SMH Celebrates Completion of New Helipad
October 01, 2026
Today, Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) celebrated the completion of its new helipad with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Now fully operational following final certification from Transport Canada, the elevated helipad is the first major component of the hospital's redevelopment project to be completed.
The new 68-foot-wide helipad is elevated 12 feet off the ground at its highest point, a design feature unique in Ontario. Designed to strengthen patient care, safety, and operational efficiency, the state-of-the-art helipad will improve emergency air ambulance access and provide a safer, more reliable experience for patients, physicians, hospital staff and flight crews.
“Today marks a significant milestone not only for our redevelopment project, but for the future of patient care at Stevenson Memorial Hospital," says Deepak Sharma, President and CEO, SMH. "Our new elevated helipad strengthens our ability to connect patients with life-saving care when every second counts. The enhanced safety features, improved operational reliability, and increased accessibility support better outcomes for patients while creating a safer environment for our healthcare teams and Ornge."
The new helipad features an integrated heating system that prevents snow and ice accumulation during winter months, eliminating the need for manual snow removal. The heated surface will improve safety for landing crews, physicians and staff during challenging weather conditions.
This innovative configuration also significantly improves flight operations. The elevated design gives air ambulance pilots greater flexibility to respond to changing wind patterns with the ability to adjust flight paths and approaches.
In addition to enhancing emergency transport capabilities, relocating the helipad from the hospital's upper parking lot has created additional parking spaces.
“This new helipad is a tangible sign of the progress underway at Stevenson Memorial Hospital,” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey. “For years, this community has worked toward a modern, expanded hospital that can meet the needs of a growing region. It is exciting to see that vision taking shape, and I am grateful to the entire Stevenson team and our community partners for their continued commitment to delivering exceptional care close to home.”
The completion of the helipad demonstrates continued progress on SMH's redevelopment project. The project will deliver a modern healthcare facility more than double the size of the current hospital and an Emergency Department three times its current size. The new facility is expected to be completed in late 2028.