In a landmark health care infrastructure announcement, the Ontario government has officially launched the process for building a brand-new Campbellford Memorial Hospital in Trent Hills. The announcement, part of the 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, marks a transformative step toward expanding health care services for residents across Northumberland County and neighboring regions including Peterborough and Hastings.
Premier Doug Ford emphasized that the development is part of a broader, nearly $60 billion provincial commitment to building and upgrading over 50 hospitals throughout Ontario. The new Campbellford facility will not only provide essential services but is envisioned as a central piece of a comprehensive rural health care campus.
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A New Era of Health Care Access in Trent Hills and Beyond
State-of-the-Art Hospital to Replace Aging Facility
The new Campbellford Memorial Hospital will be a larger, modernized medical facility designed to meet the growing demands of the region’s aging population. With expanded programs, services, and facilities, the new hospital is expected to significantly improve health care delivery for more than 40,000 residents in the surrounding counties.
Among its features, the hospital will include:
- A fully modernized emergency department
- A new inpatient medical wing
- Increased bed capacity to reduce wait times
- Advanced infection prevention and control measures
- A full-service “Campus of Care” supporting a range of community and aging-related services
According to Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, this hospital is part of a long-term plan to make health care more convenient, connected, and responsive to local needs. “By investing in a brand-new Campbellford Memorial Hospital, we are making it faster and easier for more people to access world-class care in their own community,” said Jones.
What the Hospital Means for Local Communities
Connecting More People to High-Quality Care
With the Ontario government’s investment, the hospital will serve as a regional hub that enhances health care access for a wide range of populations — from rural residents to seniors requiring specialized services.
David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland—Peterborough South, celebrated the announcement as both a promise kept and a turning point for rural health care in the province. “This will not just bring a new hospital to our community, but a ‘Campus of Care’ that will care for our community and the surrounding region for decades to come,” Piccini said.
The Long-Term Vision for Rural Health in Ontario
Planning Process and Infrastructure Commitment
The Ministry of Health is now collaborating with Campbellford Memorial Hospital leadership on early planning, including details such as square footage and the number of inpatient beds. This step is critical to ensure that the new hospital is built to support future demand while maintaining flexibility for evolving health care needs.
Jeff Hohenkerk, President and CEO of Campbellford Memorial Hospital, called the planning grant “a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” underscoring the project’s importance in developing a “modern, rural integrated health care campus.”
Health Infrastructure Investments Across Ontario
This hospital project is part of a broader health infrastructure strategy that includes:
- $60 billion over 10 years to support over 50 major hospital developments
- The creation of 3,000 new hospital beds across the province
- More than $228 million allocated in 2024–25 for upgrades at 129 hospitals and 58 community care facilities
Campbellford Memorial Hospital alone received $202,283 in the 2024–25 fiscal year for infrastructure enhancements, including upgrades to its fire alarm system under the Exceptional Circumstance Project Grant.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Future
As Ontario’s health care needs continue to evolve, the new Campbellford Memorial Hospital represents a proactive response to demographic shifts, capacity challenges, and community health demands. The initiative aligns with Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, a province-wide commitment to providing better access and outcomes through modern, efficient facilities.
With the planning phase now underway, this project signals a new era of rural health care delivery that puts local communities first and ensures that all Ontarians, regardless of location, have timely access to the care they deserve.