Virtual Update on New Hospital Plans

Website Editor • May 6, 2021

PICTON, May 6, 2021

Prince Edward County residents got a virtual tour behind the scenes of the planning and design process for the new County hospital today, when the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation hosted a community meeting featuring key project leaders and developers.

Held online, the meeting welcomed almost 90 participants who wanted to attend to hear Canadian architect, Jason-Emery Groen, talk about some of the design and potential for sustainability plans he and his planning team are working for on the new hospital.

Groen explained features like designing for natural light in the atrium, incorporating energy efficient windows and using sustainable materials wherever possible.

“All of these features and potentially more are within the design scope and are being considered as part of the planning process,” he said.

On the business side of the new hospital, Groen emphasized the importance of the building fitting into the landscape of the community but with capacity to accommodate future expansion.

President and CEO of Quinte Healthcare, Stacey Daub, also spoke, confirming that the new hospital is being designed to allow for 18 inpatient beds with the ability to expand up to 23. The Emergency Department is being designed for 13 rooms.

She pointed out the new QHC PECMH will be a leading edge facility.

The new QHC PECMH will respond to the needs and values of the community while providing services appropriate to the region. The facility will be designed to fully align with current codes and infection control standards. Operational effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability are top priorities for the build. The building will total 92,260 square feet and be laid out on two levels. The layout includes key departments such as the Emergency Department, Ambulatory Clinics and the Inpatient Unit co-located on the first floor. The second floor includes Dialysis, administration and mechanical services spaces.

“I’m incredibly thankful for the continued passion and commitment to the development of a new Quinte Health Care Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital shown by our project partners, the PEC community and the many generous donors. It was great to see the project referenced again in Infrastructure Ontario’s spring update – yet another reassurance of the government’s unwavering intent to Back the Build,” said Daub.

Prince Edward County’s Mayor, Steve Ferguson highlighted the importance of having a hospital in the community.

“We are excited about the possibilities offered by a new and modern hospital in Prince Edward County. The new hospital will undoubtedly enhance patient-centred care right here in our community. Furthermore, a new hospital is a vital community asset. People who are thinking about working, raising a family, or retiring in Prince Edward County will take comfort knowing that they can get top quality health care services close to home."

In their first introduction to the community, David Steiner, Director of Project Delivery, and Nataleigh Gooden, Project Manager, at Infrastructure Ontario, spoke to the procurement method and their role in helping to guide the project through the government’s approval process. Infrastructure Ontario has a successful track record of using the public-private partnership (P3) model to deliver projects, on time and on budget. To date, the P3 model has been used to design and build 50 health care facilities in the province.

Based on current projected timelines, the plan is to move into the new hospital sometime in 2027.

Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Chairperson, Barbara McConnell emceed the event and thanked the community for their generous support of the Back the Build campaign.

“What an incredible journey for our foundation to work with leaders in their field toward a common goal of a new hospital in the County. Through their vision and support, we see our new hospital taking shape. But what has made this experience so amazing is the on-going commitment of our PEC community to make this new hospital happen. Every day we see the community share of the cost climb steadily toward our goal of $16.5 million. This community is incredible. I want to thank everyone who has made a donation to Back the Build, and I want to thank our volunteer board and campaign cabinet who are the ones doing the heavy lifting in the fundraising endeavour, and I want to thank the staff without whom none of these achievements would be possible. What a remarkable team,” she said.

For more information about the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Back the Build campaign, visit www.backthebuild.ca.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance health care for the patients of the hospital and the people of Prince Edward County.

"On behalf of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, the Back the Build Campaign Cabinet and the staff, thank you for attending our Back the Build Community Update. We are so glad you could join us and our project partners to hear firsthand an update on how plans are progressing as we work towards building a new hospital in Prince Edward County.

Almost 90 participants attended our virtual update. Our sincere gratitude is extended to our panel of speakers: Mayor Steve Ferguson; Quinte Health Care President and CEO, Stacey Daub; David Steiner from Infrastructure Ontario; and HDR Architect, Jason-Emery Groen.

We are also grateful to R. Donald Maracle, Chief of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and David Joyce, Director of Riding Affairs for MPP Todd Smith for joining us as our special guests.

Here are some key highlights from the presentation:

· The new hospital is being designed to include natural light and clear, open spaces that will ‘de-institutionalize’ the look and feel of the facility

· The use of sustainable materials will be incorporated wherever possible

· The design will integrate nature with staff and will have patient gardens to provide respite

· The new hospital is being designed to allow for 18 inpatient beds with the ability to expand up to 23 – all private rooms, with private washrooms.

· The new hospital will be able to adapt to the changing needs, or threats from diseases such as the current pandemic

· The building will total 92,620 square feet (currently 56,000) and be laid out on two levels. The extra space is largely due to expanding emergency and allowances for an ambulance garage

· Infrastructure Ontario’s involvement strengthens the process by ensuring the project is completed on time and on budget

· Construction of the new hospital is set to begin in 2024 and doors will be open in 2027. It is hoped that construction will support local suppliers and provide well paying jobs

The recording of this update can be viewed by following this link: https://youtu.be/bQbDynzklWM

If you have any questions or feedback for the presenters, email us at info@pecmhf.ca
or call 613-476-1008 ext. 4502.

Thank you again for your attendance and for investing in the future of exceptional health care delivery
in Prince Edward County."

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Andara Gallery's Annual 'Holiday Photo in the Barn' moves to the Eddie Hotel and Farm

October 31, 2025

BLOOMFIELD, October 28, 2025 – What began as a way to bring isolated people together safely to make cherished holiday memories during the Covid pandemic … grew over 5 years resulting in over 3,000 people (and countless pets) being photographed at ANDARA Gallery’s annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event … raising over $35,000 for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation. Today, Tara Wilkinson and Andrew Csafordi are proud to announce that this beloved program will be transitioning over to The Eddie Farm & Hotel for the 2025 Holiday season … and beyond. “We have loved every minute of our five years hosting this special holiday fundraiser! The program has grown so much and now requires more energy and resources. We couldn’t be more thrilled to hand the reins of this beautiful annual tradition over to the stewardship of Alex Portman and Michael von Teichman at The Eddie Hotel and Farm … the epitome of “Christmas in the County”. We know their team will do a great job continuing this treasured tradition for County residents and visitors in support of our beloved hospital”, said Tara Wilkinson, co-owner of ANDARA Gallery. Artists Tara and Andrew will continue to focus on creating, exhibiting and selling contemporary fine art paintings, photography, digital art and ceramics year-round from their colourful ANDARA Gallery - named one of Ontario’s Top 10 Best Art Galleries by TripAdvisor earlier this year. ANDARA Gallery’s upcoming holiday art show and sale, “LUMINOUS” will run November 15th through December 6th and then December 16th to 23rd from 11 AM to 5 PM. For more information, visit www.andaragallery.com. The 6th Annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event will take place at its new location, The Eddie Hotel and Farm located at 15786 Loyalist Parkway (between Bloomfield and Wellington) in Prince Edward County … Thursdays through Sundays between Noon and 6 PM starting on Thursday, December 4th and running through Sunday, December 21st, 2025. The event will now be known as “Holiday Photos at The Red Barn”. Residents and visitors can now make an advance reservation for their group photo time through www.theeddie.ca/holiday-photo-in-the-barn. Guests will check in a Nellie’s Cheese Shop located in The Red Barn where they can make their donation to PECMH Foundation’s “Back the Build” campaign, purchase a snack, hot chocolate, mulled cider and other holiday gifts. You then bring your own fully charged camera and choose from one of 3 photo areas in and around The Red Barn. Eddie staff will be available to assist with taking your photo or you can use one of the iphone camera stands available at each photo location. All they ask in return is for a donation to PECMH Foundation’s “Back the Build” campaign. “We suggest a donation of $10 per group, but a larger donation is welcome if you can afford it, and less is fine if you can’t” says Alex. An income tax receipt will be issued by the PECMHF for all donations over $100. To make your reservation for the 6th Annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event at The Eddie Hotel and Farm, go to www.theeddie.ca/holiday-photo-in-the-barn. “We are delighted to be taking over the annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event from Tara and Andrew at ANDARA Gallery and bringing it to The Eddie Hotel and Farm. It seemed like such a good fit since our property is already so decorated after The Red Barn Holiday Market - which takes place the last weekend of November each year. We loved the idea of people being able to capture their family memories over the years against the backdrop of “The Eddie”, says says Alex Portman, Co-owner of The Eddie Hotel and Farm. “We are delighted to continue this wonderful tradition of providing such a joyful experience for our community that brings people together to create holiday memories while raising much needed funds for the new hospital,” says Michael Von Teichman, Co-Owner of The Eddie Hotel and Farm. “Thank you to Andrew and Tara of ANDARA Gallery and everyone who has supported this event over the past five years. We look forward to continuing this wonderful holiday tradition with Alex and Mike at The Eddie Hotel and Farm. No matter the size, every donation makes a difference in the care you and your family will receive in our new hospital,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson. “We look forward to everyone coming out to support this festive fundraiser again this year as we work to modernize and enhance health care services to ensure people living in and visiting our community continue to have access to care close to home.” The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County and patients of the hospital. -30- PHOTO CAPTION: (L-R) Holiday Photo in the Barn Founders and ANDARA Gallery Co-Owners, Andrew Csafordi and Tara Wilkinson, celebrate the transition of their annual fundraiser over to The Eddie Hotel and Farm in Prince Edward County with (Centre) Nancy Parks, PECMHF Back the Build Chairperson and (R), the Eddie’s Co-Owners, Michael von Teichman and Alex Portman. Photo Credit: Staff, The Eddie Hotel and Farm.

