A new hospital is on its way to Durham Region, set to be constructed over the next decade, but Pickering’s mayor is raising concerns about its placement in Whitby.
Lakeridge Health, a health-care network serving the area east of Toronto, revealed on Thursday that the new facility will occupy 50 acres in northern Whitby, close to highways 407 and 412.
Whitby Councillor Steve Yamada expressed his excitement, stating it’s great news for all residents in Durham. “The site is located in the heart of the region,” he mentioned. “This is a hospital that’s going to be able to serve the growing population here in our community.”
However, Dave Ryan, mayor of Pickering, expressed disappointment that his city was not selected for the hospital.
“Pickering will have the largest population in Durham Region and is the only city in the region to not have a major health-care facility,” Dave Ryan tweeted on Wednesday.
Lakeridge Health accepted recommendations from an independent panel which suggested building the hospital in Whitby. They chose this location as it provides central access for residents across Durham Region, according to their news release.
The release detailed upcoming steps including meetings with Whitby officials, consultations with community stakeholders, and discussions with Ontario’s Ministry of Health to kick off approval processes for the new hospital.
Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan has expressed disappointment that his city’s bid to build the new hospital was rejected. (CBC)
Ryan told that choosing Whitby might end up costing taxpayers more than Pickering’s proposal would have. The proposed site from Pickering would have had land donated by one of its development partners, which could save millions for taxpayers.
He added that since Whitby’s site is owned by the province, it could be worth up to $40 million on the market and he has requested transparency regarding bids made public.
“I think the public has a right to know how the decision was made [so] they can reach their own conclusions,” he stated.
In an emailed statement from Lakeridge Health, a representative said that an independent panel composed of respected experts made this decision separate from both Lakeridge Health and its board of trustees.
“The selection was made based on criteria that were subject to widespread consultation – including with each municipality and regional government as well as emergency care, traffic, environmental and developmental experts, First Nations and thousands of Durham residents,” read their statement.
Councillor Yamada thanked Lakeridge Health along with its expert panel while noting that a fairness adviser monitored this review process ensuring an equitable decision was reached.
“This robust process ensures fairness in determining the best site on behalf of all residents.. It was fair. It was transparent,” Yamada told . p >
“This is a win for Durham Region residents” p >
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