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Renovations at Welland Hospital are now in the planning stage, following project approval last fall from the provincial government.

The changes include upgrades to accommodate more than 60 complex care beds to Welland and a 35-bed residential addictions treatment program. The project is in preparation for the 2028 opening of the new Design / Build South Niagara Hospital ProjectStatusUnder ConstructionValue$3.6BLocationMontrose Rd, Niagara Falls ONSectorPublic – State/ProvincialTypeMedical · New Construction · LEED CertificationData as of July 13, 2026 and a transition to a three-site hospital system model that aims to streamline patient care and reduce wait times.

“Niagara Health is progressing through the planning phase working closely with the Ministry of Health, focusing on infrastructure upgrades including chiller and boiler plant upgrades and the addition of a second generator, improvements to patient care environments, and operational enhancements to meet the evolving needs of our community,” stated an update to City of Welland Council from Niagara Health officials.

The reason for the infrastructure upgrades is to prepare for the opening of the South Niagara Hospital in 2028 and the move to a three model-site model.

A water leak in July 2025 that caused significant damage to the operating rooms at Welland Hospital as well as a watermain break at Niagara Hospital in August 2025 were indicators that due to aging infrastructure, the facility was in need of significant upgrades.

“These recent events are a reminder of the challenges that come with aging infrastructure. With the opening of the new South Niagara Hospital on the horizon, we look forward to another modern, state-of-the-art facility that will significantly reduce the risk of lifecycle issues like these in the future,” read a news release from Niagara Health following the incidents.

For the Welland Hospital project, upgrades include:

• Enhanced safety and security for select areas.
• Refreshed patient rooms.
• Increased single and double patient rooms to significantly reduce triple patient rooms and elimination of quad rooms.

The areas to undergo these improvements include:

• Level One, Woolcott wing, Complex Continuing Care unit
• Level Two east/west
• Level Three south (not including ICU)
• Level Four east/west
• Level Six east/west

The infrastructure upgrades include:

• Modernization of core building systems
• Chiller plant upgrades
• Steam boiler replacement
• Installation of a second generator
• Upgrades to support clinical services and long-term sustainability

“We are now preparing to move into the construction phase, with renovations continuing through to 2028 in co-ordination with the opening of the South Niagara Hospital. These renovations are essential to strengthen Welland Hospital’s role as a cornerstone of Niagara’s future three-site system. The work has been carefully phased to ensure no impact on hospital operations. The project will enhance patient safety, increase capacity for complex continuing care, and support the relocation and growth of specialized programs,” said Harpreet Bassi, executive vice-president, strategy, research and redevelopment, Niagara Health in the update to council.

The search for a contractor for the estimated $55 million project will begin this summer, when Niagara Health issues a request for qualifications and request for proposals. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027.

The contract for the five-year, $3.6-billion South Niagara Hospital was awarded to EllisDon