New Tecumseth, Innisfil mayors in no rush to support Southlake expansion in Bradford 

Posted April 24, 2025​

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Bradford Mayor James Leduc's request Tuesday morning to waive the notice provision on his motion for Simcoe County's support of his community hosting a Southlake Regional Centre campus site, was defeated by one (weighted) vote for a two-thirds majority - and as a result will have to wait until May 13.

 

Leduc told County councillors Southlake is planning for a second location and Bradord has proposed six probable sites, and time was a factor.

 

"We're competing with York Region and it would put more weight with County support," said Leduc. "It's very time sensitive for the site location, selecting that in the next few weeks. No financial implications to the County."

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New Tecumseth Mayor Richard Norcross, and Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin voted against the waiver, concerned how a hospital site in Bradford could impact Stevenson Memorial Hospital in Alliston, and a planned RVH satellite in Innisfil.

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"I understand the ask, but I can't support, have to ask my council first," said Dollin. "County Road 4 site purchased, what impact that would have on the site 15 minutes down the road (in Bradford)."

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Norcross told Free Press Online after the meeting he supports new hospital development, but "there should be a dialogue between Stevenson and Southlake on what impacts/benefits this (Bradford) location could have on Stevenson hospital, particularly on their redevelopment plans and services."

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Adjala -Tosorontio Mayor Scott Anderson also voted against Leduc's waiver. New Tecumseth Deputy Mayor Stephanie MacLellan voted in favour, reasoning "shovels were already in the ground at Stevenson."