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Expansion of Ronald McDonald House to benefit North Bay patients

Officials with the charity estimate that more than 98 families from North Bay have received support from RMHCO, but the demand has always been much higher.
BayToday Staff
2023-new-ronald-mcdonald-house-ottawa
Ronald McDonald House Charities Ottawa and McDonald's Canada break ground on the new RMHC Ottawa House expansion. Pictured here: RMHC Ottawa Family (sibling) Kaja Leveille, RMHCO Family and patient at CHEO Kalix Leveille, Kalix’s mother Sheena Leveille, CEO of RMHC Ottawa Christine Hardy, Mayor of Ottawa Mark Sutcliffe, the Honourable MP David McGuinty, MPP/PA Nolan Quinn, CEO of McDonald's Canada Michèle Boudria, Chair of RMHC Ottawa Board Danny Baldwin.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Ottawa (RMHCO) is proud to announce it will be breaking ground on its expansion project, addressing the growing needs of families seeking a home-away-from-home while their child receives vital medical care. The new development will add an additional 22 suites to the existing 14, significantly increasing the organization’s capacity.

RMHCO provides invaluable services to families travelling from more than 200 communities each year, including Cornwall, Pembroke, Timmins, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Nunavut. RMHCO also offers 2 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms within CHEO, offering comfort to both local and traveling families spending long days in hospital.

In an average year, RMHCO supports more than 1,800 families from more than 200 communities.

Officials with the charity estimate that more than 98 families from North Bay have received support from RMHCO, but the demand has always been much higher. With the addition of 22 suites to the existing 14, today’s expansion will ensure more families each night can be taken care of so they can take care of what matters most.

“For nearly 40 years, our House has been a lifeline supporting families during some of the most challenging times of their lives,” said Christine Hardy, CEO, RMHCO in a release.

“This expansion will drastically increase our capacity, helping us more than double the number of families we help each year, ensuring that no family is turned away during a time of crisis.”

The Ottawa House will remain in its current location, only 167 steps from CHEO. The expanded House will be net zero carbon, LEED gold and Rick Hansen Foundation gold-certified, ensuring an inclusive and sustainable space that caters to the diverse needs of all families.

Construction begins this month and will be completed by fall of 2024. The project is being funded by The Federal Government of Canada through Infrastructure Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program, The Government of Ontario, Founding and Forever partner McDonald’s Canada and local franchisees, and generous donors in our community.