Every morning at the HUB Child & Family Centre, the sound of boots crunching gravel and the steady rhythm of machinery are more than just background noise – they’re the soundtrack to something exciting, unfolding just next door.
For the children at the HUB, the construction of the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital has become a daily fascination. As they arrive each day, they’re greeted not just by their educators and friends, but by high-fives from the hospital construction workers, the sight of a towering crane, and the ever-changing landscape of the new hospital build. One little observer summed it up simply: it’s, “My new hospital.”
It was that quiet but joyful attention, that sense of ownership from across the fence, that inspired a unique moment of connection. Staff from the HUB, alongside representatives from Quinte Health, M. Sullivan & Son Ltd., and the PECMH Foundation, came together to celebrate the children’s curiosity with a small event that sparked big smiles.
Also in attendance for today’s special event representing PECMHF, Shannon Coull, Executive Director, Nancy Parks, Back the Build Campaign Chairperson, Cait Lavoie, Community Engagement and Events Manager.
Representing Quinte Health, Lina Rinaldi, Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive, Lisa O’Toole, Board Chairperson, Nicole Corcoran, Communications Specialist, Chad Cranley, Interim Director, Redevelopment & Facilities, Chris Sztuke, Sr. Project Manager, Construction and Lisa Mowbray, Clinical Lead for Operational Readiness.
Representing M. Sullivan & Son Ltd., Andre Roy, Vice President, Pursuit, M. Sullivan & Son Ltd. and Amanda Valiquette, M. Sullivan & Son Ltd.
Representing The HUB Child and Family Centre were Stacey Stanford, Executive Director, Margie McConnell, Picton Centre Manager, and approximately 16 children (ages 3-4) who attended the HUB.
The children were presented with mini hard hats and safety vests, courtesy of M. Sullivan & Son Ltd., helping them feel like honorary members of the PECMH build crew. A custom “I Spy” game, featuring elements from the construction site, turned their daily observations into an interactive adventure.
When asked what the hospital would look like once it’s finished, the answers came quickly: “Bright and big,” said one child. “Huge,” added another, while one more imagined something truly magical – “bigger with rainbows.”
Their imaginations extended beyond the exterior. When prompted to dream up a room just for kids inside the hospital, their vision was both heartwarming and vivid: a space filled with toys, stuffed animals, craft tables covered in stickers, paper, and crayons, a big TV, and shelves lined with books – a comfortable place where kids could feel safe and happy.
They understand why hospitals matter: they’re places that help people when they are hurt or sick. And they knew, instinctively, that this was something to be proud of. When given the chance to share a message for the construction workers, their words were loud and clear: “Good job.” “Thank you.” “We love the new hospital.”
From their window-side view, the children at the HUB have been watching more than a building go up; they’ve been witnessing their community come together. And while the hospital won’t open its doors for some time, it’s already left an imprint – not only on the landscape, but on the imaginations of the youngest neighbours next door.
Shannon Coull, Executive Director of PECMHF said sometimes, the most meaningful stories come from the most everyday moments and ‘This one began in the grocery store.’
“A staff member from the HUB shared with me how much the children were enjoying watching the hospital be built, and the high-fives they were greeted with through the fence every morning by some of the construction workers,” she said.
“That stayed with me. It reminded me that this hospital isn’t just about being the first hospital of its kind in North America, it’s about the people. And even our youngest community members are paying attention,”
‘That conversation was the spark behind today’s event. We wanted to honour the joy and wonder these children have brought to our project. And we wanted them to know that their excitement means something. Together, with our project partners and the HUB, we have created a fun and engaging I-Spy game, in the hope that this joy and wonder will continue throughout the construction of our new County hospital.”
Coull extended her sincere gratitude to the entire team at the HUB and to the children for reminding us how big things can look through little eyes.
The new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital is expected to open in 2027. The new facility, a 96,000 sq ft building, is currently under construction and will feature a 24/7 emergency department, diagnostic imaging, and other modern amenities.
