For years, the future of health care in Fort Erie has been one of the most important issues facing our community. As your Ward 5 Councillor, I have consistently advocated for accessible, reliable health care close to home and for the continued delivery of Urgent Care services at the Douglas Memorial site.
At an upcoming Council meeting, a Notice of Motion that I originally brought forward and that was deferred from the April 27, 2026 Council meeting will return for consideration. The motion addresses not only the future of Urgent Care in Fort Erie, but also broader concerns surrounding the governance, accountability and transparency of Niagara Health.
Commitments to Fort Erie Matter
Niagara Health previously committed to a three-hospital system that included the continued operation of the Fort Erie Urgent Care Centre at the Douglas Memorial site.
Those plans have changed. Niagara Health has indicated that it does not intend to continue operating the Fort Erie Urgent Care Centre following the opening of the new South Niagara Hospital.
For Fort Erie, this is not simply about a change in a health care plan. It is about a commitment that was made to our community and the very real need for accessible health care services for our residents.
The Town of Fort Erie has continued to work toward a local solution. Council and Town staff have put considerable effort into reimagining the Douglas Memorial site, including a plan that maintains Urgent Care services while looking at how the property can better meet the long-term health and community needs of Fort Erie residents.
Unfortunately, I do not believe we have seen the level of collaboration from Niagara Health that our community deserves.
Concerns About Governance and Accountability
The motion also raises concerns that extend beyond Fort Erie.
Niagara Health is facing a significant $28-million operating deficit, while municipalities and taxpayers are being asked to contribute substantial funding toward the health care system.
At the same time, there are legitimate questions about governance, transparency and public accountability, including the limited ability of Niagara Health Board members to directly engage with residents and respond publicly to questions and concerns.
When an organization is responsible for delivering one of our most essential public services, the communities it serves deserve transparency and meaningful accountability.
What the Motion Calls For
If approved by Council, the resolution would formally request:
- The resignation of the Niagara Health Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer.
- That Premier Doug Ford and Ontario’s Minister of Health appoint a provincial supervisor to oversee Niagara Health operations.
- That the Province ensure appropriate funding is available to continue Urgent Care services in Fort Erie and meet the health care needs of our community.
- That the resolution be shared with Niagara Region, all 12 Niagara municipalities, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Rural Ontario Municipal Association.
This is a significant request, and it is not one that I bring forward lightly.
However, after years of advocacy, changing commitments and continued uncertainty surrounding the future of health care in Fort Erie, I believe it is appropriate to ask whether the current governance structure is delivering the accountability, collaboration and results that Niagara residents deserve.
Fort Erie Deserves a Strong Voice
Our residents should not have to continually fight to maintain access to basic health care services in their own community.
Fort Erie is growing. Our population is aging. Our community is geographically separated from other major health care facilities, and transportation continues to be a challenge for many residents. Maintaining appropriate local Urgent Care services is not simply a matter of convenience — it is about ensuring residents have reasonable and timely access to care when they need it.
I will continue advocating for the future of Douglas Memorial and for a sustainable Urgent Care model that serves Fort Erie residents.
This motion is ultimately about accountability, transparency and ensuring Fort Erie’s voice is heard when decisions are being made about the future of health care in our community.
We have presented solutions. We have advocated. We have asked for collaboration.
Now we need accountability and a clear commitment to the future of Urgent Care in Fort Erie.
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