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4 Independent & Free Press,Thursday, May 26, 2011 Council okays $2.6M grant for hospital expansion Continued from pg. 1 "It is about the first significant expansion of our hospital since it was built in 1961 when it served a much, much smaller community than it is today," said Mayor Rick Bonnette. "It's about dignity to our citizens going in for mammograms without everyone knowing about it. It's about providing a proven health care tool (CT scanner) that everyone in our community can use." Oliver agreed it is an urgently needed expansion and "we really, really need that CT scanner", explaining about 1,500 patients a year must be transported to other hospitals to receive a CT scan. The project includes a 14,000 sq. ft. addition for a new emergency department and to house a new CT scanner and a 4,000 sq. ft. renovation to the existing building to consolidate diagnostic services. The cost also includes the purchase of the CT scanner (already Ministry approved), an emergency generator, furniture, furnishings and equipment. HHS has been waiting years for provincial funding for the project, but was told to expect to wait at least another seven to eight years. Acknowledging the critical need for the CT scanner and hospital improvements that could no longer wait, earlier this year HHS decided to go it alone with $2.4 million of its own money and $5.250 million in community fundraising but it would be dependent on $4.546 million from the Town-- without which the project could Faced with legal requirements to issue not go foward. However, Mayor Rick Bonnette recom- 2011 tax bills soon, the Town could no lonmended his council approve a grant of ger wait on a Provincial answer, and was $2.682 million-- only a portion of the re- forced to make a decision Tuesday. "I feel with this resolution the Minister quested amount. The decision means the Town grant will go onto 2011 municipal can come to the table," said the mayor, property tax bills as a dedicated one-time "and make a contribution that would be tax levy of 1.1 per cent to pay for a 10-year much less significant than some of the loan. This levy would be built into the other capital projects for hospitals going property tax base over the 10-year term. on in Ontario." Bonnette noted that traditionally hosFor the average Halton Hills home aspital projects are 90 sessed at $350,000 per cent funded by that works out to the Province, but in about $13.63 per this case the Town year. is only asking the Bonnette said Province to kick in the Town, enlisting 16 per cent. the support of the When asked by Wellington-Halton The Independent Hills MPP Ted & Free Press what Arnott, will conhappens if the Protinue to pursue the --Mayor Rick Bonnette vincial government Ministry of Health still fails to ante up, for the remaining Bonnette replied, $1.89 million. "Perhaps if Council `does put its money "We'll cross that bridge when we come to where its mouth is' then that may further it. The ball is now in the Minister's court." Bonnette said the Town has been reaencourage the Minister to `make up the difference' and provide a grant of $1.864 sonable in its request for Ministry funding, million," wrote Bonnette in his report to and says the hospital should get recognicouncil. The mayor has been pursuing tion for serving the overflow of emergency funding from the Province since January patients from Erin and Brampton areas. Oliver said the $1.8 million is still rethrough letters, phone calls and face-toface meetings, but while the Ministry has quired, and would have to come from been listening, he said, to date there has somewhere, but not likely by upping the current fundraising goal of $5.250 milbeen no response. lion-- the largest capital campaign in the history of the community. Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott, who attended Tuesday's council meeting, brought the issue to the Minister of Health Deb Matthews' attention in Question Period at Queen's Park last week. "People are sick and tired of the Liberals' repeated delays and excuses as to why the government couldn't make an immediate announcement," Arnott said in a press release. "They certainly could move forward, but they're choosing not to." Meanwhile HHS will begin moving forward on the project, said Oliver, including making an application to the Ministry of Health to commence with the project. He said while there is a $1.8 million shortfall, there is some time still for the Ministry to make a funding decision. "I think we're very hopeful yet that the Ministry of Health will find that $1.8 million and see the project come together fully financed," said Oliver, adding that a construction start of spring 2012 is doable. Councillor Jane Fogal said the Town decision does not set a precedent; this council has supported its hospital throughout the years providing money and support for such things as saving the obstetrics unit, recruiting physicians, funding a nurse practitioner in Acton, and contributing to the new Acton medical clinic. At least residents will know their tax dollars for the hospital will be spent in their community, she said. `The ball is now in the Minister's court.' Up to $750 Rebate^ for qualified college & university grads. No-charge Roadside Assistance 4-year, unlimited mileage 24 hours, 365 days a year 0% 2011 Golf APR up to 36 months* on our most popular models new vehicle limited warranty 4-year/80,000 km Georgetown Volkswagen Service Starting from just $17,515* 2011 Jetta 2011 Tiguan $500 no-charge Volkswagen Original Accessories** Clean Diesel Georgetown Volkswagen 203 Guelph St. 905.877.5285 US models shown. 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