CaDCR staff writer
The South Niagara Hospital project has reached a significant milestone on the way to becoming Canada’s first WELL certified hospital.
Niagara Health, Infrastructure Ontario and EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare announced WELL Precertification through the International WELL Building Institute’s WELL v2 pilot program.
Andrew Anderson, senior vice-president and area manager at EllisDon, highlighted the significance of the project.
“Achieving WELL Precertification is about creating an innovative hospital that prioritizes the health and wellness of all occupants,” he said. “Our collaboration has ensured a people-first approach in every aspect of design and construction, paving the way for a state-of-the-art facility that will serve the community for years to come.”
With this certification, the hospital is one step closer to achieving full WELL Certification upon its completion in 2028, positioning it as a pioneer in healthcare design in Canada.
The WELL Certification program is globally recognized within the architectural field and serves as a scientifically developed, independently verified framework to enhance building design and assess its impact on the health of occupants. The program is organized around 10 core concepts—Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind and Community—each aimed at improving health and wellness outcomes.
A key feature of the design is its integration of nature and natural daylight, which has been shown to improve overall health.
WELL features will also enhance the work environment for healthcare staff, incorporating amenities like a gym, ergonomic workstations and team rooms aimed at improving workplace culture and satisfaction. Guerriero noted, “WELL principles are grounded in extensive research that links building environments to health outcomes. This investment is crucial for both patient care and attracting healthcare professionals.”
Precertification is an early review process that confirms health and well-being are central to the project’s design. Upon completion in 2028, the South Niagara Hospital will apply for full WELL Certification, which will involve a thorough review and site visit by an independent certifier. Niagara Health will be required to recertify every three years to maintain these standards.
