Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Lakeridge Health board has chosen a site in Whitby for a proposed future hospital in Durham Region.
The decision was announced about four months after Lakeridge Health opened bids for site selection and Oshawa, Pickering and Whitby submitted proposals in the north half of their boundaries.
All three locations were reviewed by an independent panel for several criteria including safety requirements, ease of access, and utility services in a two phase submission process.
Oshawa was rejected because the site was located less than 10 kilometres from another hospital.
The Pickering site, located on the Carruther’s Creek headwaters was also rejected.
The new hospital will sit just south of Highway 407, west of Highway 412, east of Lake Ridge Road and north of Winchester Road.
“The location is easily accessible due to its proximity to major existing highways and roadways, as well as planned public transit. Its location in central Durham Region will help to serve residents across the region,” a statement from Lakeridge Health read.
Whitby officials called the announcement exciting for Durham Region.
“We applaud Lakeridge Health’s selection of this central location which offers unparalleled connectivity from any direction, so when seconds and minutes count, those who need critical care can get it fast,” said Whitby Mayor Don Mitchell, calling the location, “absolutely crucial for what will be the only trauma centre between Toronto and Kingston.”
The preferred site is located on 50 acres of land south of Highway 407, west of Highway 412, east of Lake Ridge Road and north of Highway 7/Winchester Road. The location is easily accessible due to its proximity to major existing highways and roadways, as well as planned public transit. Its location in central Durham Region will help to serve residents across the region.
“The identification of a site is an important step in supporting the future of health-care delivery in Durham Region,” said Cynthia Davis, president and CEO, Lakeridge Health. “We thank the expert panel and members of the community and subject matter experts who provided their valuable input throughout this process.”
Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier supports the location.
“This decision also ensures the continued preservation of the Carruthers Creek Headwaters which is critical to ensuring responsible development and environmental sustainability for Ajax and the surrounding area,” he said in a statement.