Land Acquisition Supports Hospital Capacity: Rice Family Partnership Advances Lakeridge Health Bowmanville Hospital Redevelopment

BOWMANVILLE, ON – July 17, 2026 – Lakeridge Health Bowmanville Hospital marks another milestone by acquiring land for a new surface parking lot to be located on the north side of Queen Street. Conveniently located adjacent to the hospital, this lot provides essential parking capacity to support the region’s growing health-care needs. 

The new parking lot represents a major milestone by adding critical capacity required for the Bowmanville Hospital Redevelopment.  

This expansion is made possible through a deep-rooted community partnership with the Rice family. Since 1971, John and Janet Rice thought about a future where their family property would serve the long-term health needs of their beloved community. Their son, Andrew Rice, acting on their wishes later in life, has now brought that vision to life. 

Building upon his family’s legacy of philanthropy, Andrew Rice’s personal leadership has been instrumental in this transition. He worked tirelessly to coordinate the responsible relocation of local businesses and residents, ensuring that the transition was handled with care and respect for the community’s unique fabric. His hands-on approach exemplifies the power of local residents who are stepping up to champion their hospital’s future. 

Thanks to the generosity, personal effort, and long-term vision of the Rice family whose belief in the power of local health care has enabled this new, and mission-critical parking lot. This essential enabling project adds much needed parking capacity, supporting access to care for the growing Clarington community.  

Quotes  

"Building a hospital takes a community. We're deeply grateful to the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation, the Rice family, and everyone who believes in the future of local health care. Together, we're turning our vision of One System. Best Health. into reality and ensuring generations of families have access to exceptional care close to home."  

-- Cynthia Davis, President and CEO, Lakeridge Health Bowmanville Hospital 

“My parents believed in taking care of their community. They had a vision for local health care growth and were prepared to support it, every step of the way. To prepare the site in six months, we transitioned four families to relocated homes, relocated two business, and removed all six buildings. Clearly, I could not have done this without a great deal of assistance along the way. I am proud to advance my parents’ dream to help support and build the future Lakeridge Health Bowmanville Hospital.”   

-- Andrew Rice, Community Partner 

The Rice family’s enduring support is a powerful example of how community generosity can shape the future of health care close to home. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are proud to recognize the Rice family as an integral part of that history – and of the future we are working to create. Their vision and commitment will have a lasting impact on patients, families, staff, and our entire community as we move closer to bringing a redeveloped Lakeridge Health Bowmanville Hospital to life. 

-- Maria Petri, CEO, Bowmanville Hospital Foundation  

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About Lakeridge Health 

Lakeridge Health is one of Ontario’s most comprehensive health systems, with five hospitals, four emergency departments, three critical care units, a long-term care home, a state-of-the-art, community-based surgical centre, and more than 30 community-based locations delivering acute, ambulatory, and long-term care. We are home to leading regional programs in cancer care, chronic kidney disease services, and critical care. In addition, we offer specialty services such as a Level 3 Trauma Centre, The Shoulder Centre, thoracic surgery, gynecology oncology, eye care, and a full continuum of mental health and addictions care. Through transformative research, dynamic academic partnerships, and over 160 active clinical studies, we are advancing medical knowledge and training the next generation of providers through the Queen’s–Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program and the LHEARN Network. Supported by nearly 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers, and working in collaboration with the Durham Ontario Health Team and community partners, we are committed to building an integrated system of care and empowering people across Durham Region to live their best health. 

For more information contact: 

Strategic Communications Media

communications@lh.ca