Residents to weigh in on Douglas Memorial’s future at April 18 forum

Fort Erie Healthcare SOS will host a public forum on April 18 at the Leisureplex banquet hall to update residents on the future of the Douglas Memorial urgent care site and give the community a direct say in what comes next.

The event arrives as Niagara Health moves toward a three-site regional hospital model centred in Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Welland, with Douglas Memorial’s urgent care centre expected to close when the new South Niagara Hospital opens in 2028.

Mayor Wayne Redekop will present the Town’s vision for reimagining Douglas Memorial as a long-term facility.

Regional Councillor Tom Insinna will address transportation and EMS challenges affecting local access to care. Ontario Health Coalition’s Natalie Mehra will discuss public healthcare and privatization pressures, and both MPP Wayne Gates and MP Fred Davies are scheduled to speak.

Heather Kelley, a board member with Fort Erie Healthcare SOS, told Fort Erie Radio the group has been meeting monthly and consultant reports are now informing how council is approaching the hospital’s future.

“We know that there’s been a lot of fear and a lot of angst by a number of people, those that don’t drive anymore, those that can’t drive at night, and just need a quick visit to a medical centre,” said Kelley.

The forum is structured around public input. Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, describe their own experiences with local healthcare, and offer recommendations on how to strengthen access in Fort Erie and surrounding communities.

The Ontario government’s recently released provincial budget identifies healthcare as a priority, and the Town of Fort Erie has spent the past year pushing for improved local services. Kelley said she believes Douglas Memorial may qualify for federal infrastructure funding, and that support from Davies could help secure investment from Ottawa.

“People still really don’t understand the role that the federal government plays and the role that the province plays and the role that the municipal government plays when it comes to healthcare,” said Kelley.

The SOS Public Healthcare Forum takes place April 18 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Leisureplex banquet hall, which is located at 3 Municipal Centre Drive.

Residents can contact Fort Erie Healthcare SOS at (905) 993-2078.

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