Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) announced today the completion of an Ecological Constraints assessment at their proposed Campus of Care location. This assessment comes on the heals of a number of other land assessment studies that the hospital has undertaken over the past 8 months, which include a preliminary environment assessment, as well as hydrological and geotechnical surveys.
The studies have involved comprehensive tests to explore various aspects of the site's environmental characteristics, including bedrock depth, water table levels, and the identification of key environmental features such as wetlands, significant woodlands, and wildlife habitat. These studies are integral to the hospital’s goal of building a new facility with environmental sustainability at the forefront of the design. These studies are also essential towards the eventual construction of the new facility, as they will help inform key design elements such as foundation depth, groundwater management, and excavation requirements.
"Our vision for the Campus of Care extends beyond providing exceptional healthcare services; it encompasses a harmonious relationship with the natural environment," said Jeff Hohenkerk, CEO at CMH. "By conducting these land use studies, we are taking proactive steps to ensure that our redevelopment plans align with the preservation of the surrounding ecosystems."
The data gathered from these assessments will also help inform the hospital’s decision-making process, guiding it in designing and constructing a facility that not only meets the needs of the community, but also minimizes environmental impact and fosters a sustainable future.
"Our ultimate goal is to create a space where the new hospital can coexist in harmony with its natural surroundings," added Hohenkerk.
Campbellford Memorial Hospital annouced their preferred site location in October 2022 following a donation of land from Jim Curle. The proposed location is immediately west of the town of Campbellford on Northumberland County Road 30. While the hospital is still awaiting approval of a capital planning grant that will allow them to move into the next phase of planning development, they remain committed to moving the project forward as much as they can.
“We’ve been working with the Municipality of Trent Hills and Northumberland County to begin discussions on planning requirements. We’ve also developed a partnership with Omni Quality Living to co-locate a new 128 bed Long Term Care home on the Campus of Care site,” noted CEO Hohenkerk. “We are committed to moving this project forward and eagerly await approval of our planning grant”
Throughout the redevelopment process, CMH will continue to engage with experts, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with best practices in environmental management and health services planning.
