Throughout November, borehole drilling was conducted at various locations across Hotel Dieu Shaver's property to assess soil and bedrock conditions.
By Dr. David Ceglie, CEO
At Hotel Dieu Shaver, every step we take toward building our new hospital is guided by a simple commitment: to create a modern, welcoming, and healing environment that meets the needs of our patients, families, staff, and community for decades to come. As we continue through the Functional Program stage of planning, much of our work happens quietly behind the scenes — but important early-site activities are now underway across our property, each one an essential part of building a strong foundation for the future.
More Early Site Work Underway
Over the past several weeks, a number of specialized teams have been onsite conducting studies and assessments that will inform our design, engineering, and environmental planning. These include:
Cultural heritage historians, who toured our building and reviewed archived materials to identify historically significant items that should be preserved or reflected in the new hospital.
Furniture, equipment, and technology consultants, who completed detailed inventories of major clinical equipment. This work helps determine what can be safely reused, what needs replacement, and how to plan responsibly for future clinical needs.
Environmental and geotechnical specialists, who began underground utility locates and, most recently, conducted borehole drilling to assess soil and bedrock conditions. These findings will ultimately guide where on our property the new hospital can safely be built.
Archaeological Fieldwork Now Beginning
This week also marks an important and meaningful milestone: the start of archaeological fieldwork on our north lawn and garden areas. This work is a standard and necessary step in major capital planning — but at Hotel Dieu Shaver, it carries added significance due to the deep cultural and historical importance of the land on which we stand.
As part of this process, we are honoured to welcome monitors from three Indigenous Nations:
- Haudenosaunee Development Institute
- Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council
- Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
Their involvement reflects our shared responsibility to steward this land with respect and care, and to ensure that any findings are approached collaboratively, transparently, and in accordance with cultural protocols. We are grateful for their participation and guidance as this work moves forward.
Functional Planning Continues to Advance
While our consultants conduct this early-site fieldwork, we continue to make meaningful progress in our user group sessions — the heart of the Functional Program stage. These conversations bring together staff, physicians, patient advisors, partners, and specialists to help us define what our new hospital will look and feel like.
In these sessions, we are focusing on:
- Designing bright, welcoming spaces that complement the natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment and support healing through light, views, and nature.
- Protecting the mission, culture, and compassion that define Hotel Dieu Shaver, ensuring these values remain embedded in every design choice.
- Mapping out how future spaces will enhance care, improve patient flow, and support staff in delivering the exceptional service that has become synonymous with HDS.
The vision is clear: a hospital that expands our capacity, modernizes our environment, and strengthens our ability to care for Niagara — while preserving the heart and spirit that make HDS unique.
Staying Connected as the Project Grows
We recently launched a dedicated section of our website to help our community follow along as the project evolves. You’ll find updates, FAQs, media materials, and opportunities to stay informed or offer feedback at:
👉 www.hoteldieushaver.org/new-build
As we continue this important early work, we remain energized by the momentum and deeply grateful for the interest, support, and partnership of our community. This is a once-in-a-generation project — and together, we’re building a future that will serve Niagara for decades to come.
With appreciation,
Dr. David Ceglie
CEO, Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre