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1944
Excavation Begins
A group of physicians, along with Bishop R.H. Dignan (Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie) and Monsignor J.C. Humphrey (Christ the King Church), approached the Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie for help financing a new hospital. On September 2, 1944, the Sisters used their own funds to purchase nearly three hectares (seven acres) at 700 Paris Street from Mr. and Mrs. Stafford. The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario approved an Order in Council allowing the Sisters to establish a hospital on the site, to be named “The Sudbury General Hospital of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”
1948
Construction Begins
Construction of the new hospital begins with an official sod-turning ceremony, marking the start of this transformative project. This milestone symbolizes a significant step forward in bringing enhanced health care services to the community.
1949
Laying of Cornerstone
On May 29, 1949 a ceremony is held to mark the laying of the cornerstone for the new hospital. Dignitaries included Bishop Dignan, Judge P.J. McAndrew, and Reverend Mother Cecilia, General Superior.
1950
Sudbury General Hospital Officially Opens
On November 1, the Sudbury General Hospital of the Immaculate Heart of Mary admits its first patient. Built at a cost of $3.1 million with 200 beds, the hospital quickly becomes a vital part of the community, admitting over 7,000 patients —including 1,400 newborns— during its first year of operation.
1952
First Graduates
The first graduating class of the Marymount School of Nursing marks a proud milestone in the school’s history. Graduates from the Marymount School of Nursing played a vital role supporting patients at the hospital; altogether 513 diploma nurses graduated from the school over its 16 years existence.
1954
The Hospital Grows by 100 Beds
The first new wing is added — an active treatment wing with 100 beds, including 33 beds for the psychiatric unit, as well as others for dedicate to supporting surgery and obstetrics, the nursery, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.
1972
Ambulance Garage Construction
The regional ambulance service is established, and construction begins on a new ambulance garage, located to the left of the main entrance.
1973
Sudbury General Hospital Expansion
With the new addition, built at a cost of $6 million, the Sudbury General Hospital expands to 360 beds and is designated as the regional trauma referral centre.
1975
From First Cradle to Chapel Aisle
Sudbury General’s first baby says: “I Do.” Susan Foerster marries Sandy Cameron in August 1975 in the hospital's chapel. Susan was the first baby born at Sudbury General Hospital in 1950.
1977
Centralized Obstetrics Services
Obstetrics services are centralized at the Sudbury General Hospital. The 60-bed, 64-bassinet unit becomes the largest non-teaching obstetrical unit in Ontario.
1980
Sudbury General Leads with First CAT Scanner
The first Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scanner in Northern Ontario is installed at Sudbury General Hospital. This groundbreaking advancement revolutionized diagnostic imaging in the region, giving patients access to cutting-edge technology close to home.
1986
Helipad Officially Opens
On October 16, Sudbury General Hospital officially opens its rooftop helipad. This critical addition enhanced emergency response by allowing patients to be transported quickly and safely by air, ensuring faster access to life-saving care and resulted in the hospital being named the Lead Emergency and Trauma Centre for the region.
1997
Renamed St. Joseph’s Health Centre
On August 14, the Sudbury General Hospital of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is officially renamed St. Joseph’s Health Centre (SJHC). On the same date, the organization received its letters patent as a not-for-profit corporation under the Canada Corporations Act.
2002
Groundbreaking for St. Joseph’s Villa
The official groundbreaking ceremony for St. Joseph’s Villa takes place at its new home on South Bay Road, marking the beginning of construction for this new long-term care facility. This milestone represents a significant step forward in expanding care and support for the community’s aging population.
2003
Grand Opening of St. Joseph's Villa
On December 1, St. Joseph’s Villa opens its doors on South Bay Road and begins admitting residents, offering 128 long-term care beds. The new facility provides a modern, welcoming environment dedicated to supporting seniors with dignity, comfort, and compassionate care.
2003
Making headlines
Newspaper clippings from the time highlight the Villa’s innovative design, emphasizing its warm, welcoming environment that was “designed not to feel like an institution” but rather a home.
2003
St. Joseph’s Villa First Team
The first team at St. Joseph’s Villa is more than a group of professionals; they are the heart of the Villa’s mission. Guided by the core values of dignity, excellence, service, and integrity, they bring compassionate care and unwavering commitment to residents and families every step of the way.
2007
St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre Groundbreaking
Shovels dig in as part of the groundbreaking for the new St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre (SJCCC). The ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter for St. Joseph’s as a hospital specializing in rehabilitative, restorative, supportive and complex care to help patients regain independence, restore hope, and improve their quality of life.
