News

Official Sod Turning/Promotional Billboard Unveiling Ceremony takes place at York County Hospital

(Newmarket, Ontario - May 31, 1999) - The shovels were in the ground on Friday, May 28, 1999 at York County Hospital as the official sod turning and unveiling of a promotional billboard took place to celebrate the launch of the hospital's Redevelopment 2002 project. In recognition of the important role that staff, physicians and volunteers have played at the hospital over the past 77 years, Dr. George Burrows an active family physician since 1956; Mr. Ted Brown an active staff member since 1966 and Mrs. Emma Broadbent an active volunteer since 1955 were asked to assist hospital officials and MPP - Durham York, Julia Munro and MPP - York Mackenzie, Frank Klees with the momentous events.

"This is a great day for York County Hospital. It pays homage to a wonderful past filled with many successes and it celebrates an exciting future that promises to deliver highly advanced health care services in a fully modernized and state of the art medical facility", said hospital president, Daniel Carriere.

At a speaking reception on May 3rd at York County Hospital, Durham York MPP Julia Munro spoke on behalf of Health Minister Elizabeth Witmer when she announced $64-million in provincial funding for the hospital's redevelopment project. 

The provincial grant will go towards the $103 million project which includes plans for a new six-storey structure, extensive renovations to modernize the 35-year-old west building tower and demolition of three smaller wings that no longer meet current fire code and building safety standards.

Construction will begin in the fall of 2000 expanding the hospital to 540,000 square feet with 417 beds by 2002.  The new building will be complete by 2002 and final renovations and demolition of existing buildings will occur during 2003.

Contact:   Hospital Promotions