The Thunder Bay Regional Hospital came about as a result of a merger of the McKellar Hospital and the Port Arthur General Hospital. The province’s Health Services Restructuring Committee originally announced it was recommending refurbishment of the Port Arthur site, but the provincial government changed its mind after extensive lobbying for a new hospital by local and regional leaders.
The new 375-bed hospital is under construction in the geographical centre of the city near Lakehead University. It will be ready for occupancy in late 2003. With additional square footage being added since the announcement, costs have escalated from the original estimate of $93 million to approximately $200 million.
The City of Thunder Bay will contribute $25 million through a tax levy and the hospital foundation will contribute $15 million.
The hospital is negotiating with ministry officials about the cost overruns.
