Redevelopment FAQs

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Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page about the redevelopment of Campbellford Memorial Hospital and the creation of a new Campus of Care. This transformative project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve healthcare access and services for our community.

Here, we address common questions about the project, including our plans, timelines, and the steps we are taking to ensure the best possible outcomes. We are committed to transparency and will continue to provide updates as we progress through this exciting journey.

Thank you for your interest and support in shaping the future of healthcare in our region.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Campbellford Memorial Hospital?

Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) is a 34-bed health care facility in Trent Hills, serving approximately 40,000 residents across Northumberland, Peterborough, and Hastings Counties, along with seasonal visitors who enjoy the region.

Serving the large area between Belleville and Peterborough, CMH provides a comprehensive range of acute care services including a 24/7 Emergency Department, Special Care Unit, Endoscopy Surgical Suite, Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory Services, Out-Patient Clinics, Community Mental Health, Geriatric Assessment and Intervention Network (GAIN), and Supportive Housing programs.

Why is a new hospital needed?

Much of the CMH building is more than 70 years old and requires extensive repair to meet modern health care standards. The hospital faces:

Significant infrastructure renewal needs over the next 25 years
Infection prevention and control limitations (e.g., limited private rooms, no negative pressure rooms, aging air handling systems)
Growing capacity pressures in the Emergency Department and inpatient unit due to changing demographics and increased demand

A modern hospital as part of a Campus of Care will improve patient care, support infection control, increase capacity, and strengthen physician and staff recruitment.

Where will the new hospital be located?

The new hospital will be built on a 48-acre site donated by Jim Curle and his family, located on County Road 30 immediately west of Campbellford, forming part of a larger Campus of Care that will include:

New Hospital
New Long Term Care Home
Community Mental Health Clinic
Geriatric Assessment and Intervention Network (GAIN Program)
Supportive Senior Housing (Future Plans)

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What is a reasonable timeline to open the new hospital?

We have now received a $2.5 million provincial planning grant, which allows us to move forward with the official Early Planning Stage of the Ministry of Health Capital Planning Process.

We are currently advancing through Stage 1.2 (Proposal Development) and Stage 1.3 (Functional Program). These stages define:

The services the new hospital will provide
Space, workflow, and care model design
How the hospital will integrate with the Campus of Care

Once Stage 1 is complete and approved, the project moves into detailed architectural design (Stage 2), followed by construction (Stage 3).

What happens during the current planning stages?

During this planning phase, we are:

Confirming clinical service needs based on community demographics
Working closely with staff, physicians, partners, and the public to determine space and program requirements
Beginning early site planning including access, servicing, and layout considerations
Refining cost estimates and the project budget model

This work results in the Functional Program, the document that defines the size, layout, and clinical configuration of the future hospital.

What is the estimated timeline for the new hospital?

The redevelopment process is estimated to take 6 to 8 years from planning through to opening.

Phase	Approx. Timeline	Includes
Planning & Design	3–4 years	Programming, clinical planning, architectural design, approvals
Construction	2–3 years	Site servicing, building construction, commissioning
Move-In & Opening	4-6 months	Equipment installation, staff training, transition to new site

We will continue providing clear updates as each stage progresses.

What are the next steps in advancing the construction of a new hospital?

We are currently:

Completing Stage 1.2 and Stage 1.3 planning work
Engaging staff, physicians, partners, Indigenous communities, and the public
Advancing site planning requirements
Developing the Functional Program

The next major approval milestone will be the transition into Stage 2: Detailed Design.

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Did the hospital look at renovating the current site?

Renovating the current Hospital was carefully evaluated, and the decision to pursue a new facility was not made lightly. As far back as 2014, CMH began exploring all options, including renovation. While renovations were considered possible, expansion of the existing site to accommodate increased patient numbers, is not. A re-evaluation in 2021, supported by an experienced healthcare architect, reaffirmed that major renovations to expand on our existing site are not feasible. Our current 2.13-acre site is landlocked, making it impossible to expand or accommodate the additional space required without significant demolition and rebuilding.

Adding additional floors to the hospital is also not feasible. Although the Emergency Department addition was initially designed with this possibility in mind, the final construction did not include the necessary structural capacity to support vertical expansion. Meanwhile, the original part of the hospital, built in 1953, was only built to accommodate the second-floor addition completed in 1971, making further vertical expansion to any part of the hospital impossible. Furthermore, even if expansion were technically achievable, it would require phased construction, causing substantial operational disruptions, and would necessitate the temporary relocation of services to alternative facilities, which would also need to be built, further compounding costs. When evaluated holistically, the expenses and challenges associated with renovating and expanding the current site far outweigh the benefits, making it less economically viable compared to constructing a new facility. After thorough analysis, the architects concluded that building a new, energy-efficient hospital on a new site would not only be faster and more cost-effective but also better equipped to meet the community’s long-term healthcare needs.

