Standard practice in Ontario has local municipalities providing about 30 percent of the cost of a hospital facility. That amount might be reduced as some equipment can be moved from the existing Oakville Trafalgar hospital. It could also be higher if Oakville wants to have high-end facilities.
Now, if Oakville’s new hospital had been allowed to proceed on the timeframe proscribed by the previous PC government, the cost of the facility would have been much lower resulting in a smaller direct cost to Oakville residents. Delays to the project by the McGuinty Liberal government have virtually doubled the estimated costs.
I do believe that a carefully considered split in the costs assigned locally, including a municipal portion from the Town of Oakville, as well as fundraising from local corporate donors and local residents, may be the right approach. The money can be raised over several years. Certainly any support from the Town must be carefully considered as tax levies, even those touted for special, one-time projects, are difficult for taxpayer’s to shake. Too many politicians are reluctant to take their hand out of the taxpayers’ pockets and can always find a worthy cause on which to spend your money.
It is imperative to begin fundraising now, as excitement for the project
is much greater prior to its opening than after it is fully functional. Once the shovels are in the ground, the fundraising projects should be in full swing.- Ted Chudleigh, MPP Halton
About the author: The Editor
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