Advertisement

Ontario announces $14M for Muskoka hospital expansions

Click to play video: 'Ipsos poll: 2022 Ontario election race tightens between PCs and Liberals'
Ipsos poll: 2022 Ontario election race tightens between PCs and Liberals
RELATED: The official start to the Ontario election campaign is just weeks away and although the approval rating of the government remains strong, high inflation and the sixth wave of the pandemic may be causing vote support to dip. As Erica Vella reports, new Ipsos polling done exclusively for Global News shows the Liberals are now a close second to the Progressive Conservatives – Apr 21, 2022

The Ontario government has announced an investment of $14 million to expand health care in and around the Muskoka region.

The funding will be used to plan for the phased redevelopment of two hospitals in the area, the province said. Huntsville District Memorial Hospital and South Muskoka Memorial Hospital will both benefit from the funding.

In a news release, Ontario said the funding will create additional beds and services in Muskoka and East Parry Sound. More than 50 new beds are being planned as part of the redevelopment.

Muskoka Algonquin Health, the hospital network in the area, serves 141,000 people, including residents and those who visit cottages in the summer months.

Click to play video: 'Ontario’s pre-election spending raising eyebrows'
Ontario’s pre-election spending raising eyebrows

The announcement, made by Ontario Premier Doug Ford in Huntsville Sunday, is the latest in a string of health care and infrastructure announcements made by the governing Progressive Conservatives.

Story continues below advertisement

Ontario’s provincial election takes place on June 2, although the official campaign period has not yet begun.

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Kim Wright, an election strategist, previously told Global News that a flurry of pre-election announcements from the governing party is to be expected.

“They all do it,” she said. “That’s the fundamental problem with this is everybody does it and everyone wants to finger point when they’re in opposition.”

Polling done by Ipsos exclusively for Global News suggests the provincial election race is tightening, with the Liberals three points behind the Progressive Conservatives.

“This investment will ensure that residents have access to high-quality care in safe and modern spaces for generations to come,” said Ontario’s Minister of Health, Christine Elliott.

— With files from Global News’ Matthew Bingley

Sponsored content

AdChoices