Walker Industries has announced a landmark $2 million contribution to the Niagara Health Foundation’s “It’s Our Future” campaign, supporting the construction of the new South Niagara Hospital — a state-of-the-art healthcare facility that will transform the way care is delivered across Niagara.
This major gift reflects Walker’s deep and longstanding commitment to community health and wellbeing.
The family-owned company, headquartered in Niagara for over 138 years, has been an enduring partner in advancing healthcare across the region through projects such as:
- Niagara Health’s Walker Family Cancer Centre and the MRI community fundraising campaign
- Hospice Niagara’s Walker House and Stabler Centre
- Hotel Dieu Shaver
- Pathstone Mental Health
- Wellspring Niagara
- Community events like the Niagara Health Foundation’s Big Move Cancer Ride
L-R: Rachel Stuchberry, Andrea Scott, Geordie Walker, Wendy Mitchell, Ian Walker, Harry Oakes
“Walker Industries began its journey as a single cut stone quarry only a few kilometers from where the South Niagara hospital is now being constructed. For 138 years, we’ve operated in Niagara, growing alongside the community through five generations,” said Geordie Walker, President and CEO of Walker Industries.
“There is an urgent need for elder care and critical care as the Niagara Region continues to grow. This facility will help build a healthier Niagara, a vision that deeply aligns with our values. Our family company was founded in Niagara, and our roots are intertwined with the region and organizations like the Niagara Health Foundation. With this new facility there will be abundant care for our neighbours, employees, and families in the area. We are honored to support what will be one of the country’s most innovative healthcare facilities, building community care in Niagara for generations to come.”
Walker Industries also encourages its more than 1,200 employees across North America to give back through community service, offering two fully paid volunteer days each year and leading initiatives such as the Season of Giving holiday campaign and food bank support programs throughout the region.
“Walker Industries’ generosity represents the very best of what makes Niagara special — neighbours helping neighbours. This $2 million gift will directly support the creation of patient spaces, technologies, and a healthcare environment that will transform healing and treatment across our region. We’re deeply grateful for Walker’s leadership and their belief in a future where everyone in Niagara can receive exceptional care close to home.” – Andrea Scott, President & CEO, Niagara Health Foundation
“We’re overwhelmed by the generosity of the community support for this hospital. Walker Industries has been a great supporter of our local community, and we can’t say enough to thank Walker Industries for their generous gift. This is a major milestone toward reaching our fundraising goal.” – Jim Diodati, Mayor, City of Niagara Falls & Harry Oakes, Campaign Co-Chairs
The South Niagara Hospital is set to open in 2028 and will play a central role in integrating care across Niagara, supporting emergency response, provide world-class acute and complex care, and community-based rehabilitation all within a single connected healthcare facility. It will also be the first hospital in Canada to be WELL certified, demonstrating Niagara Health’s commitment to sustainability, supporting staff and patients and long-term community wellbeing.
The new South Niagara Hospital will feature:
- State-of-the-art emergency and critical care departments with increased capacity
- Comprehensive diagnostic imaging, including MRI, CT, and ultrasound
- Surgical and inpatient units designed for efficiency and collaboration
- A dedicated regional hub featuring centres of excellence in complex care, and wellness in aging.
- A center of excellence in Stroke Care.
- Smart hospital technology, fully digital systems, and innovative infection prevention design
- Spaces that were co-designed with Indigenous Partners to reflect Indigenous design principles, promoting cultural safety and inclusivity
- 470+ single patient bedrooms.
L-R: Mayor Jim Diodati, Ian Walker, Wendy Mitchell, Geordie Walker, Andrea Scott, Harry Oakes, and Rachel Stuchberry
About Walker Industries
Walker Industries, a fifth-generation, family-owned company with over 138 years in business, operates from its base in the Niagara region with facilities across Canada and the United States. Walker employs more than 1,200 people in environmental waste management and recovery, renewable energy, paving and construction, aggregates, and emulsion chemistries.
About the South Niagara Hospital
Currently under construction on Montrose/Biggar Road in Niagara Falls, the South Niagara Hospital will be a modern, 1.3-million-square-foot facility designed to meet the growing healthcare needs of the Niagara region for decades to come. The 470+ bed hospital will bring together advanced technology, specialized care, and healing environments focused on patient comfort, staff wellness, environmental connectedness and accessibility.
About Niagara Health Foundation
The Niagara Health Foundation raises funds to support high-quality patient care, programs, and equipment at Niagara Health sites across the region, including the construction of the new South Niagara Hospital. Through the generosity of donors, partners, and community members, the Foundation helps ensure Niagara residents have access to exceptional healthcare close to home. To learn more or to support the “It’s Our Future” campaign, visit www.ItsOurFuture.com and www.NiagaraHealthFoundation.com.
For further information, please contact:
Cody Cabral, Communications Lead
E: ccabral@walkerind.com
C: 289-257-052