Construction of a new helipad is officially underway at Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH), marking one of the first permanent structures in the hospital’s major redevelopment project.
The elevated helipad is expected to be in operation by early 2026, ensuring uninterrupted access to air ambulance services during construction of the new hospital facility.
“This is one of the most exciting elements of our early works construction and a critical one at that,” says Wayne Willcott, Senior Director of Corporate Infrastructure and Redevelopment at SMH.
The 71-foot-wide helipad will be elevated three feet off the ground, a rare design in Ontario, with similar models used in western Canada. Once complete, it will undergo certification by Transportation Canada before being used for patient transport.
Located on the southeast side of the property, the helipad’s position will improve flight safety in windy conditions and free up space for additional parking. It will also feature a heated pathway to ensure safe, year-round access to the hospital.
The helipad is part of SMH’s ambitious redevelopment plan, which includes building a new 147,100-square-foot facility that will more than double the hospital’s size. The expansion will increase inpatient capacity by 20%, triple the Emergency Department, add an MRI suite, enhance surgical services with modern operating rooms, and include a new obstetrics department. Construction of the new hospital is expected to begin in 2026.
For more details on the redevelopment project, click here.
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