Province puts $2 million toward inpatient tower, research centre at Alberta Children’s Hospital

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on January 20, 2026.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

The province of Alberta is investing $2 million to plan an expanded inpatient tower and a new research centre at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

This funding is matched by the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and aims to increase capacity and improve care for children in Calgary and across the province.

“Expanding Alberta Children’s Hospital ensures Alberta children have access to the care they need, improves outcomes and supports healthier, brighter futures for families across the province,” said Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services Matt Jones.

The Alberta Children’s Hospital has 141 inpatient acute care beds and 12 inpatient mental health beds, with 40 acute care beds and 10 mental health beds to be added by this project.

“Our children are our future and their mental health is a priority for our government,” said Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Rick Wilson. “The collaborative work and investment into the Alberta Children’s Hospital strengthens and streamlines care for young people facing mental health challenges.”

The other planned addition, the new Centre for Research & Innovative Care, will allow for more personalized care and create family-friendly spaces while improving the quality of care delivered, says the province.

Work on the business and functional planning phase for the inpatient tower expansion project began last September.

“This is part of a long-term strategic vision. The community helped build the new hospital, then a child-focused research institute,” said president and CEO Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation Saifa Koonar. “The centre will unite clinicians and researchers, saving and improving more children’s lives through innovation.”

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