Mayor Steele to take part in media conference about Niagara Health’s planned summer UCC closures

Port Colborne Mayor William Steele and Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop will hold a joint media conference Wednesday, June 11 at 1 p.m. in For Erie Town Hall to address Niagara Health’s announcement that it will reduce regular hours of the Urgent Care Centres (UCCs) in Port Colborne and Fort Erie this summer. 

The announcement from Niagara Health follows recent meetings when Mayors Steele and Redekopoffered to work with Niagara Health and local physicians to support physician recruitment efforts to keep the UCCs operational, and to help with efficient emergency room (ER) operations.

Mayor Steele said he is disappointed with the announcement, and that he has shared his thoughts with representatives from Niagara Health, the Province of Ontario and with Premier Doug Ford, in hope that change can be made.

“We are doing everything we can so Port Colborne continues to have access to the health care we need, especially during summer months, when our population almost doubles.” he said. “Mayor Redekop and I will continue to work together to ensure our residents have access to the best possible primary care they deserve.”

The closures will have a direct impact on residents and the thousands of visitors who come to Port Colborne and Fort Erie throughout the tourism season. With high visitor volumes in both communities every summer, access to urgent care is critical.

All media and residents are welcome and encouraged to attend this media conference.