Niagara Health says a multi-million dollar donation from a Niagara-on-the-Lake family will go a long way toward transforming health care in Niagara.
Sisters Angela Marotta and Melissa Marotta-Paocelli made a $15-million donation to the Niagara Health Foundation and to recognize the donation, Niagara Health announced it will be renaming its hospital in St. Catharines.
Since it opened in 2013, it has been known as the St. Catharines site of Niagara Health but it will now become the Marotta Family Hospital.
Niagara Health CEO Lynn Guerriero called the donation “transformational” for the health system.
“This donation will help us provide the best care possible to our patients, continue to attract and retain top talent and help make sure our staff, physicians and patients have access to cutting-edge equipment,” she said.
The women are the “sisters” behind the Two Sisters Vineyards on John Street in NOTL as well as the new Stone Eagle Winery, under construction on Niagara Stone Road, near the Village plaza.
They are also the owners of the 11th Post on Queen Restaurant in Old Town. The women are the daughters of Benny Marotta, a developer and head of Solmar Development Corp.
In a statement announcing the new name, Niagara Health said the two women decided to make the donation after touring the hospital.
It wasn’t the first time the family has made a contribution.
In April of last year, the family donated $10 million toward the cost of the new south Niagara hospital, currently under construction on land at the corner of Montrose and Biggar roads in Niagara Falls.
The $3.6-billion facility, which will replace Greater Niagara General Hospital in Niagara Falls as well as the Douglas Memorial (Fort Erie) and Port Colborne General urgent care centres, is expected to be completed by the summer of 2028.
“Having such a close connection to the Niagara region, as a family, we know the positive impact this donation will have on the health and well-being of the community,” the sisters said in a joint statement.
“This beautiful hospital plays a crucial role in providing essential health care services and it is an honour for our family to be able to give back in this way as it represents what is most important to us – the health and well-being of family and the ones you care about.”
Andrea Scott, CEO of the Niagara Health Foundation, praised the family for its support.
“Their dedication serves as a beacon, illuminating a path toward a healthier and brighter future for our community,” she said.
