South Niagara Hospital

The new South Niagara Hospital was designed by Parkin Architects in joint venture with Adamson Associates Architects to centralize services from existing facilities, making it easier for residents to access the care they need at one location.

SNH will incorporate principles of senior-friendly design, accessibility, and infection prevention and control. It will meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver standards. The project aims to be the first WELL®-certified healthcare facility in Canada focused on the health and well-being of staff, physicians, volunteers, patients, families, caregivers, and the Niagara community.

South Niagara Hospital (SNH) is set to revolutionize healthcare in the region, embodying a vision of modern, patient-centric, and environmentally sustainable design. Positioned at the corner of Montrose and Biggar roads in Niagara Falls, this state-of-the-art facility is the culmination of a long-awaited dream for residents in the Niagara region.

Designed to centralize services from existing facilities, SNH aims to enhance residents' access to comprehensive care while providing a superior patient experience. Parkin Architects, in a joint venture with Adamson Associates Architects, prioritized patient and family-centric care in the design. 

The 12-storey, 1.3-million-square-foot full acute care facility will house 469 beds and offer a wide spectrum of hospital services, including 24/7 emergency care, critical care, diagnostics, therapeutics, and surgical services. Specialized centers of excellence focusing on stroke, complex care, and wellness in aging will further elevate the hospital's capabilities.

Other key design principles involved accessibility, infection prevention, and environmental sustainability. SNH is committed to meeting the Ministry of Health's high standards and achieving LEED Silver certification, demonstrating a dedication to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Along with LEED status, South Niagara Hospital aims to become the first WELL®-certified healthcare facility in Canada, prioritizing the health and well-being of not only patients but also staff, physicians, volunteers, families, and caregivers. This commitment reflects a holistic approach to healthcare that goes beyond medical treatment to promote overall wellness.

Construction, led by EllisDon in partnership with Plenary Americas LP, commenced in July 2023, with occupancy scheduled for 2028. Throughout the project, efforts will be made to engage local businesses and promote economic development within the community.

In addition to providing cutting-edge medical services, SNH will serve as a beacon of sustainability and innovation, integrating advanced technology and infrastructure to support high-quality healthcare delivery, all the while ensuring that same technology recedes into the background so patients can focus on their recovery. 

With a contract valued at approximately $3.6 billion, the SNH project represents one of the largest investments in healthcare infrastructure in Ontario's history. This substantial funding underscores the government's commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and quality across the province.

South Niagara Hospital is poised to set a new standard for healthcare excellence in the region, ensuring that residents receive the care they need for generations to come.

Indigenous approach

The Greater Niagara Region, rich in history and tradition, stands as the ancestral homelands of the Neutral Nation and the Haudenosaunee. Recognizing their rightful stewardship of this land, our project aims to both honor Indigenous peoples and embrace economic opportunities in alignment with the Calls to Action outlined in the recent Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Report. Going beyond mere representation, our approach is deeply rooted in Indigenous values, particularly those pertaining to holistic health and wellness, incorporating a balance of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs.

At the heart of our design philosophy lies a profound respect for Indigenous perspectives, reflected in every aspect of our proposed project. From a comprehensive land acknowledgment to thoughtful integration of Indigenous art and economic development initiatives, our endeavor strives for cultural authenticity and meaningful engagement.

The site selection for the South Niagara Hospital is imbued with symbolism, echoing the cardinal directions revered by Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island. This directional motif, symbolizing connections to the natural world and spiritual realms, serves as a guiding principle in our design ethos.

Our architectural concept draws inspiration from the rugged beauty of the Niagara Escarpment, utilizing a sculpted plinth adorned with a mosaic of bricks mirroring the region's geological diversity. Evocative of the escarpment's lush greenery, rooftop gardens and tree-lined pathways further enhance the connection to the surrounding landscape.

Central to our design narrative is the iconic Niagara Falls, revered as a sacred site by Indigenous communities. Echoing its majesty, the hospital's tower rises gracefully from the plinth, its facade animated by vertical glass windows and angular concrete panels reminiscent of cascading water.

Internally, the layout of patient wards aligns with the cardinal directions, fostering a sense of orientation and connection to the natural world. Full-height windows flood the corridors with natural light, offering glimpses of the landscape beyond and aiding in wayfinding for both patients and visitors.

In essence, our design endeavors to not only provide a state-of-the-art healthcare facility but also to serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of Indigenous peoples, fostering healing, connection, and cultural revitalization within the Greater Niagara Region.