Construction has begun on the first phase of the new Windsor Regional Hospital, officials shared on Thursday.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford was present at a groundbreaking ceremony – which was moved indoors because of poor air quality in Windsor-Essex. Important public figures gathered at the Ciociaro Club before heading over to the hospital site near Windsor’s airport.
“With more than 100 extra beds, the new Fancsy Family Hospital will help reduce wait times in the area, giving families across Windsor-Essex access to a new 24/7 emergency department,” Ford stated.
The hospital is named after the late John Thomas Fancsy as a tribute to a $40 million donation from his estate towards the project.
The upcoming hospital will feature 600 beds, adding over 100 to what currently exists, according to provincial announcements. It will include a new emergency department open around the clock, along with a cancer center, trauma center, and other services, as well as additional single-patient rooms.
“The Fancsy family hospital marks the largest investment in healthcare in our region’s history,” remarked Kristin Kennedy, CEO of Windsor Regional Hospital.
“We appreciate your presence today and your steadfast support for this project.”
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, Essex County Warden Hilda Mac Donald, Cristina Naccarato, executive director of Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford at a groundbreaking event for the new Windsor Regional Hospital. (Emma Loop/CBC)
The initial phase has kicked off with plans for a parking garage accommodating 700 cars and an education and administrative building. This phase is expected to last three years.
The second phase will focus on constructing diagnostic and treatment facilities. The tender process for that is currently underway.
The third phase involves building a tower with inpatient rooms.
“It’s crucial for the community to know that starting today, there won’t be any breaks between phases,” Kennedy said. “It’ll be an ongoing process.”
Kennedy predicts that the hospital won’t be completed until after 2033.
<p Regarding total costs, she and other officials haven't disclosed specific figures yet – but they mentioned it would exceed the earlier estimate of $2 billion from ten years ago due to inflation and tariffs impacting expenses.
“It started way down here and it’s just right through the roof right now,” Ford explained. “But we’ll spend what it takes.”
“We’ll be wise about it; no matter what it takes we’re building this hospital and we aren’t going to spare any expense.”
A Historic Opportunity
“Is anyone as happy as I am to be here today?” asked Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens to those gathered at the event.
“This isn’t just another regional hospital; it’s truly a once-in-a-generation project.” p >
MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh Andrew Dowie recognized that reaching this point has been challenging.
“The path leading us here hasn’t been straightforward,” Dowie acknowledged.
“There were moments when people wondered if this vision would ever become reality.”
Terry Fancsy, sister of John Fancsy who passed away, expressed her “tremendous honor” in attending this groundbreaking ceremony dedicated to her brother’s legacy.
“Today means so much more than simply starting construction on a building,” she said. “It’s about creating somewhere hope begins, healing happens, and lives are transformed.”
People gathered at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Windsor Regional Hospital’s new Fancsy Family Hospital (Emma Loop/CBC)
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