Brant County Residents Invited to Shape New Hospital Plans

Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) is taking significant steps towards establishing a new hospital in Brant County, Ontario, following the provincial government’s commitment of $12.5 million for planning and construction. As part of this initiative, BCHS has launched a survey to gather input from local residents about their expectations for the new facility.

The survey was introduced on September 5, 2023, with the aim of understanding community needs and preferences. Retired hospital executive Don Shilton, who chairs a newly formed task force dedicated to this project, emphasized the importance of public engagement. He stated, “This is really the community’s opportunity to have their say in the location of the new hospital.” Residents are encouraged to participate by visiting the survey website at reimaginebchs.ca throughout September.

The Ontario government announced funding for the new hospital on July 17, 2023. Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, expressed the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access in Brant. She highlighted the goal of ensuring that residents can receive necessary care closer to home, noting, “By investing to build a brand-new Brant Community Healthcare System hospital, we are making it faster and easier for more people and their families to access world-class care in their community, for generations to come.”

BCHS President and CEO Bonnie Camm remarked that the funding enables the organization to transform a shared vision into a tangible plan that addresses the growing healthcare demands in the area. Shilton noted that over the last five to ten years, local healthcare needs have surpassed the hospital’s capacity to provide adequate care.

Task Force and Community Involvement

The task force, which held its inaugural meeting in August, comprises five members. Each member has been vetted by an independent fairness advisor to ensure there are no conflicts of interest. Following the completion of the community survey, the task force plans to issue a callout in November for land submissions from property owners who want their parcels considered for the new hospital site.

Shilton mentioned that the selection process will account for various criteria identified by the community, such as archaeological considerations, land topography, and respect for First Nations. Notably, the task force includes representatives from Six Nations, further emphasizing the project’s commitment to inclusivity.

Long-Term Vision for Healthcare in Brant

Based on timelines from the Ministry of Health, Shilton indicated that the new hospital could take approximately ten years to complete. He referenced similar projects in the Waterloo region, Ottawa, and Newmarket, which also experienced lengthy timelines from approval to completion. Shilton stated, “What we’re anticipating is also a ten-year horizon — five years to plan for that hospital and then five years to build.”

Despite the extended timeline, Shilton expressed hope for an expedited process. He stated, “Ideally, of course we’ll want to have that up sooner,” adding that BCHS leadership will work diligently with the ministry to accelerate the timeline. The task force aims to present its recommendations to the BCHS board by April 2026, marking a significant milestone in the planning process.

As the initiative progresses, the community remains at the forefront of the planning efforts, with BCHS actively seeking input to ensure that the new hospital meets the needs of Brant County residents.