Stevenson Memorial Hospital has marked a major milestone in its redevelopment project with the completion and opening of a new elevated helipad.
The hospital celebrated the completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The helipad is now fully operational following final certification from Transport Canada and is the first major component of the redevelopment project to be completed.
The new helipad is 68 feet wide and elevated 12 feet off the ground at its highest point, a design feature unique in Ontario. The facility is intended to improve emergency air ambulance access while providing a safer and more reliable experience for patients, physicians, hospital staff and flight crews.
“Today marks a significant milestone not only for our redevelopment project, but for the future of patient care at Stevenson Memorial Hospital,” says Deepak Sharma, President and CEO, SMH. “Our new elevated helipad strengthens our ability to connect patients with life-saving care when every second counts. The enhanced safety features, improved operational reliability, and increased accessibility support better outcomes for patients while creating a safer environment for our healthcare teams and Ornge.”
The helipad includes an integrated heating system designed to prevent snow and ice accumulation during the winter, eliminating the need for manual snow removal. The heated surface is expected to improve safety for landing crews, physicians and staff during challenging weather conditions.
The elevated design also provides air ambulance pilots with greater flexibility to respond to changing wind patterns by allowing them to adjust flight paths and approaches.
Relocating the helipad from the hospital’s upper parking lot has also created additional parking spaces.
“This new helipad is a tangible sign of the progress underway at Stevenson Memorial Hospital,” says Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey. “For years, this community has worked toward a modern, expanded hospital that can meet the needs of a growing region. It is exciting to see that vision taking shape, and I am grateful to the entire Stevenson team and our community partners for their continued commitment to delivering exceptional care close to home.”
The completion of the helipad marks continued progress on the hospital’s redevelopment project, which will deliver a healthcare facility more than double the size of the current hospital and an Emergency Department three times its current size. The new facility is expected to be completed in late 2028.
For more information about SMH’s redevelopment project, click here.
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