Historic Groundbreaking Marks a New Era of World-Class Healthcare for New Tecumseth
Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation celebrates the launch of the new hospital build.
NEW TECUMSETH, ON – March 10, 2026 – Yesterday marked a monumental milestone for the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation (SMHF) and residents of New Tecumseth as community leaders, government partners, and hospital staff gathered to officially break ground on the historic redevelopment of Stevenson Memorial Hospital.
Supported by a $174 million investment from the Ontario government and fueled by the relentless generosity of donors through the Because of YOU campaign, the 147,100 square-foot expansion will more than double the size of the current facility.
This milestone represents a promise kept to a rapidly growing region: ensuring that every family has access to the highest standard of care, right here at home.
“This groundbreaking is a powerful promise kept to South Simcoe,” said Ted Vandevis, CEO of the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation. “As our region grows at an unprecedented rate, Stevenson Memorial Hospital is stepping up to grow right alongside it. This expansion ensures that we can continue to provide every patient with the highest standard of care, right here at home. It is an incredibly proud and energizing day for our team and our community”.
The state-of-the-art, three-storey build—slated for completion in late 2028—will feature all single-occupancy patient rooms, a brand-new birthing suite, and an emergency department triple the size of the current space. Crucially, the facility will introduce a new, expanded Diagnostic Imaging Department equipped with the hospital’s first-ever MRI.
For the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation, the shovels in the ground represent the culmination of years of community advocacy and investment.
“The shovels going into the ground today are moving earth but let us be clear: it is the people of New Tecumseth and South Simcoe who are moving mountains,” said Sylvia Biffis, Campaign Chair for the Because of YOU campaign. “From the global industry leaders who drive the region’s prosperity, to the family-run businesses who have anchored our main streets for generations, right down to the young families making their very first charitable gifts – you truly are the pillars upon which this hospital stands.”
The collaborative effort between the community and all levels of government was a central theme of the event.
“With more inpatient beds, expanded diagnostic and surgical services and an emergency department triple the size of the current one, the new Stevenson Memorial Hospital will connect more patients and families across Simcoe to convenient, world-class health care,” said Premier Doug Ford.
“This announcement represents far more than the start of construction,” added Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey. “It reflects years of dedication from hospital leadership, foundation supporters, municipal and provincial partners and the many donors and community members who believed in the future of Stevenson Memorial Hospital”.
Local leadership echoed the profound impact the build will have on the immediate community.
“This is a proud and meaningful day for New Tecumseth,” said Richard Norcross, Mayor of the Town of New Tecumseth. “The start of construction on this new hospital facility reflects years of collaboration and advocacy, and we are sincerely grateful to the Province of Ontario for its leadership and investment”.
While construction is officially underway, the Foundation continues its vital work. As the new walls rise, the Because of YOU campaign remains laser-focused on raising the necessary funds toward the areas of greatest need, so the dedicated healthcare professionals and support staff of Stevenson Memorial Hospital are able to deliver compassionate and lifesaving care every day.
Building for the Future
The Because of YOU campaign is a bold and ambitious effort to raise $80 million through community support to help build the future of Stevenson Memorial Hospital. This transformational project will more than double the size of our hospital, providing expanded emergency care and advanced diagnostic imaging, including Stevenson’s first MRI suite, modern inpatient facilities, and specialized surgical services, all designed to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our growing community. As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2028, we stand on the threshold of a new era, just as our founders did nearly a century ago. With the support of our community, we will build a hospital for today and for generations to come—Because of YOU.
To be part of this historic legacy and invest in the future of healthcare in South Simcoe, please visit www.transformingstevenson.ca.
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Tom Scherbluk
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation
tscherbluk@smhosp.on.ca Office: 705.435.6281 x 3427
Mobile: 647.716.7746