While speaking in Orillia on Friday about the ice storm recovery and the province’s tariff responses, Ontario Premier Doug Ford hinted at Orillia getting a new hospital in the near future.
“Let’s continue building the hospitals. We’re spending $50 billion. And right here, actually, right here in Orillia too – they’re getting a new hospital,” said Ford in his speech.
In an interview with CTV News Friday evening, Don McIsaac, Orillia’s mayor, confirmed that Ford’s announcement was indeed a surprise to the city.
“We were stunned. We had talked to the Premier about the tragic events of the last week in terms of the emergency situation and he was all over that, very supportive, [Ford discussed] all sorts of tools and resources, and what he could do,” said McIsaac. “Then he just said, ‘hey, Orillia’s getting a new hospital’.”
CTV News reached out to Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital (OSMH) for comment and is awaiting their response.
OSMH had previously called on the provincial government to build a new hospital, where OSMH stated that they will continue working with the province to ensure Orillia patients have access to the care they deserve.
Note: This is a developing story. We will provide additional updates when they become available.
With files from CTV’s Christian D’Avino.
