Bluewater Health begins building preservation work on Russell building

The hospital’s exterior repair project aims to stop water damage before it worsens.

Bluewater Health has started the first phase of a building envelope preservation project on the Russell building at its Sarnia hospital site.

The project addresses aging exterior brickwork and is intended to reduce water infiltration and protect the building from ongoing weather-related deterioration. Crews are repairing the exterior bricking and applying a protective masonry coating to seal and protect the building, with the goal of extending its lifespan.

This phase is the first step in a larger preservation initiative that will continue on the Russell and E buildings over time as funding becomes available. Bluewater Health said priority areas are being addressed first, based on the condition of each section of the building.