NEW MEDICAL CENTRE TO BE LAKEFIELD SHOWPIECE

McGuinty Government Supports Community Revitalization

July 2, 2008

NEWS

Ontario is helping revitalize the Village of Lakefield and improve access to rural health care by investing in the development of the Lakefield Primary Health Care Centre.

The new medical centre is expected to be completed by next summer and will serve the communities of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield and Douro-Dummer. The proposed health centre will house five primary care physicians, three nurse practitioners and other health service providers.

Better health services will help the community attract investment and jobs. The province is investing $564,000 to assist in the development.

The funding is part of the Rural Economic Development Program which invests in community-based projects in three priority areas:

• Improved access to health care services
• Revitalized communities and downtowns
• Enhanced skills training

QUOTES

"This centre will contribute to the revitalization of Lakefield and the surrounding communities, and will provide the area with access to high quality health care closer to home. That is a goal our government is very pleased to support," said Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal.

"The Lakefield Primary Healthcare Centre Campaign has raised 2.4 million dollars from private donors. Thanks to the generosity of these donors in our community and the support of the Ontario Government, the new medical centre will become a reality," said Dr. Bruce Gibson, Campaign Chair of the Lakefield Community Medical Support Foundation. "This investment will ensure that local residents have access to high-quality health care in their own community.

QUICK FACTS

• Since 2003, Ontario has invested $53 million in 167 projects through the Rural Economic Development Program.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about the proposed Lakefield Primary Health Care Centre.

Discover more about Community Health Services in your area.

Learn more about how Ontario is helping Rural Ontario.

For more information contact:
Kelly Synnott, Minister's Office, 416-326-6439
Brent Ross, Communications Branch, 416-326-9342