How was the current site selected, and did the hospital consider other sites?

The hospital followed a comprehensive process to evaluate potential sites for redevelopment. Using insights from other hospitals and provincial planning guidelines, a set of detailed criteria was developed to ensure the selected site would meet the hospital's long-term needs.

A total of five sites were evaluated against these criteria, including ease of access, infrastructure proximity, land suitability, and cost. Of these, two sites stood out as having the greatest potential. Ultimately, the property on County Road 30 was chosen because it best met the hospital’s criteria.

Key factors in the selection included:

Ease of access: The site is located along a major roadway, making it convenient for ambulances, other emergency vehicles, patients, staff, and deliveries.
Lot size: The property exceeds 40 acres, enabling the vision for a full Campus of Care.
Proximity to infrastructure: Utilities such as water, sewer, gas, hydro, phone, and fibre-optic cable are nearby, minimizing costs and ensuring sufficient capacity for hospital operations.
Land suitability: The property is relatively flat and free of significant environmental or archaeological constraints, making it ideal for development.
Project control: The site allows for efficient planning, site design, and timely development.
Satisfying Long-Term Care needs: The site’s location and size support the design and timely construction of a Long-Term Care Home.
Cost to acquire land: The property presented a cost-effective option compared to alternatives.
Minimizing planning challenges: While most sites required zoning and planning adjustments, this property had fewer hurdles compared to others.
Co-location potential: The site supports relocating the current helipad if we decide to relocate it.
No site-specific land claims: While most of Trent Hills is in the Williams Treaty area, this property was clear, to the best of our knowledge, of any site-specific land claims.
Aesthetic appeal: The site offers a tranquil setting with potential for outdoor recreation and amenities for patients, residents, and staff.

By selecting the property on County Road 30, the hospital ensured that the site would support its long-term vision, meet operational needs, and align with community expectations.

Are there any plans for the current hospital once it is vacated?

We will determine the future of the current property closer to the transition to the new hospital and in alignment with provincial asset disposition rules, community needs, and consultation.

Why will the new hospital be located on agricultural land?

The hospital conducted a comprehensive analysis of available land parcels within and near Campbellford. Unfortunately, there were no parcels of sufficient size to accommodate the requirements of a future hospital and its associated Campus of Care. Key considerations, such as proximity to municipal services and appropriate site elevation to mitigate potential flooding risks, further narrowed the options.

The selected site is the result of a generous donation from Jim Curle and the Curle family, who have contributed a portion of their agricultural land to secure the future of healthcare in our region. The hospital is deeply grateful for their support in making this critical step possible.

How will the site design align with its rural setting?

We are committed to ensuring the site complements its natural surroundings and reflects the character of the community. The design will incorporate ample green space, landscaped buffers, walking paths, and park-like features. These elements will create a tranquil and accessible environment for patients, long-term care residents, staff, and the broader community to enjoy. Our aim is to balance functionality with aesthetics, fostering a welcoming and restorative space.

How will increased traffic on County Road 30 be managed?

Traffic management is a key consideration in the development of the site. The hospital will collaborate closely with the Municipality of Trent Hills and the County of Northumberland to conduct traffic impact studies and determine necessary adjustments. This may include new or enhanced access points, signage, road improvements, and on-site circulation planning to ensure safe and efficient access for vehicles, pedestrians, and emergency services. Public safety and accessibility will remain a top priority throughout the planning process.

When will the process to change the land use designation begin?

A change in land use designation is required to allow for the construction of the new hospital and Campus of Care. We are now in the process of advancing this work. This includes working with municipal and county planning officials, preparing the required planning applications and supporting studies, and coordinating the steps needed for public consultation and review. This ensures the project meets all regulatory and planning requirements as we move toward future construction.

How will the community be involved in the planning process for the new hospital and Campus of Care?

The hospital recognizes the importance of community involvement in this transformative project. Certain regulatory and planning processes, such as zoning amendments or land-use changes, include formal opportunities for public input. Beyond these statutory consultations, the hospital is committed to maintaining regular communication with the community through public updates, meetings, and other engagement opportunities. As the project progresses, we will identify specific points for feedback to ensure that the community’s voice is heard and integrated into the planning process.

