We See You

Advocacy for Mental Health

Mental Health at GBGH We Need Your Voice

We See You.
We see individuals waiting in crisis.
We see families searching for answers.
We see healthcare teams doing everything they can with the resources available today.

And we see a solution that is ready to move forward.

For more than a decade, Georgian Bay General Hospital has been working toward making acute mental health services more accessible. Today, we have an Ontario Health-endorsed proposal for a new mental health program and specialized space at GBGH—but we are still awaiting the next stage of Ministry of Health approval.

Your voice can help demonstrate the importance of this project to our community.

Why This Matters

Mental Health Care Can't Wait

Patients seeking acute mental health care at GBGH often face some of the longest waits in the region because GBGH does not currently have acute mental health beds. Many patients remain in the Emergency Department for extended periods while waiting for specialized care elsewhere.

This adds pressure to the entire Emergency Department, increasing wait times for all patients.

In January 2026, there were multiple days where six to eight patients waited more than 140 hours for access to an acute mental health bed. Currently, only 19% of mental health patients at GBGH receive access to an appropriate bed within 12 hours, while 58% wait more than 24 hours.

Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community that deserves access to timely, compassionate care.

The Solution

A Plan That's Ready to Move Forward

GBGH has submitted a proposal endorsed by Ontario Health that includes:

A 40,000-square-foot addition
16 acute mental health beds
8 specialized geriatric mental health beds
A day treatment program
Outpatient mental health services

Together, We Can Move Forward

The community has already stepped forward by supporting the We See You campaign.

Now, we’re asking for something equally important: your voice.

Together, we can help ensure mental health care remains a priority and advocate for the services our community needs.

Please share your story today.

How You Can Help

Add Your Voice

For more than a decade, our community has waited for progress on this important project.

We believe local voices matter.

By sharing your story with us, we can demonstrate the importance of mental health services for North Simcoe families in our advocacy efforts. You can choose to share your name or remain anonymous (just note this as part of your submission).

Tell us why improving access to mental health care matters to your, your family and your loved ones.

Community Achieves $20 Million for We See You Campaign, Sets Sights on Stretch Goal

Early success fuels expanded vision for patient care, mental health, and the future of GBGH.

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of donors across North Simcoe, the Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Foundation has surpassed the We See You: Inside and Out campaign’s original $20-million fundraising goal years ahead of schedule. To continue the powerful momentum and tangible impact the campaign has already seen, the Foundation is announcing a stretch goal of $35-million by 2029, maintaining the original campaign timeline.

Since the launch of We See You, donors have helped transform care at GBGH by bringing MRI and Mammography services to the hospital, investing in surgical technology, medical equipment and innovative tools that are already strengthening the patient experience. To date, approximately $14-million has already been invested in healthcare at GBGH, and an additional $10-million will be designated and ready for the proposed mental health building, once provincial approvals are received.

The new stretch goal will support additional priorities identified by the hospital, including a major modernization of the hospital pharmacy, laboratory renovations, expanded investment in critical equipment, and future opportunities that will bring additional health care services closer to home.

“This milestone belongs to our entire community,” said Perry Esler, interim CEO, GBGH Foundation. “Reaching $20-million ahead of schedule is an incredible expression of trust in our hospital and belief in the importance of local health care. Because of our donors, patients are already experiencing the impact of this campaign every day. The momentum we’ve created together gives us a unique opportunity to do even more for our community, while remaining ready to move forward on mental health as soon as approvals are received.“

Mental health continues to be a cornerstone of the We See You campaign. The Foundation remains committed to reserving $10-million for the community share of an acute mental health program, ensuring the hospital is prepared to act when provincial approvals are granted.

For donor Nancy Martin, supporting the campaign has been about investing in care that will benefit generations to come.

“When I first heard about the We See You campaign, I believed in what we could accomplish together,” said Nancy. “Seeing the MRI and Mammography programs come to fruition is just so amazing. I know how many people will benefit from having these services at GBGH. It is a great reminder that every gift becomes something real for patients and their families. I’m grateful to be part of this community that steps up when needed, and I’m excited to see how much more we can achieve together.”

Since the campaign’s public launch, thousands of donors, volunteers, community organizations, businesses, municipalities, and health-care supporters have contributed to its success. Together, they have helped strengthen care for body, mind, and spirit while ensuring more patients have access to excellent care close to home. The campaign’s vision remains unchanged: transforming health care at GBGH and preparing the hospital for the future.

“One of the most inspiring aspects of this campaign has been seeing people from every corner of our region come together around a shared belief that local health care matters,” said Matthew Lawson, president & CEO, GBGH. “The campaign has already made a tremendous difference. Together, we’re building on that success so that patients, families, and staff can continue to benefit from world-class care, right here at GBGH.“

The We See You campaign will continue through 2029, with a total goal of $35-million and an ongoing focus on strengthening health care today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow.