Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Renovation Faces Further Delays Amid Budget Concerns

Montreal, QC – The long-awaited renovation of Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital (HMR) is facing additional hurdles as the Quebec government grapples with budgetary constraints. Despite repeated calls for expedited action, the project remains in the planning stage, prompting criticism from opposition parties and concerns about the hospital’s deteriorating condition.

Budgetary Adjustments and Project Prioritization

Quebec Health Minister Sonia Bélanger announced on Thursday that adjustments, termed “optimization,” will be made to the administrative aspects of the HMR project. These adjustments will affect areas such as the administrative sector, goods dock, entrance hall, and administrative spaces, but will not impact the “clinical plan” for the hospital’s core medical functions. Source

Opposition Criticism and Project Delays

Opposition parties have voiced strong criticism regarding the lack of progress on the HMR renovation, particularly as the 2026-2027 Quebec budget allocates 2.3 billion for hospital construction and renovation projects province-wide. Source André Fortin, parliamentary leader of the official opposition, described HMR as “the symbol of decrepitude” of Quebec hospitals.

Liberal deputy Monsef Derraji questioned the government’s commitment to the project, recalling previous assurances from Health Minister Bélanger and Christian Dubé in September 2023 that tenders would be launched in the following weeks. Source

Financial Implications of Delays

The ongoing delays are reportedly costing the project an additional $10 million per month, with an emergency funding request of $300 million previously submitted. Concerns have been raised about the potential budgetary impact of further delays, particularly given the hospital’s existing infrastructure issues, including infestations of rats, ants, and bats. Source

Government Response and Next Steps

Minister Bélanger reiterated the government’s commitment to the HMR project, stating that it will receive the necessary funding to complete the planning stage. Infrastructure Minister Benoit Charette indicated that “preparatory work” will commence in the coming months to prepare the site for construction, including work on the aqueduct. Source He characterized this as a “major step forward.”

The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government had previously faced pressure following a storm in May 2025 that knocked out power at the hospital, impacting intensive care and surgery units. Source This incident further highlighted the urgent require for renovations at the aging facility. Source