Petrolia hospital awards $14-million contract for emergency department rebuild

Bluewater Health has awarded a $14-million construction contract for the long-planned emergency and diagnostic imaging redevelopment at Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital in Petrolia. Construction is expected to start after a groundbreaking this fall and last about three to three-and-a-half years, with the hospital staying open. The foundation is still seeking $3 million of a $5-million local share.

Bluewater Health has awarded a $14-million construction contract to K&L Construction Ltd. to redevelop the emergency department and diagnostic imaging areas at Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital of Bluewater Health in Petrolia.

The contract marks a milestone for a project that has moved through the Ministry of Health's capital planning process over several years. Ministry approval to proceed to tender was received in January 2026.

Construction is expected to begin after a groundbreaking in late October or early November 2026 and take about 36 to 42 months. The work will be delivered in six phases so the hospital and emergency department can remain open.

Paula Reaume-Zimmer, president and CEO of Bluewater Health, said the award brings the project closer to completion. "Selecting our construction partner brings us closer than ever to seeing years of planning, advocacy and community support take shape," she said.

The hospital says the redevelopment will modernize clinical and support spaces for patients in Petrolia and Central Lambton. Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey said the province is investing in rural health care. "Our government is proud to support this important investment in modernizing the hospital's emergency department and diagnostic imaging spaces," he said.

Petrolia Mayor Brad Loosley said the hospital remains central to the community. "Our community has advocated for and supported CEEH for generations, and seeing a construction partner selected is an exciting sign of the progress being made," he said.

The $14-million contract was awarded after a competitive procurement process. Bluewater Health and project partners will work with K&L Construction on the construction plan while the hospital remains open.

K&L Construction president Todd Hodgins said the company understands the hospital's importance to the community. "We understand how important CEEH is to Petrolia and the surrounding community, and our team of experienced staff looks forward to working collaboratively with Bluewater Health to deliver modernized healthcare spaces while carefully managing construction within an active hospital environment," he said.

Community fundraising is part of the project. Bluewater Health Foundation, which amalgamated with the CEEH Foundation in April 2026, is raising a $5-million local share for equipment, furnishings and other needs. About $2 million has already been raised, with support from Lambton County and the community.

Kathy Alexander, executive director of Bluewater Health Foundation, said community donations remain essential. "As we move closer to construction, community support is imperative in bringing this redevelopment to life and ensuring our care teams have the equipment and resources they need in these new and renovated spaces," she said.

Those interested in donating can visit bwhf.ca/donate and select "CEEH Emergency Redevelopment" from the designation menu, or contact the foundation office at 89 Norman St., Sarnia, 519-464-4408.

Bluewater Health has previously invested in the Petrolia hospital through its capital budget and Health Infrastructure Renewal Funding, including infrastructure upgrades and renovated patient spaces.