Local health care facilities, including the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Care Group, received funding for infrastructure upgrades and repairs.
THUNDER BAY – The province has provided over $4 million across five health-care organizations in Thunder Bay and Atikokan.
The Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre received just over $2.5 million.
“Our building is 20-plus years old now. So, we continue to take a proactive approach to repairing and replacing related infrastructure. I know infrastructure isn’t always visible to the public, but it’s foundational in providing health-care services,” Justin Garofalo, vice president of facilities, capital planning and support services, told Newswatch on Tuesday.
The funding is for the first phase of the hospital’s multi-year roof replacement project, which consists of replacing 36,000 square feet of roofing over the 3A section of the building.
The estimated timeline for completion of phase one is expected to be wrapped up in early 2026, he said.
Garofalo said that, depending on getting more external funding, the entire roof replacement is expected to be completed over the next four to five years.
The province’s Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund stream helps healthcare facilities upgrade or replace infrastructure, including roofs, windows, security systems, fire alarms and emergency generators.
“This funding will help our health-care organizations keep their facilities modern and reliable. I am grateful to see our government investing in the infrastructure that supports the dedicated staff in our region and helps ensure people can access better care closer to home,” Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan, said in a news release.
The province has also provided St. Joseph’s Care Group with just over $1 million from the same funding stream.
“Keeping our buildings modern and well-maintained is essential for both client care and staff well-being,” Janine Black, president of St. Joseph’s Care Group, said in a written statement. “The Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund allows us to upgrade critical infrastructure, ensuring safe, accessible, and sustainable spaces.”
Two key projects are currently underway, according to a spokesperson with St. Joseph’s Care Group.
About $500,000 is for renovating St. Joseph Hospital’s main entrance. The extension of the vestibule will reduce cold air infiltration, helping maintain a consistently comfortable indoor environment. The work is expected to be completed by February 2026.
Another $350,000 will be put toward upgrading the elevator at St. Joseph’s Health Centre. The work includes the refurbishment of the cab as well as the replacement of the elevator’s key systems and components. Work will commence in early 2026.
Atikokan Health and Community Services also got $374,515 for infrastructure renewal.
Jennifer Learning, president of Atikokan Health and Community Service, said in a written statement that they are “deeply grateful” to the Ministry of Health for its “investment in hospital infrastructure.”
“This funding strengthens our ability to provide safe, high-quality care today while building a more resilient health system for the future,” she said.
In addition, through the Community Infrastructure Renewal Fund stream, the province provided NorWest Community Health Centres with $78,793 and the Canadian Mental Health Association with $60,819.
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