2009
St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre Grand Opening
On May 31, St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre, northeastern Ontario’s first and only stand-alone rehabilitative care hospital, opens with 64 beds on South Bay Road.
2010
Farewell to the Old Hospital
On March 26, farewell services are held for St. Joseph’s Health Centre (the former Sudbury General Hospital). Many staff also sign a canvas recording memories, drawings, and even poems reflecting of their time there. Just two days later, on March 28, patients are transferred to the newly completed Sudbury Regional Hospital, today known as Health Sciences North.
2011
Villa St. Gabriel Villa Opens Its Doors
Villa St. Gabriel Villa (VSGV) opens in Chelmsford with 128 beds. Designated as a bilingual institution under Ontario’s French-Language Services Act, the long-term care home is built on land generously donated by the Gabriel Bélanger and Family.
2011
A Place of Healing
Melanie Kanerva, gala co-chair for the St. Joseph's Foundation of Sudbury, stands in the newly completed Jeanne Warwick-Conroy Healing Garden at St. Joseph's Continuing Care Centre on June 22.
2011
Inside the Villa
Gloria Richer, Site Administrator for Villa St. Gabriel Villa, showcases a room in the new facility, which began welcoming residents on March 28.
2013
Guardian Angel Program Recognized
St. Joseph’s Health Centre receives the Ontario Hospital Association’s Small, Rural and Northern Health Award for Excellence from the Provincial Leadership Council. The honour recognizes the St. Joseph’s Guardian Angel Program, which provides physical, emotional and spiritual supports to residents and their families when a resident approaches the end of their life. As part of the program, a crocheted angel is placed at the door of a resident’s room, to let staff, other residents and visitors know that they are part of this program.
2015
Bélanger Family Donates $50K to St. Gabriel Villa Fund
The St. Joseph’s Foundation of Sudbury establishes the Gabriel and Laura Bélanger Fund to honour the couple’s generosity to their community and to Villa St. Gabriel Villa. From left to right: Louise Leroux, Josee Bélanger-Leroux, Laura Bélanger, France Bélanger-Houle and Jo-Anne Palkovits.
2017
$100,000 Raised for St. Joseph’s Villa at Annual Gala
The St. Joseph’s Foundation’s annual gala successfully raises $100,000 to support St. Joseph’s Villa, with proceeds for new furnishings. From left to right (back): Roger Leveillé, Site Administrator, St. Joseph’s Villa, Melanie Kanerva, Chair, St. Joseph’s Foundation, Jeanne Warwick-Conroy, Past Chair, St. Joseph’s Foundation, Jo-Anne Palkovits, Administrator, St. Joseph’s Villa (front): Fred Labelle, Harriet Dempsey and Nancy Murray, residents at St. Joseph’s Villa.
2017
St. Joseph’s Health Centre Honoured for Person-Centred Care
St. Joseph’s Health Centre is honoured with the GPA Leadership Excellence in Person-Centred Care Award and is one of only four organizations in Canada to receive the ‘With Distinction’ designation from the Advanced Gerontological Education Centre.
2020
Clarion Hotel Hosts St. Joseph’s Temporary Care Facility
On April 30, St. Joseph’s Health Centre establishes a temporary site at the Clarion Hotel in downtown Sudbury to help meet the increased demand for care during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
2020
St. Joseph’s Villa Honoured with OLTCA Circle of Excellence Award
St. Joseph’s Villa is recognized with the Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA) Circle of Excellence Award, highlighting the Villa’s commitment to quality care, innovation, and leadership in long-term care.
2020
Ontario Long Term Care Association Awards Dr. St. Martin
Dr. Maurice St. Martin, Medical Director at St. Joseph’s Villa, is honoured with the Ontario Long Term Care Association’s Circle of Excellence Award for his outstanding contributions to long-term care.
2021
70th Wedding Anniversary at St. Joseph’s
Bud and Eila Hanna celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary, marking 70 years of marriage, on August 25 at St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre, surrounded by family, friends, and staff.
2021
Make a Wish Winner
On August 26, Joan Watier, the 2021 Make a Wish recipient at Villa St. Gabriel’s Villa, enjoys a ride in a convertible, a special lunch, and quality time with loved ones, following four nominations from her care team.
2022
Staff and Residents Rally Around St. Joseph’s Villa
In a heartfelt show of solidarity, staff and residents from St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre rally to support colleagues and residents at St. Joseph’s Villa during a COVID-19 outbreak.
2023
St. Joseph’s Health Centre Honoured by Cambrian College
St. Joseph’s Health Centre earns Cambrian College’s annual Employer Award of Distinction, recognizing its exceptional support for students through placements, mentorship, and employment opportunities. This award celebrates the Centre’s commitment to fostering talent and providing a positive impact on the next generation of healthcare professionals.
2023
Mission Cup
The inaugural Mission Cup, connecting staff to the mission, is launched with a baseball tournament. The now annual event has become a much-anticipated day of fun, fellowship and team building. The first team to win the cup is from St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre.
2024
15th Anniversary of St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre
St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre (SJCCC) celebrates its 15th anniversary in June, marking a significant milestone as the only stand alone rehabilitative care hospital in northeastern Ontario. The anniversary is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff, volunteers, and physicians who have been integral to the hospital’s success.
2024
Celebrating PSSP Graduates at Carrefour Options+
On June 18, the Carrefour Options+ school community proudly celebrates the graduates of the Personal Support Services Attendant (PSSP) program, offered in partnership with Villa St. Gabriel Villa, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and achievement in completing the program.
2024
Milestone Celebration at St. Joseph’s Lasalle Site
On October 28, St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre Lasalle Site Phase 1, celebrates its grand opening, marking an exciting milestone in expanding care and services for the community. With Phase 1, patients from the Clarion site are transferred and the site located in the hotel closed. When the second phase of construction is completed in 2026, it will offer 72 spacious private rooms for patients along with other amenities.
2025
St. Joseph’s Lodge
On July 1 St. Joseph’s Health Centre assumes operations of Manitoulin Lodge in Gore Bay, renaming it St. Joseph’s Lodge.
The Town of Gore Bay asked St. Joseph’s to operate the Lodge and lead the construction of the new home because of its experience in long-term care and capital projects, as well as its reputation for providing compassionate, quality care centred on the whole person – body, mind and spirit.
2025
Demolition of Former Hospital
After sitting vacant for 15 years, starting in August, crews begin dismantling and demolishing the former hospital.
In this photo, Sister Bonnie MacLellan, Superior General of the Sisters of St. Joseph and former hospital President and CEO (middle), joins Kari Gervais, President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health Centre, and David Long, Director of the Mission, in front of the former St. Joseph’s Health Centre.
To watch a video of Sister Bonnie, David and Kari reflect on the past and look to the future of St. Joseph’s, please click here.
2025
Construction Launched for new St. Joseph’s Lodge
Construction of the new St. Joseph’s Lodge begins and a ceremony is held October 9, with community members as well as Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care, and Bill Rosenberg, Algoma-Manitoulin MPP, in attendance.
The new St. Joseph’s Lodge will be larger, with a total of 64 beds, and at a new location: 280 Armstrong Road in Gore Bay. Purpose-built to meet the evolving needs of older adults, the home will also feature welcoming spaces for families, staff, and volunteers, as well as individual rooms for each of the residents.
In addition to the province’s support, The Douglas A. Smith Family Foundation’s extraordinary gift is playing a pivotal role in bringing the new St. Joseph’s Lodge to life.
2025
Desjardins Healing Garden
A financial contribution of $500,000 from the Desjardins GoodSpark Fund to the Lasalle Blvd. site of our rehabilitative care hospital will help patients in Sudbury on their rehabilitative care journey through the creation of green spaces, the development of a healing garden, and specialized therapeutic programming to improve health and well-being. In recognition of this generosity focused on compassionate care, the garden has been named the Desjardins Healing Garden.
2025
Opening of the 75+ Year Time Capsule
On November 18, the leadership team of the Sisters of Ste. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie met with the Board of St. Joseph’s Health Centre to renew our relationship through a covenant agreement and open a time capsule, dating back from the early beginnings of our organization.
The time capsule, which was retrieved from behind the cornerstone at the former hospital, includes the ceremony for the laying of the cornerstone on May 29, 1949, at the Sudbury General Hospital.
2025
Time Capsule Contents
During the Cornerstone ceremony in 1949, a band played and dignitaries including Mayor W.S. Beaton, Sister Joan, Honourable C.P. McTague presided. A trowel, made from metal donated by Inco, was ceremoniously passed from architect L.N. Fabbro to R.L. Beattie, VP and General Manager of Inco, who then presented it to Bishop Dignan, before it was sealed.
The copper box time capsule, which required a blow torch to open in 2025, contained: two newspapers (the Canadian Register and the Sudbury Daily Star), a list of 37 sisters present for the event, medals and other religious artifacts including water from Lourdes, the deed to the property, two $1 bills from 1936 and a few coins, a history of the hospital, and the construction schedule.