FEO, February 6, 2025, VOL. 6 ISSUE 11  

The Town of Fort Erie remains steadfast in its advocacy for accessible local healthcare, emphasizing the need for urgent care services to continue beyond the opening of the South Niagara Hospital.

During the Niagara Health Board meeting on January 29, 2025, Mayor Wayne Redekop and town councillors voiced concerns about maintaining the Douglas Memorial Urgent Care Centre (UCC) as a crucial healthcare safety net for the community. Without it, they warned, Emergency departments and EMS services could become overwhelmed, serving as the primary point of contact for 36,000 residents who lack immediate medical alternatives.

The Town’s delegation was encouraged by Niagara Health’s commitment to further discussions on sustaining healthcare services at Douglas Memorial Hospital (DMH). As part of ongoing collaboration, future plans for the facility will also be explored.

“We remain committed to collaborative discussions with Niagara Health to develop solutions that will meet the healthcare needs of the Fort Erie community.”

– Chris McQueen, CAO

Councillor Joan Christensen emphasized that Fort Erie’s leadership has been actively advocating for the Douglas Memorial UCC at both provincial and local levels:

“The Mayor’s presentation reiterated that continuing the Douglas Memorial Urgent Care Centre as a comprehensive healthcare ‘safety net’ is one of Fort Erie’s top priorities. Over the past two years, our Council has advocated this position to the Premier and Minister of Health. In the next few weeks, we intend to focus our efforts on the upcoming Provincial election to gain a commitment from political parties and local candidates for their support.” As the healthcare landscape in Niagara continues to evolve, Fort Erie’s leaders remain committed to ensuring accessible and reliable urgent care services for its residents