Groves Community Memorial Hospital breaks ground for services

Infrastructure work in preparation for a new Groves hospital here is underway after a ground breaking ceremony on June 17.

Hospital officials, dignitaries and politicians assembled for the ceremony on the property just north of the county museum and archives.

Bringing water and sewer services and hydro, as well as building streets and a roundabout to service the hospital on what is being termed the “Wellington County campus” will cost $4.1 million, with the hospital picking up $2.8 million (from a previous $5-million county donation) and $1.3 million from the county’s property reserve.

County Warden Chris White said the work, expected to start next week, is the first part of a development to “have a beautiful hospital.”

“We look forward to seeing the hospital come in right behind,” White said.

The work is being done by Encora Enterprises (EX-L Excavating and Site Services) from Guelph.

White said it is hoped the property and new hospital will attract a university or college medical satellite office.

“It will be like a university campus,” White said. “It’s not intended to be a drive-through.”

The county purchased 105 acres in 2008 with 34 acres allocated to the hospital and the remainder to the county for future development.

Centre Wellington Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj said the work is the first step in the plan for a new hospital.

“We value our hospital so much and we know the value the hospital brings to our community,” the mayor said of plans for the new Groves, which is estimated to cost about $100 million.

“It’s been a long journey and it’s still going to be a longer journey.”

Hospital CEO Jerome Quenneville said officials are hoping to go to tender on the building in late 2015, with construction expected to be completed by 2018.

Groves hospital committee chair Gord Feniak said plans for the new hospital have been met with some skepticism, but overall the support has been strong in the community.

“There’s been people who said, ‘I’ll believe it when I see it,’” Feniak said. “For those who want to see something, today is the day. It’s moving into reality.”

MPP Ted Arnott called the infrastructure work “another step forward to the development of our new Groves Memorial Community Hospital.”

He added, “Our celebration today is happening only because our community has come together behind the vision of a new hospital.”

 

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