Rooted in Care: Mass Timber Construction Takes Centre Stage in New Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Build

Tanya Moore • July 2, 2025

At Quinte Health, one of our core values is Stronger Together—a message that feels especially fitting as we celebrate the incredible collaboration that continues to fuel the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) build. 


This week, construction on the new hospital reached a major milestone, bringing North America’s first un-encapsulated mass timber hospital one step closer to reality.

The arrival of mass timber materials to the construction site was marked by a celebration from local and provincial partners, including Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp, Prince Edward County Mayor Steve Ferguson‌, and representatives from Infrastructure Ontario (IO), HDR Inc., M. Sullivan & Son Limited, PECMH Foundation, PECMH Auxiliary, Prince Edward Family Health Team, and Quinte Health.


The mass timber being used is a Canadian-sourced renewable resource manufactured in northern Quebec—reflecting a commitment to homegrown, sustainable solutions.

The hospital’s structure will feature mass timber beams, columns, and cross-laminated timber slabs—a design choice that reduces the building’s carbon footprint by sequestering carbon naturally. This forward-thinking approach supports PECMH’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.


To ensure both safety and aesthetic appeal, the structure incorporates fire-resistant mass timber, combining strength with a warm, natural look. Beyond sustainability, mass timber also creates a soothing, natural environment that promotes healing.

With construction now well underway, the community can expect major visible progress in the coming weeks and months—including the rising timber frame and the installation of a new helipad.


As the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital takes shape, it stands as a testament to what’s possible when a community and its healthcare partners come together—with care, vision and heart.



This milestone is a shared achievement among the many partners making it possible: the PECMH Foundation’s “Back the Build” campaign, PECMH Auxiliary, the Prince Edward Family Health Team, The County of Prince Edward, M. Sullivan & Son Limited, Ministry of Health, IO, the Government of Ontario and Quinte Health. 


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The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is proud to recognize the generosity of Brandon and Hailey Pounder, co-owners of Pounder’s Pub & Patio, who hosted the first annual Pounder Polar Plunge on February 1.  Held at Pounder’s Pub & Patio in Wellington, the event brought together community members, local hockey teams including the Wellington Dukes and County Royals, and spectators for a fun and meaningful day in support of local causes. Close to 40 participants took the plunge with a $20 entry fee, while attendees enjoyed a community BBQ donated by the County Royals. The event raised $1,000 for the PECMH Foundation’s Back the Build campaign and $1,000 for the Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association (WARA), supporting both the future of healthcare in Prince Edward County and the vital work of WARA’s volunteer-run marine search and rescue team. “We are incredibly grateful to Brandon and Hailey for their creativity, community spirit, and commitment to making a difference,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Events like the Pounder Polar Plunge not only raise important funds but also build momentum and awareness for local initiatives that matter deeply.” “We started the Polar Plunge to give back to the community we grew up in and bring people together,” said Brandon Pounder, co-owner of Pounder's Pub & Patio. “The support from local teams and residents was incredible, and we’re excited to grow this into an annual event and continue supporting important local causes.” Over the past six years (2020–2025), Quinte Health has recorded 315 emergency department visits related to water incidents at its four hospitals—an average of approximately 53 visits per year across the region. PECMH alone sees an average of 11 such visits annually. “Even one drowning is one too many,” said David McFaul, WARA supervisor. “Water safety is something we can’t take for granted in our region, and it takes awareness, education, and strong community organizations to keep people safe. The Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association plays a critical role in protecting residents and visitors on our waterways through their dedicated volunteer efforts.” WARA operates as part of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, responding to emergencies across West Lake and Lake Ontario. With a highly trained, all-volunteer crew, the organization plays a critical role in ensuring safety along approximately 125 kilometres of shoreline and 2,400 square kilometres of water. Its operations rely heavily on community support and fundraising efforts. The PECMH Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Brandon and Hailey of Pounder’s Pub & Patio and everyone who participated in or supported the inaugural Pounder Polar Plunge.
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