Shovels in the ground - the new PECMH build begins!

bboyce • August 2, 2024

Shovels in the ground - the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital build begins!

August 1, 2024, Picton – A new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital is officially becoming a reality! Today, project partners and dignitaries gathered to break ground on the new building.

“Quinte Health is filled with heartfelt gratitude as we celebrate this significant milestone, shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners, donors and members of our remarkable frontline team,” commented Stacey Daub, President and CEO, Quinte Health.

Daub expressed profound gratitude for the PECMH Foundation, PECMH Auxiliary, Prince Edward Family Health Team, and the Prince Edward County municipality, describing their unwavering partnership, dedication and support as “the cornerstone of this project”. She also praised the generosity of the community.

“To every donor across our community who has Backed the Build, your generosity and belief in this dream have brought us to this moment,” she added.

Daub extended a heartfelt thanks to Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith for his steadfast support, as well as to the Ministry of Health and Infrastructure Ontario for their investment and support.

“Each step forward has been fueled by the passion and dedication of countless individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes,” Daub added. “Together, with passion, purpose, and gratitude, we are forging ahead to break ground, with each foundation poured, and every piece of timber utilized standing as a testament to our collective commitment to enhancing local healthcare for today and for generations to come.”

The Quinte Health redevelopment team is busy behind the scenes finalizing schedules, reviewing shop drawings for major systems and developing site logistics and phasing plans. In September, the contractor, M. Sullivan & Son Limited, will begin mobilizing: setting up the site with fencing, site trailers, and other essential preparations. Working together, we will ensure that hospital operations continue uninterrupted.

New Hospital Groundbreaking Celebration and Project Update – October 1

Mark your calendars for October 1 from 4-8pm for the New PECMH Groundbreaking Celebration and Project Update. Quinte Health and PECMH Foundation are joining forces to host an informative and fun evening for donors, team members, partners and interested community members to learn more about the hospital build and to celebrate the groundbreaking. Stay tuned - location and other details to come in the weeks ahead!

Additional quotes:

“The day is finally here, and it marks a momentous milestone for Prince Edward County and our foundation as we break ground on our new hospital. We have much to celebrate! Our new hospital will allow our residents and visitors to continue to receive exceptional care close to home in a first-of-its-kind facility. We are tremendously grateful for the overwhelming support we have received for our Back the Build campaign, with over $22M in pledges and outright gifts received. These generous contributions demonstrate our community’s belief in the future of healthcare delivery in our County. As we continue this journey, we extend our gratitude to everyone who has Backed the Build, and who will join us as we raise the remaining funds for this campaign.” – Peggy Payne, Chairperson, PECMH Foundation

“Today, after years of advocacy and planning, we put our shovels in the ground together to build a state-of-the-art hospital for Prince Edward County. It’s a terrific moment for health care in our community. I’m grateful to Quinte Health for its leadership and the many Back the Build partners who rose to the challenge in support of this project. Our Minister of Health Sylvia Jones has recognized this steadfast determination, and our government has given its approval for construction. I’m very much looking forward to the grand opening.” - Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte

"Our community has waited for years to see work begin on a new hospital in Prince Edward County. Now that day is finally here, and we couldn’t be happier. County Council pledged the municipality's financial support for the Back the Build campaign several years ago, knowing just how much this new facility is a priority for our residents. We look forward to watching the new hospital rise and take shape over the next few years." – Steve Ferguson, Mayor, Prince Edward County

“Today is such a special day for everyone who lives, works and plays in Prince Edward County. Years in the making, a dream of a new hospital in our community is now reality. This has been nothing short of a long and arduous journey, but the hard work has officially paid off. This new hospital will help enhance and advance the delivery of care right here in the County. This project is a prime example of what can be accomplished when we work together at all levels. The Prince Edward Family Health Team is proud to be a partner in care and we join the entire community in celebrating this monumental achievement and occasion.” - Dr. Sarah LeBlanc, Board President, Prince Edward Family Health Team and PECMH Medical Lead, Quinte Health

“It is my honour to represent the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary today. Our volunteers have raised and pledged $2.1 million for vital equipment for our new hospital. This new hospital is essential for the health and wellbeing of all residents and visitors to our beautiful County. Thank you all for your hard work in making this happen.” - Susan Quaiff, PECMH Auxiliary President

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is making historic investments in health care. The new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital is another example of how we are investing in the health care needs of Ontario’s growing communities to deliver the highest standard of care for decades to come.” - Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health

“Today’s groundbreaking event is a major step forward for the community as construction begins on the new state-of-the-art Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital. I am proud of our government’s historic investments in the province's hospital infrastructure that will help ensure patients and families across Ontario have access to healthcare services when they need it most.” - Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure

“We are delighted to partner with Quinte Health, M. Sullivan & Son and the Ontario government on this long-awaited project that will bring increased healthcare capacity to the Prince Edward County community. The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital is yet another example of how we can work together to deliver a leading-edge health care facility designed to meet current and future needs of local communities. As construction kicks off this summer, we look forward to seeing this project come to life.” - Michael Lindsay, President and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario

“It is incredibly important for Sullivan to be a part of transformative projects within communities such as Prince Edward County. We recognize that hospitals are the lifeblood of these communities, and we take great pride in our role.” – Rob Ball, President and CEO, M Sullivan & Son Ltd.

