A New Chapter for Children's Health: Edmonton's Stollery to Rise on University South Campus Farmland

image source: Edmonton Journal

A decision years in the making has finally brought a beacon of hope to families across Alberta and beyond.

The provincial government has announced that the new, desperately needed stand-alone Stollery Children's Hospital will be built in Edmonton on a parcel of land at the University of Alberta's South Campus.

This landmark announcement marks a pivotal turning point for pediatric care, promising a dedicated, world-class facility designed exclusively for children.

The chosen site is an undeveloped green space located at the northeast corner of 122 Street and 51 Avenue, currently used for agricultural research.

Officials confirmed this specific location was selected for several key reasons, including its ample space, the potential for future expansion, and its crucial proximity to the existing University of Alberta Hospital and its rich ecosystem of academic and research partners.

The decision to build on undeveloped land is a strategic one, intended to streamline the project's timeline by avoiding the costly and time-consuming process of demolition and relocation.

For decades, the renowned Stollery has operated as a 'hospital within a hospital' inside the aging Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre and the University of Alberta Hospital.

While the care has been exceptional, the physical constraints have become increasingly challenging, with two distinct facilities often competing for limited space.

This constant struggle for resources has created bottlenecks and delays, a painful reality for families navigating the most difficult moments of their lives.

A new, purpose-built facility will not only alleviate these pressures but will also allow for the integration of cutting-edge technologies and a design that puts the unique needs of children and their families first.

The current Stollery, which opened in 2001, is the second-largest children's hospital in Canada by bed count and serves an enormous geographic area, with nearly 40 percent of its patients coming from outside the Edmonton area, including from northern British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the territories.

The project is now set to enter the functional planning stage, which is expected to conclude in 2026.

This critical phase will determine the specific space, service, and infrastructure requirements for the new hospital.

While a firm construction timeline remains pending the completion of this planning, officials estimate that building a facility of this magnitude will take at least five to eight years once ground is broken.

Martin Long, Alberta's Minister of Infrastructure, emphasized the significance of the site selection.

He described it as a major step forward in building a modern facility that will serve children from across Western Canada and the territories.

The flexibility of the site, he noted, will allow them to plan a hospital that truly puts children and families first.

The financial commitment for this monumental undertaking has been building for years.

The journey began in 2021 with an initial $1 million investment from the province, which was matched by the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation.

Subsequent budgets have allocated millions more for the crucial planning and design phases, including an $11 million investment over three years announced in Budget 2025.

The University of Alberta has confirmed that the new hospital will occupy about 12 hectares, or 30 acres, of land currently used for crop research.

However, the university was quick to reassure the community that this represents just a small fraction—about eight percent—of the South Campus's total 150-hectare footprint, ensuring the vast majority of the research farm will remain unaffected.

This project is not just about a new building; it's about reimagining the future of children's health in Edmonton and beyond.

The new hospital promises more beds, larger clinical spaces, more private single-patient rooms, and dedicated areas where families can find respite and support.

 The vision includes the full integration of mental health resources alongside physical health services, a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of well-being.

Once the new hospital is operational, the space currently occupied by the Stollery within the University of Alberta Hospital will be freed up.

This creates a significant opportunity to expand acute care capacity for adult patients, addressing the broader pressures on Edmonton's strained healthcare system.

This backfill strategy represents a win-win for all patients in the region.

In a powerful demonstration of community support, the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation has launched an ambitious fundraising campaign called "No Bounds.".

The goal is to raise an astounding $1 billion to help build the new hospital and transform pediatric care through research and innovation.

Karen Faulkner, President and CEO of the foundation, called the land announcement a "historic moment for kids' health."

She expressed profound gratitude to the provincial government and the university for making this dream a reality for the countless families who rely on the Stollery's life-saving care.

The need has been evident for years, with the hospital seeing over 300,000 patient visits annually.

It is Western Canada's primary referral centre for pediatric cardiac surgery and a national leader in organ transplants for children, handling cases of incredible complexity.

The development comes at a time of significant change and pressure within Alberta's healthcare landscape.

While this project moves forward, the government recently paused plans for a new south Edmonton hospital, redirecting focus to initiatives like the stand-alone Stollery and adding capacity to existing facilities.

This strategic shift underscores the critical and specialized need that the new children's hospital will fill.

As Edmonton continues to grow, this investment in a dedicated pediatric hospital is more than just infrastructure; it's a profound statement about the value the community places on its youngest and most vulnerable members.

For families who have tiptoed through crowded wards and waited anxiously for specialized care, the promise of this new hospital is immeasurable.

It is a promise of space, of specialized care, of research, and most importantly, of hope.

The fields of the University of Alberta South Campus will soon yield a different kind of harvest, one of healing, discovery, and boundless potential for generations to come.

Reader's frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where will the new stand-alone Stollery Children's Hospital be located in Edmonton?

The new hospital will be built on the University of Alberta's South Campus, at the northeast corner of 122 Street and 51 Avenue. This site was chosen for its size, potential for future growth, and proximity to the current University of Alberta Hospital and research facilities.

What is the timeline for the new Stollery Children's Hospital?

The functional planning and design phase is expected to be completed in 2026. After planning is complete, officials estimate construction will take at least five to eight years, though efforts are being made to expedite the process.

How will the new hospital impact the current Stollery and Edmonton's healthcare system?

Moving the Stollery to a new, dedicated building will allow it to expand its specialized services in a facility designed for children. The vacated space in the University of Alberta Hospital will be repurposed to increase acute care capacity for adult patients, helping to alleviate pressure on the entire Edmonton-area healthcare system.