Government of Canada facilitating planning of a new world-class campus of The Ottawa Hospital

Today, John Baird, Member of Parliament for Ottawa West–Nepean and Minister responsible for the National Capital Commission (NCC); Dr. Mark Kristmanson, Chief Executive Officer of the NCC; and Dr. Jack Kitts, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Ottawa Hospital, announced that the Government of Canada has taken the first steps toward securing land for a new Civic Hospital campus.

The Government of Canada will proceed to transfer up to 60 acres of land currently owned by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to the NCC for the construction of a world-class hospital and teaching facility.

“I feel strongly that, in making land available for a new Civic Hospital campus, our government is getting the ball rolling on an important project for the people of Ottawa,” said Baird. “We are addressing the new demographic reality in which we live, and the need for a new world-class medical facility for the Capital.”

“The NCC is committed to working with its partners to foster design excellence in a new campus that complements the distinct heritage character of the Central Experimental Farm,” said Dr. Kristmanson. “We recognize the growing need for a new world-class medical facility.”

“The development of a new Civic Campus is a cornerstone to the future of health care for the Ottawa community,” said Dr. Kitts. “Today’s announcement by the federal government is a landmark decision for the citizens of Ottawa and the Valley. It confirms the land required to move forward with the next stages of the planning and implementation process for the construction of our new hospital.”

With this announcement, the Government of Canada is taking action to help the Province of Ontario work on The Ottawa Hospital’s master plan on its own timetable. This will also formalize a future location to deliver high-quality health care to communities in Canada’s Capital Region. Moving forward, this land transfer permits The Ottawa Hospital to plan the new Civic Campus in accordance with the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and on its schedule.