Like many smaller and rural communities, Port Colborne faces healthcare challenges, including limited access to primary care, growing demand for community-based health services, and the need for health equity among residents. Addressing these challenges requires more than a one-size-fits-all solution. It calls for collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision.

To help lead this important work, City Council has established a Healthcare Advisory Committee. This committee will create a healthcare strategy by engaging local voices, drawing on expert knowledge, and helping to ensure that Port Colborne residents have reliable access to local healthcare services. The committee will report directly to Port Colborne City Council, and is tasked with:

  • Producing an evidence-based and attainable healthcare services strategy that closes service gaps with a community-first approach
  • Building partnerships that are aligned with the goals and objectives of the healthcare services strategy
  • Developing a plan for how to advance the community’s priorities with upper levels of government
  • Engaging in a meaningful, respectful and transparent manner with the community and ensuring all residents have a voice in shaping the path forward

Background & Timeline

 December 3, 2024: Original Proposal from Niagara Health & Lockview Medical Group
On December 3, 2024, Port Colborne City Council considered a request from Niagara Health for a $6.2-million local share contribution to the South Niagara Hospital and a proposal from the Lockview Medical Group to expand primary care services in Port Colborne.  
At that meeting, Council requested that staff bring back a comprehensive public engagement plan to gather feedback from the community regarding the primary care proposal, the local share contribution, and the future of the Niagara Health site in Port Colborne.
 January 28, 2025: Community Engagement Plan Approved
Port Colborne City Council approved a proposed community engagement plan aimed at gathering feedback about the future of healthcare in Port Colborne.
Report 2024-19:https://pub-portcolborne.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=14452  Meeting recording: Port Colborne Council Meeting - January 28, 2025 - YouTube
 January 29, 2025: Online and Paper-Based Survey Launches
Online and paper-based surveys launched. The paper survey was distributed and made available for residents at City Hall, the Vale Health & Wellness Centre, the Port Colborne Public Library, and select local healthcare facilities and other locations around the community.  
 February 10-14, 2025: Pop-up Engagements
Over a period of four days, staff promoted the survey at pop-up events on-site at various pharmacies and grocery stores.
 February 19 and 20, 2025: In-person Open Houses
Two in-person open houses with interactive information stations were held at the Vale Health & Wellness Centre-Golden Puck Room for residents to learn more about the proposals and fill out the survey.
 February 21, 2025: Virtual Town Hall
A virtual town hall was held at the Lighthouse Theatre which included a moderated Q&A discussion with a panel of key spokespeople.
Virtual Town Hall recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8R_u75BQ2o
 February 24, 2025: In-Person Town Hall
 An in-person town hall was held at the Lighthouse Theatre which included a moderated Q&A discussion with a panel of key spokespeople.
 March-April 2025: City Committees and Working Groups
 Throughout March and April, meetings were held to seek input from working groups and committees such as the Seniors Advisory Committee, Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee and the Social Determinants of Health Committee.
March 25, 2025: Mid-Point Survey Results Delivered to Council & Healthcare Advisory Committee Established 
 Once the first phase of engagement was completed, Council received the following reports for consideration:

 

Council established the Healthcare Advisory Committee and approved the Terms of Reference, proposed that a draft Healthcare Services Strategy be developed and brought to Council before the end of 2025, approved a motion for a letter to be sent to the province regarding healthcare advocacy efforts and directed staff to forward the petition regarding the Port Colborne Urgent Care Centre to the Ontario Minister of Health.
 March 27 – April 22: Recruitment for Healthcare Advisory Committee

Based on direction from Council, recruitment for the Healthcare Advisory Committee opened on March 27 and the application process closed on April 22. The committee mandate is found in the Terms of Reference and established that the committee members contribute to the development of a clear, evidence-based, and realistic healthcare services strategy to improve healthcare in the community.

For more information: Healthcare Advisory Committee - City of Port Colborne
 TBD – Healthcare Advisory Committee Membership Announced
 
 TBD – Full Community Engagement Results delivered to Council