A decision by Burnaby city council to donate $5 million to the redevelopment of Burnaby Hospital is being called an “extraordinary move.”
Council voted recently to commit a $5 million to the Proud History, Bright Future campaign to transform Burnaby Hospital through a $1.3 billion redevelopment project.
Acknowledging the more than $12 million already contributed by Burnaby businesses, service groups and individuals, Mayor Mike Hurley said, “While our city has grown tremendously, the hospital has not been expanded or upgraded in over 40 years. This contribution, which comes from the city’s gaming revenue fund and leaves city reserves intact, will ensure our citizens have a new hospital they can depend on.”
Burnaby businessman William McCarthy, who chairs the Proud History, Bright Future campaign praised Hurley and council.
“The Burnaby Hospital Foundation and the entire Burnaby Hospital community is extremely grateful and proud that the City of Burnaby has joined other supporters in assisting with the much-needed redevelopment of Burnaby Hospital,” he said, in a statement.
The $1.3 billion in provincial funds is building Phase 1, a fully developed hospital, followed by Phase 2, a state-of-the-art B.C. Cancer Clinic.
With the $5 million contribution from the City of Burnaby, the foundation has now raised over $17 million toward its $30-million goal.
“Our citizens understand that a prosperous community begins with a healthy community,” said Burnaby Hospital Foundation CEO, Kristy James. “We greatly appreciate our municipality rallying with our community to ensure Burnaby has the very best health care available. This $5 million demonstrates both leadership and outside-the-box thinking to strengthen health care at a time when our citizens need it most.”
