Staff are taken through a design workshop to review elements of the Functional Program and gather feedback.
By Dr. David Ceglie, CEO
Planning a new hospital is a complex journey, and while much of the work happens behind the scenes, the past several weeks have marked meaningful progress for the future Hotel Dieu Shaver. From important discussions with provincial partners to strong engagement from our teams and broader community, momentum continues to build as we move toward submitting our Functional Program next month.
Collaborating with Provincial Partners
In recent weeks, we have met with colleagues from the Ministry of Health, Ontario Health, and Infrastructure Ontario to advance key conversations about the project. These discussions have focused on procurement approaches and exploring every opportunity to move the project forward as efficiently and responsibly as possible.
The conversations have been productive and encouraging, reinforcing a shared commitment to ensuring Niagara has access to modern, high-quality rehabilitation and complex care services for decades to come. Maintaining close alignment with our provincial partners remains an essential part of preparing for the next stages of planning and approval.
Continuing Community Conversations
Alongside this work, we have continued engaging with partners and stakeholders across Niagara to share updates on the project and build awareness of the growing need for rehabilitation and complex care services in our region.
These ongoing conversations are an important step in helping people understand the long-term benefits of this project -- not only for Hotel Dieu Shaver, but for patients, families, and the broader health system. We have been encouraged by the thoughtful interest and support we continue to see as we share our vision for the future.
Design Workshops Show Strong Engagement from Our HDS Community
Closer to home, we recently hosted two design workshops that brought together dozens of staff, physicians, volunteers, and advisors from across the organization. These sessions provided an opportunity to review elements of the Functional Program and gather feedback on how our future spaces can best support patient care, teamwork, and day-to-day hospital operations.
The level of participation was inspiring. The insights shared -- from clinical workflows to patient experience considerations -- will directly help shape how our future hospital functions. This collaborative planning reflects what makes Hotel Dieu Shaver special: when we plan for the future, we do it together.
Looking Ahead
As we move toward submitting our Functional Program next month, excitement continues to grow. Each meeting, workshop, and conversation brings us one step closer to realizing a modern, welcoming, and healing environment that will serve Niagara for generations to come.
We remain grateful for the continued engagement of our staff, partners, and community as this transformational project progresses. More updates will follow as we reach the next milestones in our journey.
With appreciation,
Dr. David Ceglie
CEO, Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre