Alberta’s population is rapidly growing and aging, and patients have more-complex needs, resulting in rising demand for hospital care, particularly in urban centres and surrounding areas. To help meet that demand in the Edmonton area, Alberta’s government is spending $2 million to begin planning a major expansion of the Strathcona Community Hospital. The project will allow patients to receive inpatient care in Sherwood Park for the first time, as well as a wider range of surgeries.
“The expansion to the Strathcona Community Hospital will help more Albertans get the vital acute care services they need closer to home and help reduce system pressures in the greater Edmonton region.”
“This kind of planning is how we deliver results. We are ensuring health facilities are right-sized, well-designed, and built to meet the needs of families and communities. This project will reduce pressure on the health care system, while supporting frontline staff, further positioning Strathcona Community Hospital to meet today’s challenges and the growth ahead.”
Strathcona Community Hospital is currently a single-storey facility providing primary care, emergency services, diagnostic imaging and outpatient services, including some day surgeries. The planned expansion will add up to 120 inpatient beds, plus shelled space for 32 future beds. It will also include new surgical suites capable of supporting approximately 4,100 surgeries annually. The project also includes two endoscopy procedure rooms, specialized ambulatory clinics, expanded diagnostic imaging, pharmacy and laboratory services, a hemodialysis unit, and integrated mental health supports.
“Expanding the Strathcona Community Hospital has been my top priority as the local MLA since 2019. This planning funding moves us a significant step closer to shovels in the ground. With the business plan expected this fall, we will be well positioned to advocate for the next stage of funding in Budget 2027.”
“The planned hospital expansion reflects a shared commitment to better care, better access and better outcomes. Our foundation is honoured and excited to support this fantastic announcement for the people in this community.”
“Advancing planning for the Strathcona Community Hospital expansion is welcome news for our community and will ultimately help strengthen local access to health care.”
By ensuring capital projects, including this expansion, reflect population growth trends as well as current and future demand for acute care services, Alberta’s government is making deliberate, forward-looking investments that support accessible, efficient and responsive health care for Albertans. Budget 2026 focuses on what matters, makes disciplined choices and takes decisive action.
Quick facts
- Budget 2026’s Capital Plan includes $4.9 billion for health infrastructure to build a health care system that supports the growing needs of rural and urban communities.
- Budget 2026 invests $7 million to plan for new inpatient bed towers at the Grey Nuns Hospital and Misericordia Community Hospital, which will add up to 700 new beds to the region.
- Budget 2026 invests $39 million over the next three years to advance the planning and land acquisition of eight new urgent centres across the province, including one in West Edmonton and one in South Edmonton.
Related information
Related news
- Budget 2026: Investing in what matters (Feb. 26, 2026)