As reported previously, East Gwillimbury is currently exploring the opportunity to host the second Southlake hospital, right here in our community. This is an exciting and historic moment for our town, and like many of you, I strongly support the expansion of regional healthcare services. Having a new hospital within our municipality will provide improved access to care, open the door to thousands of new jobs, and benefit our residents for generations to come.

It is critical that we secure this hospital, and that we do so responsibly.

Later today, East Gwillimbury’s Council will consider a motion that reaffirms its support for the expansion of regional healthcare services in the Town of East Gwillimbury, and the potential location of the future Southlake hospital within the municipality. The motion will also allocate development units to Green Earth Village—a private developer—contingent on their donation of land where the new Southlake hospital can be built.

While this sounds like a positive step, it raises serious financial questions that have not yet been addressed—specifically, how the Town will fund its share of the hospital’s capital and equipment costs. That could mean a significant financial contribution from East Gwillimbury, and at this point, we don’t have a clear plan for how we would pay for it, or how such a commitment might impact your taxes or the Town’s long-term fiscal health. 

That’s why at this afternoon's Committee of the Whole Meeting, I will introduce an amendment that proposes no decisions or commitments be made until we receive a comprehensive financial feasibility study.

Let me be clear: I want to see a hospital built in East Gwillimbury. But I also want to ensure that when we commit to something of this scale, we do so with a full understanding of the cost. 

Hospitals can’t be paid for by using a taxpayer’s blank cheque.

As your Councillor, I believe it is my responsibility to stand true to my financial obligations and respect you as the taxpayer—because we deserve to know how much this hospital will cost us. 

Thank you for your trust and support as we continue to shape East Gwillimbury into a town we are all proud to call home. I welcome your feedback on this issue, and encourage you to email me at [email protected].