Ontario Construction News staff writer
A family well-known for building communities throughout Eastern Ontario is making a big contribution to the future of healthcare in Ottawa.
The Thomas Cavanagh Foundation has pledged a $1 million donation to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation’s Campaign to Create Tomorrow. This support will help create a new advanced hospital campus and improve healthcare services for generations to come.
This contribution continues a legacy that started in 1953 when Tom Cavanagh began a small hauling business with just one dump truck. Over the years, the company expanded into one of the largest construction firms in the area, helping to construct roads, neighborhoods, municipal infrastructure, and communities across Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley.
While recognized for its construction successes, family members say Tom Cavanagh always saw success in a broader context.
“For Tom, success was never just about what you build,” said Lori Cavanagh, executive vice-president of Cavanagh Construction and chair of the Thomas Cavanagh Foundation. “It was about who you build it for.”
This philosophy still shapes how the family approaches community support and philanthropy. Through their foundation, the Cavanaghs have backed various local initiatives over the years, reflecting Tom Cavanagh’s strong belief in giving back to the communities that supported their growth.
The latest donation is inspired by personal experiences. Family members have spent time at The Ottawa Hospital recently, gaining firsthand knowledge of both the quality of care from healthcare professionals and the increasing demands on the healthcare system.
These experiences strengthened their commitment to improving healthcare facilities in the area.
“Hospitals touch every family at some point,” Lori Cavanagh said. “If you’re able to give, it’s something that truly makes a difference.”
The Campaign to Create Tomorrow aims to raise funds for a new hospital campus featuring modern patient facilities, advanced research capabilities, and innovative healthcare technologies tailored for an expanding population.
Patrick Davies, director of marketing and communications for the Cavanagh Group of Companies and executive director of the Thomas Cavanagh Foundation, mentioned that this donation aligns perfectly with their long-term dedication to community building.
“Giving back locally is a part of who we are,” Davies said. “Our staff have built lives here with their families, so it’s never just about business. It’s about supporting the community we’re all part of.”
For a company known for developing physical infrastructure, this donation represents an opportunity to contribute something equally vital: a stronger healthcare system for everyone in the region.
“Investing in something like this is really investing back into the community,” Lori Cavanagh said. “Hospitals touch every family at some point. If you’re able to give, it’s something that truly makes a difference.”
The $1 million gift will aid in advancing healthcare development in Ottawa while ensuring future generations can access top-notch care right at home.
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