City officials in Mississauga are expressing hesitation over a $450 million request from Trillium Health Partners (THP) to help fund the new Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital, which is set to be the largest in Canada when it opens in 2033. The hospital, billed as a state-of-the-art regional health center, is expected to serve not only Mississauga but the entire southwestern Ontario region.
At a recent meeting, Mayor Carolyn Parrish and members of the city council voiced their concerns about asking Mississauga taxpayers to shoulder such a substantial financial burden. While they expressed full support for the construction of the much-needed facility, city leaders stressed the importance of securing a fair funding arrangement, especially given that the hospital will serve patients from beyond the city’s borders.
During the meeting, Ward 11 Councillor Brad Butt, who chairs the city’s budget committee, strongly opposed the contribution request, citing current budget constraints. He indicated plans to propose a motion at the next council meeting, recommending no financial contribution from the city.
“We’re facing tough budgetary times,” Butt explained. “It’s just not something we can take on, considering the possible tax impacts on our residents over the coming years.”
A Regional Hospital with Far-Reaching Impact
THP President and CEO Karli Farrow addressed the council on October 9 to make the case for the $450 million ask, explaining that the provincial government would cover 80 to 85 percent of the project’s multibillion-dollar cost. However, the remaining portion is expected to come from local sources, including THP revenue, fundraising, and ideally, a contribution from Mississauga.
Ward 6 Councillor Joe Horneck noted that while the need for the hospital is pressing, the city should not be solely responsible for the local share. He stressed that council must ensure Mississauga gets the best deal possible, given that the new facility will provide top-tier care to patients beyond the city limits.
Mayor Parrish echoed Horneck’s concerns, highlighting that the hospital is intended to serve a broad population. “It’s wonderful what they’re doing, but it’s extremely unfair to ask Mississauga’s 720,000 residents to bear this cost when the hospital will serve hundreds of thousands more from other regions,” she said.
Four Options on the Table
City Manager Geoff Wright’s report presented council with four potential contribution levels: $150 million, $300 million, $450 million, or no financial contribution. Council members, however, agreed that further discussion is needed before making a final decision.
Parrish emphasized the need for negotiations with the provincial government to explore alternative funding arrangements. “We’ve got a lot of work to do to try and negotiate with the province,” she said. “If they’re inflexible, then we may have to opt for no contribution at all.”
Urgency from Trillium Health Partners
Farrow stressed that construction on the hospital must begin next spring to stay on schedule, with all financial contributions secured by early 2025. She added that the $450 million ask is 42 percent higher than amounts requested from municipalities in other recent hospital projects across Ontario.
Wright also noted that unlike hospitals in Toronto, those outside the city are expected to secure local contributions, a policy that adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations.
The new Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital, along with the Shah Family Hospital for Women and Children within its walls, is poised to transform healthcare in southwestern Ontario. However, city officials insist on ensuring a funding arrangement that doesn’t disproportionately burden Mississauga taxpayers. As the conversation continues, council will be weighing all options to secure the best outcome for the city and its residents.