OSMH president pushing for new Orillia hospital to meet growing demand
"I would really like to see a new hospital as quickly as possible."
As the City of Orillia grows, Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital's president and CEO Carmine Stumpo says it's time for a new hospital.
"It is the growth of our community that is really making our planning an urgent issue."
Stumpo is seeking a planning grant of roughly $3 million from the ministry to move forward with plans for a new facility.
On Friday, the hospital's president and his team pitched the idea at the District's Chamber of Commerce virtual meeting, with local politicians and business leaders in agreement.
"A new hospital is really needed for Orillia," said Oro-Medonte Mayor Harry Hughes.
"We see that our hospital is a little bit older. It's not modernized through the Places to Grow Act of 2005," added Allan Lafontaine, Orillia and District Chamber of Commerce executive director.
They say the hospital doesn't have enough space or beds to care for the growing and aging population adequately.
The latest census data reports the Orillia area is outpacing the province with about nine per cent growth.
Which, according to Simcoe North MP Adam Chambers, is a problem.
"We don't have the base-level infrastructure to support that population growth," said Chambers. "It's either not going to work, and we're not going to attract the people to begin with, like, how can you attract somebody to come to live in a part of Severn or Oro where they don't have high-speed internet?"
The Chamber of Commerce is rolling out its four pillars to grow and support the community, pushing for a new hospital, better internet in rural areas, more roads and economic development.
"It takes far too long for lands to be developed for business parks, for commerce, as well as housing," Lafontaine said.
"I think creating the conditions for municipalities to thrive is what's important for our region," noted Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop.
Stumpo estimates a new Orillia hospital could come with a price tag in the $800 million range.
"We are outgrowing the facility. That's probably our biggest risk," he noted.
Without a planning grant, Stumpo said it's too early to know where a new hospital would be located or when it could be ready.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Donald Trump says he urged Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister in Christmas visit
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump says he told Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky he should run for prime minister during a Christmas visit but adds that the athlete declined interest in politics.
Historical mysteries solved by science in 2024
This year, scientists were able to pull back the curtain on mysteries surrounding figures across history, both known and unknown, to reveal more about their unique stories.
King Charles III focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers in year marked by royal illnesses
King Charles III used his annual Christmas message Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer.
Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time
For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom.
Thousands without power on Christmas as winds, rain continue in B.C. coastal areas
Thousands of people in British Columbia are without power on Christmas Day as ongoing rainfall and strong winds collapse power lines, disrupt travel and toss around holiday decorations.
Ho! Ho! HOLY that's cold! Montreal boogie boarder in Santa suit hits St. Lawrence waters
Montreal body surfer Carlos Hebert-Plante boogie boards all year round, and donned a Santa Claus suit to hit the water on Christmas Day in -14 degree Celsius weather.
Canadian activist accuses Hong Kong of meddling, but is proud of reward for arrest
A Vancouver-based activist is accusing Hong Kong authorities of meddling in Canada’s internal affairs after police in the Chinese territory issued a warrant for his arrest.
New York taxi driver hits 6 pedestrians, 3 taken to hospital, police say
A taxicab hit six pedestrians in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, police said, with three people — including a 9-year-old boy — transported to hospitals for their injuries.
Azerbaijani airliner crashes in Kazakhstan, killing 38 with 29 survivors, officials say
An Azerbaijani airliner with 67 people onboard crashed Wednesday near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau, killing 38 people and leaving 29 survivors, a Kazakh official said.