To learn more about how you can Back the Build and be part of our new hospital's history, visit www.pecmhf.ca.

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Rotary Club of Picton donates $5,000 to Back the Build

November 24, 2025

The Rotary Club of Picton has once again demonstrated its long-standing dedication to strengthening local healthcare by presenting a $5,000 donation to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation in support of the Back the Build campaign. The contribution represents funds raised through several Rotary-led community initiatives, including their annual Rotary Golf Tournament , the Waterfalls Tour , Rotary Cash Calendars and the Lilac Ride . These events continue to play a significant role in ensuring the Foundation meets our $30M Back the Build campaign goal for the new PECMH. For more than 23 years, the Rotary Club of Picton has been a steadfast partner in improving healthcare in PEC—contributing close to $225,000 to date. This includes a generous $100,000 pledge toward Back the Build campaign that was fulfilled in 2023. These funds help to ensure the new hospital is equipped with the modern tools and technology needed to serve patients today and for generations to come. “The Rotary Club of Picton has a deep and enduring commitment to community service, and supporting our hospital is a natural extension of that mission,” said J.J. Johnston, Rotary Club of Picton President. “We are proud to continue contributing to a project that will have a lasting impact on everyone in Prince Edward County.” “We are grateful for Rotary’s leadership, generosity, and community spirit,” said Shannon Coull, Executive Director, PECMH Foundation. “Their ongoing support of this campaign helps ensure our new hospital will provide the high-quality care our community deserves. Rotary truly embodies what it means to give back to the County.” The PECMH Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the Rotary Club of Picton for their support of local healthcare and their thoughtful contribution toward building and equipping the new hospital.

RBC Foundation Invests $600,000 in New Hospital for Prince Edward County

November 21, 2025

PECMH Foundation is celebrating a major milestone in its Back the Build campaign following a generous $600,000 grant from the RBC Foundation Community Infrastructure Fund.

Past Chairs Unite at site of New PECMH

November 20, 2025

Past Chairs Unite at the New Hospital Site to Reflect on Legacy and Celebrate Progress

Keint-he Winery and the Rogers Family Give $10,000 to support PECMH

November 14, 2025

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is proud to announce a generous $10,000 donation from the Rogers family and Keint-he Winery and Vineyards.

Andara Gallery's Annual 'Holiday Photo in the Barn' moves to the Eddie Hotel and Farm

October 31, 2025

BLOOMFIELD, October 28, 2025 – What began as a way to bring isolated people together safely to make cherished holiday memories during the Covid pandemic … grew over 5 years resulting in over 3,000 people (and countless pets) being photographed at ANDARA Gallery’s annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event … raising over $35,000 for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation. Today, Tara Wilkinson and Andrew Csafordi are proud to announce that this beloved program will be transitioning over to The Eddie Farm & Hotel for the 2025 Holiday season … and beyond. “We have loved every minute of our five years hosting this special holiday fundraiser! The program has grown so much and now requires more energy and resources. We couldn’t be more thrilled to hand the reins of this beautiful annual tradition over to the stewardship of Alex Portman and Michael von Teichman at The Eddie Hotel and Farm … the epitome of “Christmas in the County”. We know their team will do a great job continuing this treasured tradition for County residents and visitors in support of our beloved hospital”, said Tara Wilkinson, co-owner of ANDARA Gallery. Artists Tara and Andrew will continue to focus on creating, exhibiting and selling contemporary fine art paintings, photography, digital art and ceramics year-round from their colourful ANDARA Gallery - named one of Ontario’s Top 10 Best Art Galleries by TripAdvisor earlier this year. ANDARA Gallery’s upcoming holiday art show and sale, “LUMINOUS” will run November 15th through December 6th and then December 16th to 23rd from 11 AM to 5 PM. For more information, visit www.andaragallery.com. The 6th Annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event will take place at its new location, The Eddie Hotel and Farm located at 15786 Loyalist Parkway (between Bloomfield and Wellington) in Prince Edward County … Thursdays through Sundays between Noon and 6 PM starting on Thursday, December 4th and running through Sunday, December 21st, 2025. The event will now be known as “Holiday Photos at The Red Barn”. Residents and visitors can now make an advance reservation for their group photo time through www.theeddie.ca/holiday-photo-in-the-barn. Guests will check in a Nellie’s Cheese Shop located in The Red Barn where they can make their donation to PECMH Foundation’s “Back the Build” campaign, purchase a snack, hot chocolate, mulled cider and other holiday gifts. You then bring your own fully charged camera and choose from one of 3 photo areas in and around The Red Barn. Eddie staff will be available to assist with taking your photo or you can use one of the iphone camera stands available at each photo location. All they ask in return is for a donation to PECMH Foundation’s “Back the Build” campaign. “We suggest a donation of $10 per group, but a larger donation is welcome if you can afford it, and less is fine if you can’t” says Alex. An income tax receipt will be issued by the PECMHF for all donations over $100. To make your reservation for the 6th Annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event at The Eddie Hotel and Farm, go to www.theeddie.ca/holiday-photo-in-the-barn. “We are delighted to be taking over the annual “Holiday Photo in the Barn” event from Tara and Andrew at ANDARA Gallery and bringing it to The Eddie Hotel and Farm. It seemed like such a good fit since our property is already so decorated after The Red Barn Holiday Market - which takes place the last weekend of November each year. We loved the idea of people being able to capture their family memories over the years against the backdrop of “The Eddie”, says says Alex Portman, Co-owner of The Eddie Hotel and Farm. “We are delighted to continue this wonderful tradition of providing such a joyful experience for our community that brings people together to create holiday memories while raising much needed funds for the new hospital,” says Michael Von Teichman, Co-Owner of The Eddie Hotel and Farm. “Thank you to Andrew and Tara of ANDARA Gallery and everyone who has supported this event over the past five years. We look forward to continuing this wonderful holiday tradition with Alex and Mike at The Eddie Hotel and Farm. No matter the size, every donation makes a difference in the care you and your family will receive in our new hospital,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson. “We look forward to everyone coming out to support this festive fundraiser again this year as we work to modernize and enhance health care services to ensure people living in and visiting our community continue to have access to care close to home.” The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County and patients of the hospital. -30- PHOTO CAPTION: (L-R) Holiday Photo in the Barn Founders and ANDARA Gallery Co-Owners, Andrew Csafordi and Tara Wilkinson, celebrate the transition of their annual fundraiser over to The Eddie Hotel and Farm in Prince Edward County with (Centre) Nancy Parks, PECMHF Back the Build Chairperson and (R), the Eddie’s Co-Owners, Michael von Teichman and Alex Portman. Photo Credit: Staff, The Eddie Hotel and Farm.