Partners in Pink Golf Tournament a Swinging Success

October 28, 2025

The inaugural Partners in Pink Golf Tournament, held on October 9, was a swinging success, raising just over $64,000

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160 Supports Mammography Campaign

October 17, 2025

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is grateful to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160 in Wellington for their generous $3,000 grant from the Poppy Fund to support the purchase of a new mammography machine for our new hospital.

Leaving a Legacy of Care for Generations to Come

October 15, 2025

PECMH Foundation Planned Giving - Merrial Leslie built a full and meaningful life rooted in love, hard work, and community.

Community Spirit Shines as Bake Off Breaks Fundraising Record

September 24, 2025

Community Spirit Shines as Bake Off Breaks Fundraising Record PICTON, September 24, 2025 – The sweet smell of success filled the air at the Picton Fair as the 16th annual Bake Off Challenge raised a record-breaking $18,700 for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF). With more than 50 entries and enthusiastic bidding, the community once again proved that a passion for baking can translate into life-changing support for local health care. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of a digital mammography machine, a critical tool for early breast cancer detection. Since 2007, the Prince Edward Agricultural Society, who host the Bake Off has raised over $64,500 for the hospital. This year’s event included a special one-time memorial apple pie category in honour of the late Deputy Fire Chief Jim Young, who was the inaugural Bake Off winner in 2007 with his unforgettable apple pie. A total of 26 apple pies were entered in his honour, raising an incredible $8,250 on their own. Jim’s parents, Colleen and Murray, and daughters, Dahnon and Kendyl, were present to celebrate his legacy. Entries were judged by Ken Menlove, a local lawyer; Jordan Smart with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Auxiliary Unit; Mike Roy, a community member; and Chris Malette, MP for Bay of Quinte. The auction produced plenty of highlights. Firefighter Autumn Benlap’s Caramel Apple Spice Cheesecake topped the apple pie category and sold to Dr. Sarah Waterston, and Elizabeth Lodge’s Lemon Cream Pie, named best overall pie, sold to Herman Prinzen. “The Bake Off is more than a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of community spirit and generosity,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “This year’s proceeds will support the purchase of a new digital mammography machine for the new County hospital, and we are so grateful to every baker, bidder, and volunteer who made that possible.” “The Bake Off has become a highlight of the Picton Fair, and it’s inspiring to see how much it has grown,” said Susan Harrington, president of the Picton Fair Board. “The generosity of our community never ceases to amaze us. Thank you to everyone who baked, bid, or volunteered to make this year such a success.” The Agricultural Society also expressed its gratitude to the many individuals and local businesses who made the event possible. “There’s something truly special about seeing friends, neighbours, and businesses come together over pies and cakes to support health care,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson. “This event proves that even the simplest of traditions can make a lasting impact on our community.” The Foundation is proud of its longstanding partnership with the Agricultural Society and looks forward to welcoming everyone back to next year’s Picton Fair. The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County and patients of the hospital.