Emergency Room waiting room relocated as renovations continue at BGH

Beginning August 27, 2025, the Brantford General Hospital Emergency Department waiting room, triage, and patient registration areas are temporarily relocated to the former See and Treat space (highlighted in yellow) until Summer 2026. The original waiting room (red hatched area) is under construction as part of the multi-year Emergency Department Renovation Improvement Project. Enhanced signage is in place to help guide patients and visitors.

Paris Independent Staff

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Patients visiting the Brantford General Hospital Emergency Department (ED) will notice a significant change beginning last week, as the waiting room, triage, and patient registration areas have been relocated to the former See and Treat space. The move is part of the hospital’s multi-year Emergency Department Renovation Improvement Project.

Enhanced wayfinding and signage have been installed to guide patients, visitors, and staff through the temporary changes. Despite the relocation, the ED remains open throughout the construction period.

The waiting room shift marks the next phase of a $32.4-million project designed to expand and modernize the ED to meet growing community needs. Renovations began in September 2023 and are expected to continue until early 2027, with the current phase lasting until summer 2026. Merit Contractors Niagara Ltd. is leading the construction.

Over the past decade, Brantford General has faced increasing demand for emergency services. More than 50,000 patients currently rely on the ED each year, and that number is expected to rise to over 70,000 annual visits by 2030. However, the aging facilities—housed in buildings 56 and 64 years old—no longer adequately support the level of care patients require.

When complete, the project will add 9,795 square feet to the existing 15,500-square-foot ED, expanding the space to 25,295 square feet. Planned upgrades include:

• a new ED walk-in entrance,

• renovated waiting, triage, and registration areas,

• development of a new See and Treat space,

• a relocated public corridor,

• a new Indigenous family room,

• new ED offices, staff support, and locker facilities,

• renovated extended stay area,

• upgraded EMS parking and ambulance drop-off, and

• new mental health treatment areas.

The Ontario government is contributing $28.3 million toward the cost, while the local community is responsible for covering 10 per cent of construction expenses along with medical equipment and furnishings. Thanks to donor support, the Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation has already raised more than $8 million for the project.

Hospital officials thank patients and visitors for their patience during the transition and say the improvements will ensure residents of Brantford and surrounding communities have access to modern, efficient, and compassionate emergency care well into the future.