Partners in Pink Golf Tournament a Swinging Success

October 28, 2025

The inaugural Partners in Pink Golf Tournament, held on October 9, was a swinging success, raising just over $64,000

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160 Supports Mammography Campaign

October 17, 2025

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is grateful to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160 in Wellington for their generous $3,000 grant from the Poppy Fund to support the purchase of a new mammography machine for our new hospital.

Leaving a Legacy of Care for Generations to Come

October 15, 2025

PECMH Foundation Planned Giving - Merrial Leslie built a full and meaningful life rooted in love, hard work, and community.

Community Spirit Shines as Bake Off Breaks Fundraising Record

September 24, 2025

Community Spirit Shines as Bake Off Breaks Fundraising Record PICTON, September 24, 2025 – The sweet smell of success filled the air at the Picton Fair as the 16th annual Bake Off Challenge raised a record-breaking $18,700 for the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF). With more than 50 entries and enthusiastic bidding, the community once again proved that a passion for baking can translate into life-changing support for local health care. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of a digital mammography machine, a critical tool for early breast cancer detection. Since 2007, the Prince Edward Agricultural Society, who host the Bake Off has raised over $64,500 for the hospital. This year’s event included a special one-time memorial apple pie category in honour of the late Deputy Fire Chief Jim Young, who was the inaugural Bake Off winner in 2007 with his unforgettable apple pie. A total of 26 apple pies were entered in his honour, raising an incredible $8,250 on their own. Jim’s parents, Colleen and Murray, and daughters, Dahnon and Kendyl, were present to celebrate his legacy. Entries were judged by Ken Menlove, a local lawyer; Jordan Smart with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Auxiliary Unit; Mike Roy, a community member; and Chris Malette, MP for Bay of Quinte. The auction produced plenty of highlights. Firefighter Autumn Benlap’s Caramel Apple Spice Cheesecake topped the apple pie category and sold to Dr. Sarah Waterston, and Elizabeth Lodge’s Lemon Cream Pie, named best overall pie, sold to Herman Prinzen. “The Bake Off is more than a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of community spirit and generosity,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “This year’s proceeds will support the purchase of a new digital mammography machine for the new County hospital, and we are so grateful to every baker, bidder, and volunteer who made that possible.” “The Bake Off has become a highlight of the Picton Fair, and it’s inspiring to see how much it has grown,” said Susan Harrington, president of the Picton Fair Board. “The generosity of our community never ceases to amaze us. Thank you to everyone who baked, bid, or volunteered to make this year such a success.” The Agricultural Society also expressed its gratitude to the many individuals and local businesses who made the event possible. “There’s something truly special about seeing friends, neighbours, and businesses come together over pies and cakes to support health care,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson. “This event proves that even the simplest of traditions can make a lasting impact on our community.” The Foundation is proud of its longstanding partnership with the Agricultural Society and looks forward to welcoming everyone back to next year’s Picton Fair. The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County and patients of the hospital.

Picton Fair Bake Off Honour Deputy Jim Young

Picton Fair Bake Off to Honour Deputy Jim Young

August 26, 2025

Picton Fair Bake Off to Honour Deputy Jim Young - Funds raised will support the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation.