Mayor Elizabeth Roy has released the following statement on the Aug. 1, 2024 announcement of a planning grant for a new Whitby hospital.

I am absolutely thrilled that the Province of Ontario has recognized the urgent need for a new hospital in Durham Region and announced a capital planning grant for Lakeridge Health.

We are excited to hear that there is a firm commitment to build a hospital in Whitby on the northeast corner of Winchester and Lake Ridge Road – the site recommended by an independent expert panel.

Today’s announcement also included commitments from the Province to redevelop and expand Lakeridge Health campuses in Durham, including adding 300 new hospital beds, a new post-acute care centre in Pickering, and the redevelopment of the Bowmanville Hospital.

These investments will help ensure an integrated system of healthcare to meet the needs of residents across the region.

In February 2024, the Town of Whitby launched a community advocacy campaign focused on the need for a new hospital in our rapidly growing region.

Our community rallied behind this cause.

Thousands of Durham residents signed our call-to-action letter or contributed a personal story about why a new hospital matters to them. – Thank you to our residents for using your voices to make a difference.

You spoke, and the Province heard you.

Thank you to Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Sylvia Jones, and Durham’s MPPs for your commitment to ensuring Durham residents have the healthcare they need, when and where they need it.

And thank you to all those who advocated tirelessly for this hospital, including the dedicated members of the Whitby Hospital Task Force, Lakeridge Health, Town of Whitby staff, and members of Council.

Together, we are bringing healthcare closer to home for Durham residents now and well into the future.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Jillian Follert
Public Affairs Coordinator, Office of the Mayor
Phone: 289.314.9101
Email: follertj@whitby.ca

Erin Mikaluk
Manager, Communications and Creative Services, Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.314.6913
Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca