Di Poce Management Limited (DPML) and the Town of Collingwood are announcing the public release of the Ministers Zoning Order (MZO) companion development agreement executed between both parties in December of 2023. This marks another pivotal milestone toward creating Canada’s first-ever fully integrated regional health and wellness village.

The Poplar Regional Health and Wellness Village includes up to 30 acres of land that Mr. John Di Poce, owner of the lands, has committed to donate as a community benefit for a new state-of-the-art regional hospital campus for Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (CGMH). The hospital redevelopment is strongly supported by municipalities in Southern Georgian Bay, who are awaiting a provincial decision on the hospital’s scope and location. 

Other community benefits in the agreement include a minimum 10% mix of affordable and attainable housing, up to 2 acres for a second Town fire station to service our growing community, and the addition of new activated trails and recreational spaces for the community to enjoy. This project will also boost employment opportunities and investment attraction and has the potential for a future regional transportation hub, all key deliverables for supporting Collingwood’s sustainable growth.

The development agreement excerpts also outline a planning process for the Poplar Regional Health and Wellness Village.  Other components of the agreement being released include information on payment of development charges, parkland dedication, dispute management, land transfer, and termination.

The agreement excerpts have been included on the April 22, 2024, Town of Collingwood Council agenda, providing an opportunity to celebrate the win-win advantages of this project for the Town, the Proponents, residents, and visitors to Collingwood for years to come.

“I have been pleased to see the interest in our community about the potential relocation of the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital to Poplar Sideroad. The release of the agreement excerpts demonstrates the landowner’s commitment, secured by the Town, to providing the core community benefit of greenfield land, ensuring that we are ready to move quickly once a decision on relocation is made by the Province. The donation of land brings us one step closer to realizing a new hospital for our community.”

Mayor Yvonne Hamlin

“I’m pleased that we can now share publicly more detail about the key excerpts of this mutually promising agreement, providing residents with valuable insight into the proposal which includes exceptional community benefits that are in step with our strategic plan,” said Deputy Mayor, Tim Fryer

“My dream for these lands was to create a place of health and wellness for the community of Collingwood and the region, starting with a new state-of-the-art Hospital to properly care for the community. This will create a true legacy for our family and the entire community for generations to come,” said John Di Poce, Owner and Founder of Di Poce Management Limited.

Quick Facts about the Project

The vision for the Poplar Regional Health and Wellness Village addresses several critical issues Collingwood and the region are facing today. 

1. Catalyzes an enduring positive economy for Collingwood and many other communities in this region of Ontario, including delivering new, quality employment opportunities.
2. Brings world-class innovation in health and wellness to this region, setting a new standard for healthcare delivery, healthy living, and well-being in the area and beyond.
3. Creates much-needed purpose-built affordable and attainable housing for current and future Collingwood and regional employers.
4. Delivers a safe and healthy excellence in aging in place community for a rapidly growing aging regional population.
5. Delivers an environmentally friendly, low carbon footprint and fully integrated development in a walkable, mixed-use format that aligns with North American best practices. 

To learn more about the project visit: https://poplarhealthandwellnessvillage.com/ 
 

About Di Poce Management Limited

Di Poce Management Limited is a Canadian holding and investment company. Privately owned and operated since 1986 by John Di Poce, entrepreneur and philanthropist. John and his family have a mission to ensure that the current and future citizens of the region have access to state-of-the-art health and wellness and education, as shown by his many philanthropic efforts in Collingwood and beyond. This includes a land donation to Georgian College, many contributions to the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Foundation, and to the Toronto General Foundation (University Health Network – UHN) with the establishment of the John Di Poce and Family Transplant Innovation Centre.

About Collingwood

The Town of Collingwood is a progressive community located in the heart of a four-season recreation area on the southern shore of Georgian Bay. The area is well known for its many natural amenities and its rich heritage. Collingwood is a destination for tourism and many business, sporting, and cultural events Collingwood acts as a gateway to the South Georgian Bay region, with stunning landscapes that encourage an active lifestyle, and inspire the local arts and culture community. Downtown Collingwood might just surprise you with 30 plus restaurants, 60 plus boutique shops, spas for relaxing, and live music for grooving…all in the only downtown core recognized by Canada’s Registrar of Historic Places! More recently, the harbourfront area is emerging as an extension to the downtown district. Plans for expanding the amenities and events in the harbourfront area promise to make this a much more prominent tourism destination.