Ontario is under pressure to establish a 24/7 mental health and addictions ward at Lakeridge Health Oshawa following the unanimous endorsement by Durham Regional Council earlier this month. The council’s committee passed a resolution on Sept. 10 committing up to $2.25 million to the project, but the hospital requires an initial investment of $30 million. Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter, who initiated the motion, expressed his determination to address the issue, stating, “We cannot tolerate seeing individuals suffer on our streets day in and day out.”
The Ministry of Health refrained from addressing direct queries about the project, with spokesperson Ema Popovic highlighting the province’s substantial investments in Durham Region. Ontario had announced in August 2024 the allocation of funds to add 300 beds across the Lakeridge Health network, which includes facilities in Bowmanville, Whitby, Ajax-Pickering, and Port Perry. Furthermore, as part of the 2025 budget, the province plans to boost funding for community-based mental health and addictions services by four percent.
Durham Region is set to host two of the province’s Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hubs, offering access to recovery and treatment systems for individuals grappling with addictions and mental health challenges. The proposed emergency ward aims to complement these hubs by swiftly connecting individuals to necessary care in a tranquil environment, as stated by Beth Brannon, the senior director for mental health and addictions at Lakeridge Health.
The envisioned ward seeks to deliver immediate, specialized assistance to individuals in crisis, thereby alleviating the burden on emergency departments and first responders. Mayor Carter emphasized the significance of providing timely and appropriate care to individuals, especially those experiencing psychosis or withdrawal symptoms. Carter estimated that it would take Lakeridge Health approximately eight months to establish the ward if they secure full funding. He had initially presented the project to Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Sylvia Jones a year and a half ago.
John Henry, chair of Durham Region, highlighted that around 1,000 individuals are currently homeless in Durham, emphasizing the need for enhanced responses to mental health, addiction, and homelessness issues. He expressed enthusiasm about the proposed mental health and addictions ward, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive care for individuals with complex needs.
Durham Region’s commitment to the project has garnered Mayor Carter’s confidence in the city’s unified support. He plans to engage with Premier Ford again to discuss the project further, seeking a $30 million contribution from the province. Additionally, Carter mentioned that Lakeridge Health Foundation has pledged $10 million towards the initiative.
Overall, the push for a dedicated mental health and addictions ward in Oshawa underscores the pressing need for enhanced care and support for vulnerable populations in the region.
