Decision on new mega-hospital could take months

It could be months before a decision is made over the controversial proposed site of Windsor and Essex County’s new mega-hospital. 

A three-day hearing by the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal, sparked by the Citizens for an Accountable Mega-hospital Planning Process (CAMPP) fighting against the plan to build the hospital at County Road 42 and Concession 9, wrapped up Thursday.  

City council approved he decision to rezone 988 acres of land near the airport for the new $2 billion hospital in August 2018. 

CAMPP outlined more than 20 arguments against the decision. The group’s arguments include the fact it adds to urban sprawl, the environmental factor of people having to drive further for care, and the city not getting input from local First Nations. 

The group argued the decision opposes the city’s and the province’s planning policies to focus on redeveloping brownfields and protecting agricultural lands. 

 

CAMPP believes there are 221 hectares – or 546 acres of brownfields within Windsor that are better fit for a new hospital location. 

The group said it agrees with the need for a new hospital in Windsor, but it doesn’t like where Windsor Regional Hospital wants to build it. 

Windsor Regional Hospital also released a statement Thursday. 

“We look forward to the resolution of the appeal, so planning can continue for the new Windsor-Essex Hospitals System.”

The hospital said it will not comment on the matter again until the tribunal has issued a decision.