Hospital in Vaudreuil-Dorion given go-ahead by Quebec government

The Quebec government is going ahead with the construction of a long-promisednew hospital west of Montreal.

Health Minister Gatan Barretteannounced the government has chosen a sitein the city ofVaudreuil-Dorion, just off the western tip of the island of Montreal, and it hasset aside$16million to buyland and pay for expropriation costs.

Another $800 million will be set aside for the hospital's construction, a spokesperson for the ministersaid.

The 250,000-square-metre plot of land is located at the intersection of Highway30 and Cit des Jeunes Boulevard.

The sitewill eventually be home tothe firstemergency and specialized health-care facility for the region of 150,000 residents. Barrette said the government expects the population to balloon to 250,000 in 15 years.

"The reform that I am undertaking is about bringing services close to patients' homes," the minister said.

Right now, the closest hospital serving the region is the Lakeshore General Hospitalin Pointe-Claire, which is known for being overcrowded with long wait times.

Residents of the area interviewed by CBC balked at the price tag, but agreed it was worth it for better access to emergency care.

"As long as you don't have to wait. That's the wholepoint of having a new hospital," said Ling Chhiv.

Vaudreuil-Dorionmayor Guy Pilon saidhe's relieved to see a firm commitment from the province.

"Weknow now we'll have a hospital.It's been decided, the money will be there, and we can work on projects other than fighting for something that seemed obvious to us," Pilon said.

A statement from the Health Ministrysaid after the land is acquired, it will elaboratea clinical plan for the region to work outthe local population's needs.

Construction is expected to begin within five years, the ministry said.

Barrette saidthe site is easily accessible from major thoroughfares.