Celebrating 20 Years of Building a Healthier Ontario
As IO marks its 20th anniversary, we’re reflecting on the last two decades of delivering essential public health care infrastructure that has strengthened communities across Ontario.
From state-of-the-art hospitals to long-term care homes, IO has played a vital role in transforming Ontario’s health care system. Working in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Long-Term Care and local health organizations, we’ve delivered more than 70 major health care projects in communities across Ontario.
“Go into a hospital today that’s been redeveloped, or a new long-term care home, and the difference is dramatic,” said Kate Traianopoulos, Senior Vice President, Health Hospitals. “Bright, modern spaces designed for patients, staff and families have replaced outdated facilities. This progress reflects IO’s commitment to building leading-edge spaces that support better health care in Ontario. I’m proud to work at IO and be part of these impactful projects delivering better care.”
Our Impact Over the Years
IO continues to work with our partners to expand existing health care facilities or replace aging infrastructure. What does this mean for the average Ontarian? It means care is coming closer to home through projects that include:
- New and expanded emergency departments
- Maternal, infant and child programs
- Mental health and addictions care
- Complex continuing care, rehabilitation services and palliative care
- Diagnostic imaging and surgical suites
- Specialized outpatient clinics and cancer care centres
- Single patient rooms that are infection control compliant
“At IO, we’re not just building hospitals, we’re building places of healing and hope for patients and their families,” said Arin Arat, Senior Vice President of Project Delivery. “So, it makes me proud to think that our team plays such a key role in shifting from crowded, outdated spaces to facilities that are more welcoming. At the end of the day, it’s about supporting a better experience for everyone who walks through the doors.”
20 Years of Progress
- Modernized aging facilities: When IO began in 2005, the average age of an Ontario hospital was 42 years old, with many in disrepair. Today, state-of-the-art hospitals have been built in every region across the province.
- Planning for future needs: IO procures and delivers hospital projects with long-term growth in mind, ensuring facilities can serve rapidly growing communities now and into the future.
- Integrated smart technology: Today’s hospitals are built with digital health systems that improve efficiency and patient safety. The Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital is Canada’s first smart hospital, featuring systems and devices that connect seamlessly when it matters most.
- Advanced sustainability goals: Climate resilience and energy efficiency are now part of every health care project. The new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital is working towards a net-zero carbon footprint through features like mass timber construction, geothermal energy, and solar panels.
- Prioritized patient-centred design: Features like single patient rooms, natural light and outdoor spaces help enhance healing. The Michael Garron Hospital is equipped with 80% single patient rooms and a variety of restful outdoor spaces for patients.
Transformative Projects
In response to urgent needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, IO delivered the Lakeridge Gardens long-term care home as part of the Accelerated Build Pilot Program. This project expanded capacity while integrating modern infection control measures and design features that prioritize quality of life.
The Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital and Shah Family Hospital is the largest hospital redevelopment project IO has ever procured, responding to rapid population growth and rising demand in one of Ontario’s busiest regions. The new facility will expand capacity by tripling in size and creating one of the province’s largest emergency departments.
The Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) Redevelopment Project will bring modern health care to Ontario’s far north, where patients are often airlifted south for specialized care. One of the most logistically complex and culturally significant health infrastructure projects in the province, the redevelopment will expand access and improve care for remote northern communities.
Hospitals are designed to operate for generations, so future proofing them is essential. The new South Niagara Hospital includes rooms that can be easily repurposed to meet changing demands and growth. Even the overall site layout has been planned with space allocated for future expansion, within the hospital and across the surrounding property.
Learn more about IO’s health care projects
Stay up-to-date on the latest news and milestones as IO continues our work of delivering health care projects with increased scope and complexity. Visit our website where you can view all of our projects and learn more about health care infrastructure in your community.