WAHA holds beam-signing ceremony in Moosonee for hospital redevelopment

The Weeneebayko Area Health Authority held a beam-signing ceremony in Moosonee on Sept. 9, where guests signed one of the final structural beams for the future regional health-care campus. The beam will be lifted into place, and the signatures will remain as part of the new hospital.

The event comes as construction continues on a major hospital and long-term care redevelopment in Moosonee and on Moose Factory Island. Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones said the province is investing nearly $1.3 billion in WAHA’s new regional health-care campus in Moosonee.

In the weeks before the ceremony, vinyl strips were sent to communities across the region so residents could add names, messages and well wishes. The strips were later returned to Moosonee and wrapped around the beam so the signatures could be included.

WAHA’s redevelopment plan includes a new 36-bed regional hospital in Moosonee and a 32-bed long-term elder care lodge. The project also includes staff accommodations, a patient and visitor hostel, and a new ambulatory care centre on Moose Factory Island.

Construction is moving ahead on structural components of the campus and on exterior sections of the future hospital, WAHA said in its announcement.

WAHA President and CEO Lynne Innes said the signatures are meant to represent “the people, communities, and partnerships” involved in the project.

In statements included with WAHA’s announcement, Infrastructure Minister Todd McCarthy pointed to Ontario’s broader capital plan, while Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford described the project as supporting culturally responsive care close to home.

WAHA also said members of the public can sign a virtual beam as the project continues.