It’s a question everyone is asking, but the process of site selection hasn’t even started yet.

What we do know is that the process for determining a location for a new hospital will be open and transparent. A committee made up of representatives from both the city (including the City Planner) and the county will oversee the process. Members will consider a number of factors including, but not limited to the following: 

• Location in relation to community needs.
• Size of location (50 – 60 acres is required for the project)
• Site configuration to accommodate things like parking and expansions
• Accessibility by car, public transit, ambulance, service vehicles, emergency vehicles
• Accessibility during disaster response
• Official Plan and zoning issues
• Existing use
• Availability of municipal services
• Cost of land and likelihood of purchasing or expropriating within time frame

Once the full list of criteria is determined, the request will be put to market. Those with property matching the criteria will have an opportunity to offer it for consideration. The committee will then choose the most appropriate location, based on the criteria and in the options it is presented with.

In addition, funding for the future use of both the Met and Ouellette campuses is included in the budget for this project. There will also be an alternative funded to ensure neighbourhoods with existing hospital facilities are not left behind in the process.