St. Catharines hospital site renamed Marotta Family Hospital

The Niagara Health St. Catharines site has been named the Marotta Family Hospital, thanks to a “transformational” pledge of $15 million.

“The Marotta family's generous donation will significantly impact the future of care at the St. Catharines hospital, fostering innovation, enhancing services and vitally-needed equipment upgrades that will benefit our community for generations to come,” says an announcement from the Niagara Health Foundation and Niagara Health in a news release issued Thursday.

Since it opened in March 2023 on Fourth Ave., the St. Catharine hospital has been referred to by locals as just that, although it was formally called the St. Catharines site of Niagara Health. 

After touring the facitliy, the news release says, “Angela Marotta and Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli were moved to contribute to the improvements and expansion of the healthcare services that are being offered within the hospital.”

The Marotta family has also committed $10 million to the It’s Our Future campaign for the new South Niagara Hospital, now under construction and expected to open in 2028.

“With their steadfast commitment to give back in Niagara, the Marotta family is furthering their vision of supporting the community that they call home,” the news release says.

"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,” say the two sisters in the release. “This beautiful hospital plays a crucial role in providing essential healthcare 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.”

 For more than 30 years, the Marotta family has owned and operated Solmar Development Corp., and more recently Two Sisters Resorts, the companies involved in Rand Estates and Parliament Oak developments in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

In addition, Angela and Melissa co-founded Two Sisters Vineyards and the soon-to-be-opened Stone Eagle Winery, and have “embraced the opportunity to put down roots in the Niagara region,” the release says.

 "The Marotta family's generous gift is transformational for Niagara Health, and the naming of the St. Catharines hospital is a fitting recognition of their dedication to the community. 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. This type of community philanthropy is the lifeblood of a hospital and we are very grateful,” says Lynn Guerriero, president and CEO, Niagara Health, in the news release.

 "Here in Niagara, the Marotta family has planted roots and nurtured a legacy of compassion,” says Andrea Scott, president and CEO of Niagara Health Foundation. “Their incredible donation to St. Catharines hospital is not just a gift, it's a testament to their unwavering commitment to elevate local healthcare for all of Niagara. The Niagara Health Foundation is profoundly thankful for their generous spirit, which goes beyond monetary support. Getting to know this remarkable family has been a privilege, and their continuous impact on our efforts to enhance healthcare in the region is immeasurable. Their dedication serves as a beacon, illuminating a path toward a healthier and brighter future for our community."