July 22nd, 2024
July 22nd, 2024
WATERLOO – MPP Catherine Fife (Waterloo) celebrated the site selection of Grand River and St. Mary’s General hospitals. The proposed site for a new hospital at University of Waterloo's north campus was announced on July 22.
“Waterloo is the perfect choice for a new hospital”, said Fife. “This new, state-of-the-art facility will serve our growing population, and it will also act as a beacon to attract more healthcare professionals to our community, including physicians, nurses, and family doctors. It's an exciting day for the region”.
Waterloo Region’s population is projected to increase by 45% - from 600,000 to 923,000 – by 2051. Local emergency departments are operating at 135% of their designed capacity, resulting in hallway healthcare, and demand is only set to increase.
“Waterloo region is a dynamic and fast-growing part of our province, and an excellent choice for a new hospital,” said Marit Stiles, Leader of the Ontario NDP. “Investing in public health care is something we should all believe in and this health care centre will be a valuable resource for the whole region. I know the community will be counting on seeing operational funding and a staffing strategy to match, so this state-of-the-art facility can fully meet the growing needs of the community, and attract and retain the best health care talent.”
“I’m hoping for a knock-on effect that will stimulate the building of more new homes nearby,” said Fife. “Having a safe, stable place to live is essential for people’s wellbeing. Housing is healthcare, too.”