|
It’s not every day that you see excavators, cement trucks, shovels, and flying dirt at Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH). But this is the new normal - starting right now. The official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Emergency Department was held yesterday, providing an opportunity to celebrate a significant milestone for our region. Construction will begin immediately and will take approximately 18 months to complete.
“The day is finally here, and we have much to celebrate,” noted Carol Anne Esnard, Chair of the Mississippi River Health Alliance Boards. “Thank you to everyone who has been part of the vision for our new Emergency Department. And thank you to the Ministry of Health for your support. Here we go!”
John Jordan, Member of Provincial Parliament, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, shared in the excitement: “This ground-breaking event signals the realization of a true community effort. I’d like to acknowledge the unwavering commitment and dedication of the Mississippi Health Alliance Allied Boards in conjunction with the Town of Carleton Place, and the tireless efforts of those who initiated and are participating in fundraising at every level. The Ministry of Health’s investment of 18.8 million dollars will be a catalyst in bringing this long-imagined Emergency Department to life; accommodating a higher level of diagnostic and therapeutic needs and, ultimately, delivering reduced wait times and high-quality care to the growing number of residents served by the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital – a vital link in the Mississippi River Health Alliance.”
Close to 100 friends, volunteers, donors, and staff were in attendance, including Jerry Flynn who spoke eloquently about the project and the care his family has received at the CPDMH Emergency Department: “I’ve been involved with this project right from the start in various capacities by supporting and advocating for it. It is a great honour to be here today to represent the community as a whole by participating in the groundbreaking ceremony.”
Carleton Place Mayor Doug Black echoed the importance of the new Emergency Department for local communities: “There is no greater priority as a Mayor than to join everyone today for this so very important groundbreaking announcement. Today represents the culmination of so many individual contributions - a sincere thank you to all those who have been involved.”
Representatives from Parkin Architects who designed the new building and Chandos Construction, who will lead the build, were also on hand.
“Parkin Architects is proud to have been involved in this important community project from inception and I want to thank Kim Kennedy, Vice-President, Project Architect, who has led the way with her innovative design,” noted Cedric du Montier, Associate, Architect and Project Manager. “Thank you to the hospital staff, project and management team for their collaborative efforts, as well as the Town of
Carleton Place for their continuous support. As construction begins, we are delighted to welcome Chandos Construction to the team and look forward to working collaboratively to deliver a successful project. Parkin is dedicated to creating environments that positively impact lives. We foster collaboration, partnerships, and the sharing of knowledge to build better communities."
“Our Ottawa office is proud to be working together with the team assembled by CPDMH for this important healthcare project,” added Peter Weiss, Area Manager at Chandos. “This project will have a significant positive impact both to the community and to the local employment opportunities of over 200+ construction experts, trades and suppliers throughout the life cycle of construction.”
President and CEO Mary Wilson Trider summed up the significance of the new Emergency Department: “At Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital, we are committed to improving the health of our community. Thank you to our staff, physicians, and volunteers for your ongoing commitment to our patients.”
The CPDMH Foundation launched the public phase of its “Healthy Futures. Together!” comprehensive capital fundraising campaign for the new Emergency Department and needed patient care equipment for the hospital last summer. A 22-community member campaign cabinet, with Co-Chairs Lori Cavanagh and Richard Kidd, is leading the effort to raise the community’s portion of the build and 100% of all
funds required for equipment throughout the hospital. “What a major milestone! We hope everyone will join in making a difference at your local hospital with a financial gift to this important project,” said CPDMH Foundation Board Chair, Linda McGreevy.
For more information about the Emergency Department, please visit www.cpdmh.ca/redevelopment. For more information about the Healthy Future. Together! Campaign, please visit https://www.cpdmh.ca/healthyfuturestogether.
 Cutline (l-r): Peter Weiss (Chandos Construction), Jerry Flynn (Patient Representative), Richard Kidd (CPDMH Foundation Campaign Cabinet), Lori Cavanagh (CPDMH Foundation Campaign Cabinet), John Jordan (MPP, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston), Doug Black (Carleton Place Mayor), Kim Kennedy (Parkin Architects), Scott Reid (MP, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston), Carol Anne Esnard (Board Chair) and Mary Wilson Trider (President and CEO).
|