A $2-billion plan for healthcare in the region is going to require some pitching in from residents in Windsor-Essex.
"The levy shouldn't be a surprise to anyone," says Windsor city councillor Bill Marra. "It's clear that there's a role for us to play."
Marra says the region has to come up with 10% of the project, coming out to about $200-million. He feels it's a good deal the province is giving the region.
"Anytime you can get a $1.8-billion return on a $200-million investment, I'll take that anytime," says Marra.
The County of Essex has already begun saving for the proposed mega-hospital and other healthcare changes, putting $340,000 aside in its 2015 budget. Windsor's turn will likely come during 2016 budget deliberations.
"I think the sooner we get the levy on the books it sends a very strong message to Queen's Park that this community is prepared to make our part of the investment real," says Marra.
The proposed new single-site hospital is set to be built across from Windsor International Airport at County Rd. 42 and Ninth Concession Rd. Plans have been submitted to the ministry of health for approval.
