Southlake invites Newmarket residents to learn more about new hospital proposal

Southlake Regional Health Centre is giving Newmarket residents the chance to ask questions and provide feedback about its vision to build a new hospital.

The Newmarket hospital is hosting a virtual town hall for the local community tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 10, as part of its campaign to get support for a massive new capital expansion.

The hospital said public input will be needed throughout its campaign. 

“Community engagement is important and will take place at each step of the process,” Southlake said on its website devoted to the project.

Newmarket Mayor John Taylor and Southlake CEO Arden Krystal will host the event.

Southlake has prepared a master plan for its proposed expansion. It has argued it is needed given York Region is one of the fastest-growing regions in the province, and the hospital has become one of the most overcrowded in the province.

The hospital has also been dealing with staffing shortages. It has faced controversy recently over a plan to fill 13 nursing positions in its ICU with less-qualified individuals, using a team-based model.

Bringing a new hospital building to fruition will take both time and support from upper levels of government. Southlake is seeking government approvals to start early planning for the project, but it could take years before shovels are in the ground.

Southlake is holding virtual town halls for several communities this summer. It first hosted one for East Gwillimbury July 27. Future town halls include Bradford West Gwillimbury Aug. 12, Georgina Sept. 1 and Aurora Sept. 2.

The Newmarket town hall starts at 7 p.m. tomorrow. No pre-registration is required. To attend, visit southlake.ca/townhall at the time of the event. The event will be held through Microsoft Teams. 

People can submit questions during the event, or ahead of time at [email protected].