I would like to formally acknowledge receipt of Niagara Health’s recent letter to Fort Erie Council regarding the South Niagara Hospital and the future of the Fort Erie healthcare site.
For the first time, Niagara Health has formally recognized that healthcare services in Fort Erie have a future. That acknowledgement matters to our community and to this Council. However, it is deeply concerning that this recognition appears to be conditional on the Town making a $10.5 million financial contribution. Can we say extortion maybe?
Fort Erie residents should not be asked to pay for access to healthcare or to secure recognition of services in their own community. Healthcare is a public good, not a bargaining tool.
The Town has been clear and consistent: Fort Erie requires accessible, reliable healthcare close to home. Our residents already face longer travel times, limited transit options, and reduced local services. Any request for municipal funding must come with clear, binding commitments—not uncertainty or implied pressure.
In my opinion the Town of Fort Erie should not commit taxpayer dollars without:
- Clear guarantees about healthcare services for Fort Erie residents
- Transparency around the future of the Fort Erie site
- A fair and equitable approach that recognizes Fort Erie’s unique geography and needs
I reject the notion that planning for Fort Erie’s healthcare future is “premature.” Our community has waited long enough. Fort Erie has the right to plan for its future now, not after financial conditions are imposed.
Myself and the rest of Council remains open to collaboration, but collaboration must be based on mutual respect, transparency, and certainty not conditional recognition or deadlines driven by external interests. Fort Erie has always wanted to collaborate by we need a partner to make it happen.
I will continue to stand up for Fort Erie residents and will not make decisions under pressure or without clear public benefit.
