The Town of LaSalle is the latest municipality to support the new single-site acute care hospital and its location.
In May, Lakeshore council passed a motion to send letters seeking support to other municipalities, as well as local politicians from the provincial and federal government’s regarding the mega hospital's proposed location on County Road 42 and Concession 9.
That location near Windsor airport has come under heavy criticism by certain groups notably, Citizens for an Accountable Megahospital Planning Process (CAMPP).
But LaSalle Deputy Mayor Crystal Meloche says one thing everyone can agree on is the need for a mega hospital to serve the area.
“I know there's some division when it comes to the area, but most people out there are saying it's time to move forward,” says Meloche. “You know we've debated this long enough the professionals have looked at it they've given us the best scenario. Let’s move forward. Let's get this hospital and I really think it's going to be something amazing for Windsor-Essex County.”
During the LaSalle council meeting, town officials said now is the time to get behind the location and acknowledged no decision will please everyone.
CAMPP has lobbied against the preferred location since the site was announced in July of 2015. Members have put up lawn signs, billboards and rallied at city hall meetings — arguing the removal of a hospital from core neighbourhoods will gut the city and lead to unnecessary sprawl.
Most recently, the group launched an appeal to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal against a city decision to rezone the greenfield lands for the hospital and more city development.
The appeal now proceeds to a full oral hearing before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT).
