The amazing volunteers of Neighborwoods North (NWN), who have spent hundreds of hours planting trees, lining the ER entrance with flowering crab apples, and planting a 125-foot Welcoming Garden on the Owen Sound Hospital property, are at it again. This time, they are starting the process to build Phase 1 of a 1.7 kilometer Healing Path around the hospital for families, patients, staff and the public to enjoy while at the hospital. The location of the path has been marked and NWN has just issued a Request for Quotes to find a contractor to build the path. The RFQ can be found on the NWN website at: www.neighbourwoodsnorth.com

“This is very exciting to be breaking ground for this project, and we are seeking a qualified company who is looking for more than just a contract,” said Lloyd Lewis, Chair of NWN. “This is an opportunity to give back to the community by building a path for patients, families and our healthcare workers to enjoy nature, fresh air and exercise in a park-like setting.”

The healing path is the next step in NWN’s 10-year plan, endorsed by the hospital corporation, to naturalize the 20-acre property surrounding Grey Bruce Health Services Owen Sound Hospital. The group started volunteering on the property in 2017.

The Owen Sound Hospital sees over 100,000 patient visits per year from across the Grey Bruce region, and employs approximately 1100 staff and physicians at that site.

NWN is thrilled to have the support from local doctors, Dr. Mulroy commented that "he was profoundly moved by a patient who was admitted to the hospital. She said: “my healing comes not from being in the hospital, but by being able to walk the hospital grounds.” Dr. Edwards stated "The Healing Path at the hospital will be uplifting for our patients, their visitors, our staff, and any interested members of our Owen Sound community."

NWN is paying for the path from donations, and their goal is to create a three-season accessible path in stages, as funds permit. NWN is a sub-committee of the Owen Sound Field Naturalists, a charitable organization. Donations for the path can be made at: CanadaHelps.org (Owen Sound Field Naturalists - select NeighbourWoods North in the drop down menu)

The group hopes that future sections of the trail, to be built closer to the hospital’s Rehabilitation Unit, may eventually be used by patients as part of their rehab therapy.

The Request for Quotes closes on Thursday May 19, 2022 @4:00 pm. Questions about the process can be directed to Gord Edwards 226-923-0605.

source: media release