Hospital Lands Official Plan Amendment Receives Elgin County Approval

The Municipality of Central Elgin is pleased to announce that the Official Plan Amendment (OPA) for the former St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital Lands (the Hospital Lands) has received Elgin County approval, an important step for one of the municipality's most significant redevelopment opportunities.

The County's approval brings the OPA into effect and enables the Municipality to advance the next phases of planning and development for the site.

A Community-Guided Planning Process

The approval of the Official Plan Amendment represents the culmination of more than a year of planning, technical analysis, stakeholder collaboration, and community engagement to help shape the future of the Hospital Lands. This comprehensive planning process began in early 2025 and has involved residents, stakeholders, and technical experts to guide the redevelopment of the site.

On April 13, Central Elgin Council approved the Hospital Lands OPA, and the adopted OPA was submitted to the County of Elgin for approval.

The Municipality thanks all residents and stakeholders who participated throughout the process. Community input played an important role in shaping a planning framework that reflects community priorities while supporting the long-term growth and development of Central Elgin.

The Municipality also thanks the County of Elgin for its collaboration and support throughout the Official Plan Amendment process. The County’s expertise and partnership helped move this important planning initiative forward.

A Significant Redevelopment Opportunity in Central Elgin

The former Hospital Lands represent one of the most significant redevelopment opportunities in Central Elgin. Strategically located, the site has the potential to accommodate a complete mixed-use community featuring a variety of housing options, employment opportunities, public services, parks, trails and other community amenities.

Advancing the redevelopment of the lands also supports economic growth across the region, including major investments such as the Volkswagen PowerCo electric vehicle battery plant.

The Official Plan Amendment provides clarity, predictability, and flexibility as the Hospital Lands are developed over time while maintaining Council oversight through future statutory approvals.

Development Partner Procurement Process Underway

As part of advancing the redevelopment of the Hospital Lands, the Municipality launched a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process to identify potential development partners to help deliver a complete community on the site.

The RFP was issued on March 2, 2026, through a competitive bidding process, and closed on May 4, 2026. The Municipality is currently reviewing the bids and expects to finalize the process over the next few months.

QUOTES

“Elgin County is a progressive, attractive community that continues to attract people looking for a great place to live. This repurposing will help address the growing need for more homes, ensuring more families can put down roots here and call Elgin County home. It’s a best-in-class example of how surplus lands can be leveraged to create long-term community benefits. I applaud the Municipality of Central Elgin for moving this important project forward.”

– Rob Flack, MPP Elgin-Middlesex-London

“Today’s milestone marks an important step forward in transforming the former Hospital Lands in Central Elgin into a mixed-use community with new housing, businesses and public spaces. By putting these underused lands back into productive use, we are strengthening the local economy and laying the foundation for Central Elgin’s growth and prosperity for generations to come.”

–Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Acting Minister of Infrastructure

"The Hospital Lands redevelopment is more than a local project; it is a regional opportunity that will create lasting benefits across Elgin County. This project reflects the value of thoughtful, long-term planning that supports new housing and community spaces while attracting investment, fostering business growth, and generating economic benefits throughout the region. Elgin County is proud to support initiatives that strengthen our communities and position the region as a destination for investment, talent, and opportunity."

– Dominique Giguère, Elgin County Warden 

"This is an important project not just for Central Elgin, but for the entire region. The redevelopment of the Hospital Lands will help support growth, create new housing opportunities, and contribute to the long-term economic and community development of the area."

– Andrew Sloan, Mayor of the Municipality of Central Elgin

Further information about the Hospital Lands project, including past project updates, planning documents, and engagement materials, is available at letstalkcentralelgin.ca.