Collaborative construction becomes the new Gold Standard for Ontario healthcare

The landscape of healthcare infrastructure in Ontario is shifting. As the province advances more complex, integrated health campuses, the pressure on design and construction teams has reached a new peak. Decision-makers today require a rare combination: the financial strength and advanced technical expertise of a national builder, paired with a deep, nuanced understanding of local supply chains and community priorities.

For many years, the industry has struggled with “fly-in” approaches from large firms that often fail to grasp the specific local conditions or community sensitivities required for long-term success. Pomerleau, a top national builder, is challenging this status quo by positioning itself as the best of both worlds—delivering national-scale innovation through a local legacy lens.

A Partnership-Driven Approach

In the highly specialized world of healthcare, the traditional “contractor” role is no longer sufficient. Pomerleau has redefined its position as a collaborative partner to health authorities, design teams, and Indigenous communities from the earliest planning stages to final handover.

This “co-creative” mindset is best exemplified in the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) Redevelopment Project in Northern Ontario. Recognizing that clinical needs must be balanced with cultural safety, Pomerleau worked side-by-side with community partners to ensure the new healthcare campus—including an Elder Care Lodge and traditional healing spaces—was guided by community values and operationally fit for the James Bay and Hudson Bay coasts.

The project’s delivery structure supports early collaboration between the builder, design team, WAHA and Infrastructure Ontario, enabling key decisions to be aligned early, risks to be better understood, and community priorities to be embedded from the outset. “In the Ontario health sector, we believe that truly successful projects start with transparency and collaboration. The WAHA redevelopment is a prime example of this; it isn’t just about the physical build—it’s about becoming true partners with Indigenous communities to ensure we are delivering healthcare facilities grounded in local culture and built to the highest standards serving the James Bay region for generations,” says Pomerleau’s Sean Smithson, Regional VP Toronto.

Engineering in Live Environments

For developers and contractors, building in healthcare means managing extreme sensitivity. Pomerleau’s expertise lies in its ability to deliver complex infrastructure in active, sensitive environments where operational continuity is non-negotiable. From the CHUM in Quebec to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital expansion, the firm has proven its ability to work adjacent to live hospital operations while minimizing disruptions to patients and staff.

By leveraging sophisticated digital tools (BIM and 4-D modeling) to coordinate large teams and adapt to shifting requirements, Pomerleau effectively de-risks the build, preventing the costly delays and scope creep that often plague complex health infrastructure. This requires a specialized, zero-incident approach that integrates:

• Complex Environment Management: Implementing rigorous, construction-specific safety frameworks designed to protect project integrity and maintain site security without compromising the pace of delivery.
• Advanced Digital Tools: Leveraging BIM, virtual reality, and 4-D modeling to coordinate large teams with minimal interference.
• Logistical Mastery: A proven history of resolving site constraints and complex logistics without cost overruns or delays.

Delivering Local Legacy

While Pomerleau brings the power of a national brand, its strategy in Ontario is deeply local. The company actively engages in municipal permitting, stays informed on regional funding priorities, and maintains a presence through health-adjacent organizations.

This regional expertise is crucial for Ontario stakeholders who need assurance that their projects are backed by financial stability but executed with the responsiveness of a local team. Whether it is the Multi-Function Paramedic Station in Toronto or long-term care facilities like Macassa Lodge in Hamilton, the focus remains on building hospitals, labs, and research centres that reflect the communities they serve.

Smithson notes, “the goal is to pair national healthcare capability with on-the-ground engagement, ensuring that every project creates an enduring local legacy.”

Next Gen Health Infrastructure

As Ontario continues its historic investment in healthcare infrastructure, the sector needs more than just builders; it needs partners who can navigate the intersection of clinical excellence and community impact. By merging national strength with a local legacy, Pomerleau is proving that the most complex healthcare challenges are best solved side-by-side with those who deliver care.

Check out this link to learn more about Pomerleau’s healthcare capabilities.