this new facility," said George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care.

"Along with the hard work and far-sightedness of the hospital's board and management, that community effort went a long way toward making the dream of this new facility come true."

Toward this massive project, the provincial government has contributed a total of $88.3 million. The Regional Municipality of York contributed an additional $34 million, and Simcoe County contributed $2.4 million. Through the “Nurture the Future” campaign Southlake’s foundation surpassed its initial commitment of $15 million and raised a total of $16.6 million.

“Our commitment to this project simply would not have been enough,” said Carriere.

“The financial support and moral backing we received from the province, the region and the countless number of donors who contributed to our capital campaign have made today possible.”

Levels one and two of the new building opened in December 2003 and facilitated the introduction of cardiac surgery. Occupation of levels three through six is scheduled to take place in early July and will include the relocation of the maternal child, cardiac, cancer and musculoskeletal programs into their new space. Perhaps one of the most highly anticipated benefits of this project will also be realized when the emergency department moves into a space three times its current size.

Following occupation of the new building, renovations will commence on the two existing towers to expand and modernize the patient care areas. In order to facilitate the construction of the hospital’s Regional Cancer Centre and five-storey parking structure on the west side of the property, demolition on the north-west side of the property will begin in early 2005.

Unveiling of new six-storey building's commemorative plaque.

(l to r) Regional Chair, Bill Fisch;
Hospital President Dan Carriere; Health Minister, George Smitherman;
Hospital Board Chair, Robin Tidd; and Foundation Board Chair, Kevin Murdoch.

Back to NEWS page