On the morning of the major Collingwood hospital announcement last week, the land owner donating 32 acres on Poplar Side Road for the new hospital to be built on died.
Philanthropist and businessman John Di Poce died on Dec. 12. He was 89.
Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson noted that one of Di Poce’s last acts with Di Poce Management Ltd. was to sign the letter of intent with the hospital for the donation of the land for a new hospital build.
“He certainly was staying active with this file right until the end. It’s a big loss for his family and our community,” Saunderson told CollingwoodToday this week.
Saunderson said he spoke with Di Poce numerous times over the phone throughout his career and met him in person twice.
“He was certainly a very impressive man. He had a strong vision for Collingwood and the South Georgian Bay region,” he said. “He was committed to education and health care.”
On Dec. 12, Ontario's Health Minister Sylvia Jones visited Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, to announce $95 million to help cover the costs of planning and designing a new hospital to be built on Poplar Side Road, on a site donated to the hospital by Di Poce.
Jenn Rae, director of communications with the hospital, said the hospital community was saddened to learn of Di Poce’s passing.
“His contributions to the South Georgian Bay community have left an enduring legacy that will benefit generations to come,” she wrote in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Di Poce’s name also adorns Collingwood’s Georgian College campus, which was established in 1985.
“Georgian is reflecting on the contributions Mr. Di Poce made to the college and collectively mourning his loss,” said Kevin Weaver, president and CEO of Georgian College, in a statement. “His commitment to education and community development has left a lasting impact on the region, creating opportunities for students and strengthening the local workforce. We’re grateful for the donation of land that enabled us to establish our John Di Poce South Georgian Bay Campus and provide increased access to Georgian College.”
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” he said.
Di Poce was the major driving force behind the Poplar Regional Health and Wellness Village project, planned for the remainder of his land at Poplar Side Road and Raglan St.
In a news release sent out by the town in Dec. 2023 to celebrate the signing of a development agreement between the town and the developer for the Poplar project, Di Poce discussed his personal connection to the project.
“This project represents everything I believe in and have practised over my lifetime – access to healthcare, education, jobs, and housing. I am very proud of this project and everything it will bring to this community,” said Di Poce at that time.
The Di Poce family and representatives from Di Poce Management Ltd. declined a request to comment for this story, citing a request for privacy at this time.
A funeral took place on Dec. 16 at St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Woodbridge. In lieu of flowers, donations in Di Poce’s memory may be made to the UHN Foundation.
