News

York County Gets Funding For Facility
Renewal Project

(Newmarket, Ontario - May 3, 1999) 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.

"We have converted yesterday's dream for York County Hospital into today's reality," stated Munro.

 

Photograph Courtesy of ROB ALARY

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 next summer expanding the hospital to 540,000 square feet with 417 beds by 2002.

"This is a historic announcement," said York County president Dan Carriere.  "It's going to affect this hospital for the next 30 years."

"York County is no longer the small, great Newmarket hospital. It's becoming a regional, tertiary centre with the same tremendous quality and dedication to patient care that this hospital has been recognized for in the past."

Hospital officials will approach regional and municipal governments for their support.

A sod-turning ceremony will be held during late May or early June. The new building will be complete by 2002 and final renovations and demolition of existing buildings will occur during 2003.