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6 Friday, February 10, 2023brooklintowncrier.com Last week, Whitby Council reaffirmed its support for a new hospital in Durham Region to be located in Whitby. In January, 2022, Lakeridge Health announced that a Site Selection Independent Expert Panel had selected a site in Whitby -- south of Highway 407, west of Highway 412, east of Lake Ridge Road and north of Highway 7/Winchester Road -- as the preferred location for a proposed new Durham hospital. At the Jan. 31 meeting, Whitby Council voted unanimously in favour of motion that confirms the support and direction provided by the previous council regarding the placement of the new hospital. Close to roads "As a new council, it is very important for us to reaffirm this support," said Mayor Elizabeth Roy. "A future hospital in this central location with close proximity to major roads and highways, will serve residents from across Durham. This means that when seconds count, people will be able to get care quickly." Whitby council is urging the Government of Ontario to approve a $3 million planning grant for Lakeridge Health as part of the 2023 provincial budget. The grant is critical to allow planning for the new hospital to move forward. The motion approved by council also reaffirms support for the Hospital Task Force and its efforts to secure the land in Whitby for the hospital. Roy said it's time for municipalities in Durham to put aside their differences about where the new hospital should be located and accept the results of the independent review. Accept results "We're facing a health care crisis and bringing much-needed health care close to home for Durham residents must be the priority over any differences on where the new hospital should be located. It's time to accept the results of the Site Selection Independent Expert Panel and move forward together." The lands in Whitby selected by Lakeridge Health as the preferred site for the new hospital for Durham Region are located in the heart of the region, well connected thanks to proximity to major roads and several highways. The site will also have easy air ambulance and transit access. Lakeridge Health's Strategic Plan identifies that Durham Region's population will double from 680,000 in 2016 to 1.3 million in 2050. Whitby will be one of the fastest growing municipalities during that time. Funding The cost of the future hospital is not known at this time, however the funding model is expected to see the provincial government cover 90 per cent of the construction costs and 100 per cent of the planning costs. The community's portion of funding (shared by Lakeridge Health Foundation, the Regional Municipality of Durham and the local municipalities) is the remaining 10 per cent of the construction cost and 100 per cent of equipment, technology, land and servicing costs. For more information, visit the Town's website, Whitby.ca, or lakeridgehealth.on.ca Council Reaffirms Support for Hospital Site 1. Attend Whitby's Family Day Event Make memories during the Town's Family Day event on February 20. Join us from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Iroquois Park Sports Centre for face painting, a balloon artist, music, and more! Don't forget to share your photos with us by tagging @TownofWhitby on Facebook or Twitter using #WhitbyFamilyDay. Thank you to our sponsors Gerdau and Mattamy Homes. 2. Enjoy a Free Skate Come and enjoy one of the Town's skating rinks this Family Day! Lace-up your skates and have fun with your family and friends. For more information and to see the full schedule, visit whitby.ca/FamilyDay. 3. Go For a Free Swim Take a dip in the pool. Anne Ottenbrite Pool at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre is open for swimming this Family Day from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit whitby.ca/swim. 4. Enjoy Dinner as a Family Can't decide what to make for dinner this Family Day? Support local by ordering from one of Whitby's many restaurants. Don't forget to check out the Whitby food guide for some delicious options. 5. Read as a Family Embrace your inner bookworm and spend the day reading as a family. A reminder that all Whitby Public Library locations will be closed Sunday, February 19 and Monday, February 20. Book returns remain open. Visit whitbylibrary.ca for access to digital content and program information. Whitby Family Day Options