Timeline Responds to Evolving Market Conditions

5-6-2025

Infrastructure Ontario released its latest Market Update, which informs the public on key updates to major construction projects - like the New Windsor/Essex Acute Care Hospital. The update anticipates that the procurement process for the New Windsor/Essex Acute Care Hospital will happen between July and September 2025 approximately three months later than the last market update, where RFQ was forecast between April - June 2025.

This revised timeline does not impact the scope of the hospital project and is largely a result of the evolving national and international construction market conditions such as supply chain disruptions, inflationary cost increases, skilled labour shortages and those caused by the tariffs imposed by the President of the United States.

In response to these shifts and feedback from the construction industry, Windsor Regional Hospital continues to move forward with the New Windsor/Essex Acute Care Hospital as quickly and cost efficiently as possible.

The project includes an enabling works component which consists of the construction of education and administration spaces, a parking structure, and essential site infrastructure to lay the groundwork for our hospital. This first phase of the project remains on schedule with groundbreaking expected early 2026 - if not sooner. Windsor Regional Hospital looks forward to announcing a successful proponent for this part of the project this summer.

"This adjustment is both prudent and strategic. It positions us effectively to navigate the current industry landscape while remaining fully committed to delivering a world-class acute care hospital that our community needs and deserves." Karen Riddell, Acting President and CEO of Windsor Regional Hospital, emphasized.

Windsor Regional Hospital and project leadership continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Infrastructure Ontario to advance the second phase of the project. WRH User Group teams representing all hospital programs and services have held more than 200 meetings this year alone, with many more actively underway. WRH continues to work tirelessly with the Ministry of Health and Infrastructure Ontario to advance the project towards RFQ this summer.

The New Windsor/Essex Acute Care Hospital represents the largest healthcare infrastructure investment in our region's history and the Ministry of Health remains committed to funding the project and the planning process is continuing uninterrupted.

"Delivering the new Windsor/Essex Acute Care Hospital remains one of our government's top local priorities, and I'm proud to stand behind this incredible project that will transform health care for families across Windsor-Essex," said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh. "Our hospital represents more than just bricks and mortar - it's a long-term investment in the well-being of our community. The progress we're making reflects our government's responsible planning, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people of our region."

MPP Anthony Leardi, Essex, also shared his support, noting, "Adjusting the project to reflect current economic realities demonstrates responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and ensures Windsor-Essex receives a state-of-the-art hospital built to serve generations."

WRH is committed to full transparency and will provide continuous project updates to the community via the hospital's website here.

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