The Town is proud to announce the upcoming launch of a comprehensive community engagement process to determine the future use of the Former Hospital Site located at 176 Wellington Street in the Old Town urban area. This initiative, led by the Town’s consultant NPG Planning Solutions, will offer community members an opportunity to help shape the vision and future for this property.
This engagement initiative aligns with Council’s 2022–2027 Strategic Plan, under the pillar Enrich Community Assets, Environment & Infrastructure. The goal of the engagement is to gather feedback on what current and future community needs, priorities or aspirations could be served by this space and how the transformation should reflect community values.
Currently, the site is partially rented to a private school and other businesses, and is home to Niagara Regional EMS and a functioning ambulance station. Historically, the Site has served as a hospital, nurses’ residence, hospice, and medical office space. Surrounded by a mix of commercial, residential, and institutional properties, as well as significant historic areas, the site offers tremendous potential for meaningful community use.
The Town bought the property from Niagara Health Services after it was declared surplus. According to the Town’s 2017 Official Plan, the land is meant for parks or community buildings, and its current zoning is for public or institutional use. Council may consider changes to how the land can be used, based on feedback from the community.
To guide this transformation, the Town has launched a project page on its Join the Conversation (JTC) platform, where residents can stay informed and participate in various activities running through the end of 2025. Engagement opportunities will begin the week of July 7, 2025, and include:
- A public survey
- Interactive community mapping
- Targeted small-group workshops
- Community walks and conversations
- In-person Public Information Centres (PICs)
A final Engagement Findings Report will be presented to Council upon conclusion of this process in December of 2025. Learn more about this project and forthcoming engagement opportunities at: www.jointheconversationnotl.org/former-hospital-site
Quotes:
“Council recognizes the significance of this site and is committed to an inclusive and thorough engagement process that captures diverse input from across Niagara-on-the-Lake. This site is an essential asset and provides an excellent opportunity to deliver some further community benefits through properly managed redevelopment. I encourage all community members to get involved in the various engagement opportunities to share their feedback.” – Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa
“This is an incredible opportunity to reimagine a key piece of our community. We need community members of all backgrounds and ages to get involved and help us determine a space that will serve current and future generations.” – CAO Bruce Zvaniga
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