Ontario to spend $175M on repairs to hospitals this year, up $50M

TORONTO | The Ontario government plans to provide hospitals across the province with $175 million for infrastructure repairs and upgrades in 2016-’17 through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund (HIRF).That compares to $125 million in HIRF funding in each of the past two years and $56 million in 2013-’14.This year’s $50-million increase is needed to help address a critical need for hospital repairs across Ontario, the government says.A total of 135 hospitals will receive funding to support crucial infrastructure projects to extend the useful life or improve the quality of their facilities. Projects may include upgrades or replacements to roofs, windows, HVAC systems, fire alarms and backup generators.Premier Kathleen Wynne made the funding announcement at Michael Garron Hospital (formerly Toronto East General Hospital), which will receive more than $2.8 million this year.Other major investments in the Toronto area include:More than $1.3 million for St. Joseph’s Health CentreMore than $5.5 million for St. Michael’s Hospital$10 million for Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreMore than $4.3 million for The Hospital for Sick Children$10 million for University Health Network.HIRF allocations are based on evidence for proportional renewal needs across the province, and to address emerging needs and exceptional circumstances, according to the premier’s office, which also states the province plans to invest $12 billion over 10 years in capital grants to hospitals to build modern infrastructure.About 35 major hospital projects are now underway across Ontario.Ontario’s healthcare budget has increased from $47.6 billion in 2012-’13 to $51.8 billion in 2016–’17.Infrastructure investments are part of the province’s strategic healthcare plan, Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care.

Ontario to spend $175M on repairs to hospitals this year, up $50M

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