Ontario issues RFP for Bowmanville Hospital expansion; two bidders shortlisted

Ontario’s Ministry of Health issued a request for proposals on Oct. 1, 2025 to select a team to expand Lakeridge Health’s Bowmanville Hospital in Clarington, following a 2024 request for qualifications that shortlisted two bidders. Ontario has provided more than $20 million for planning and design. The project will more than double the hospital’s capacity, add up to 32 beds and expand emergency, inpatient and ambulatory services.

The RFP advances the project to the stage where the two prequalified teams submit detailed proposals. A successful team is expected to be named in 2026.

Two teams were prequalified after the 2024 RFQ: Bowmanville Health Partners (Amico Design Build Inc.) and PCL Partnerships (PCL Constructors Canada Inc.). The shortlisted bidders will now prepare detailed proposals. Infrastructure Ontario and Lakeridge Health will evaluate submissions and identify a preferred proponent.

Planned additions include private rooms and bariatric rooms, a new rooftop helipad, expanded critical and intensive care services, an ambulatory care centre and hemodialysis stations.

“Today’s milestone brings us one step closer to getting shovels in the ground for Bowmanville Hospital’s redevelopment,” Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones said in the announcement.

Lakeridge Health operates five hospitals, four emergency departments, three critical care units, a long-term care home, more than 20 community health‑care locations and a surgical centre at the Jerry Coughlan Health and Wellness Centre.

Ontario plans nearly $60 billion in major health infrastructure over the next 10 years, including more than 50 hospital projects that would deliver approximately 3,000 new hospital beds. In 2025–26, the province is investing $257 million for infrastructure upgrades and repairs at 126 hospitals and 66 community health‑care facilities, a 12.3 percent increase from the previous year. In 2025–26, Lakeridge Health is receiving $3.58 million through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund, including $2 million in one‑time Exceptional Circumstance Project Grant funding.