There are plans in place for the establishment of a satellite hospital in Casselman.
At its February 11 meeting, Casselman council approved a proposal to make vacant land available in the municipality so that Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) can someday build a new satellite facility in the community.
According to the recommendation report given to council, HGH is interested in establishing a satellite facility in Casselman. It already has a branch of its Mental Health and Addictions Centre in the community.
Currently, HGH is the only hospital in Prescott and Russell counties.
HGH wanted to first get the support of Casselman council and the promise of land in the municipality in order to strengthen its case for support and funding from the Ontario government.
Mayor Daniel Lafleur said HGH is undertaking a study on the possible Casselman location and what it could offer.
The resolution approved by council states that the municipality agrees to sell vacant land to HGH at a price of $2,500 if the new hospital is to be built. The agreement remains in effect until December 31, 2022.
Lafleur said it is still unknown of when a possible HGH satellite facility in Casselman could be approved or constructed, but was hopeful it would take place in 2022 or 2023.