What is a Campus of Care and what else will be located there?

A Campus of Care brings together a wide range of health and community services in one convenient location, making it easier for individuals to access the care they need. It functions as a centralized hub, offering hospital care, long-term care, mental health services, primary care, and more—all in one place.

This model has proven effective in supporting aging populations and ensuring the sustainability of health care systems.

What are the priorities for the Campus of Care?

In addition to building the new hospital, our initial priorities for the Campus of Care include:

Establishing a new Long-Term Care home.
Relocating our Community Mental Health and GAIN (Geriatric Assessment and Intervention Network) programs to the site.

These efforts reflect our commitment to creating a comprehensive, accessible, and integrated health care environment for our community.

Have you already had discussions with partners regarding developing on the Campus of Care?

Yes. We have a Letter of Understanding with Omni Quality Living to redevelop and expand the existing Burnbrae Gardens Long-Term Care Home on the Campus of Care site. Omni Quality Living has already received approval from the Ministry of Long Term Care to expand Burnbrae Gardens from 43 beds to 128.

We have also begun exploratory conversations with local housing providers about developing housing projects on the Campus of Care site.

We are also exploring additional opportunities to enhance the Campus of Care and create a dynamic environment that supports both health and community well-being. These possibilities include:

Housing Options:
Partnerships to develop seniors' housing, supportive housing, and staff housing on the Campus. These options would allow seniors to live independently while staying close to health services and provide temporary accommodations for physicians or placement students during their time in Campbellford.
Community Health Services:
Potential additions such as a primary care hub, wellness programs, communal farming initiatives, or even a dementia village to support specialized needs.
Social and Support Spaces:
A vision for community-focused areas, including spaces for support groups, social activities, or amenities like a café and pharmacy, fostering a sense of connection and accessibility.

While these ideas are still in the early stages, our goal is to create a flexible and adaptable Campus that can evolve to meet the changing needs of our community over time.

Will the heliport be relocated?

Relocating a hospital heliport in Ontario involves numerous considerations to meet safety, operational, and regulatory requirements.

First, the location must comply with Transport Canada regulations, which govern aspects like proximity to the hospital, approach paths, and airspace management. The new heliport site would need to be strategically positioned to allow efficient access for Ornge air ambulances, avoiding obstructions such as buildings, trees, or transmission lines. Noise impact on the surrounding community, like the new subdivision being built in that area, or Westben, will also need to be evaluated with every effort made to minimize disruptions.

Second, the site must ensure patient safety and seamless logistics. If the heliport were to be located on site, it must connect easily to critical hospital services like the emergency department, with an efficient transfer pathway, ideally sheltered from weather, and designed for smooth patient access.

Additional considerations include ensuring that the site design accommodates future upgrades or expansions to air services and that the costs of construction, lighting, and ongoing maintenance are factored into the redevelopment plan.

A final determination on the future location of the heliport will not be made until we are further along in the planning process.

What will it cost to build a new hospital?

There are a variety of factors that can influence overall costs such as inflation, supply chain issues, and costs of materials and labour, which make it premature to pinpoint an exact amount. Once designs are finazlied and approved, approximately 90% of the new hospital cost will be funded by the Government of Ontario with the remaining 10%, and the cost of equipment, coming from the local community and fundraising efforts led by our Foundation.

Why does the hospital continue to invest in facility and equipment upgrades if a new hospital is being planned?

Even under ideal circumstances, it will take 6–8 years to complete a new hospital. In the meantime, it is essential to maintain and improve the current site to ensure we can continue providing the highest quality and safest care possible.

Investments in facility and equipment upgrades are necessary to sustain the day-to-day operations of the hospital, address aging infrastructure, and meet the needs of patients and staff. These upgrades also help us adapt to evolving healthcare standards, improve energy efficiency, and ensure critical systems remain reliable.

By prioritizing these investments, we can continue to deliver the best possible care to our community while planning for the future.

What services will be available at the new hospital?

A key part of Stage 1.2 Proposal development, now underway, and 1.3 Functional Program development, is determining the final configuration of clinical services. Staff, physicians, community partners, Indigenous communities, patients, and residents will be engaged in this planning to ensure the hospital reflects local needs and provincial priorities.

How can I learn more?

You can learn more and find information on the latest updates anytime by visiting www.cmh.ca/redevelopment