Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) is taking the next step in its 'Our Hospital, Our Future' project.
In a Friday morning media conference, the CKHA announced a $2.5 million grant from the provincial government.
The funds will go towards the next planning stages for the revitalization of the Wallaceburg site.
"This planning grant allows us to put all the final construction documents together, that we'll use to go up to tender," said Adam Topp, President of CKHA.
Although the grant will be a huge help to the project, Topp stated there is still work to be done.
"It's going to be in the order of magnitude of $50 million... It's in that ballpark. When we go to tender, we'll get those final prices back," he added.
With the province chipping in today, CKHA also ensured its local sponsors were credited.
"The community's buying in, the local businesses are buying in. This is truly a jewel in the crown of Chatham-Kent," said Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.
He added that it was important for the provincial government to support the project.
"Premier Ford and our government are committed to health care, and this is a big part of showing that we care about the rural communities as well," he said.
While the grant will help move along the planning process, construction isn't expected to break ground until 2027.
***This story was written by Ede Brecevic. Ede is a student in the Fanshawe College journalism program, and is currently doing an internship with CKNewsToday.ca
