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“York Region is the fastest growing area in Canada and we’ve only got three hospitals,” he said. “This likely doesn’tsit will with the Vaughan Health Care Foun- dation, either. a for the region, Mr. Emmerson said. “We all want to make sure our resi- dents have access to a proper health care system. The need is sooner rather than later.” Longtime Unionville resident Don Hammond credits Markham Stouffville Hospital with his well being and saving his life following cancer treatment. “The hospital’s been very good to me, but we're building houses and moving in families faster than the hospital can handle them,” he said. area needs it bad,” he said. “The government should start loosening its purse strings. We could use the help." However, with the province planning to spread out that funding, the muchâ€" needed expansion will be delayed for a year. “Disappointed doesn’t even capture what we are feeling," hospital president and CEO Janet Beed said. “Now there's a longer wait? I don’t think so. The wait time in emergency is already atrocious. If they could reduce that time they’d ease a lot of people’s HOWTO KEEP UP WITH GROWTH? The owner of a Markham upholstery business believes Ontario should review hospital needs on an individual basis rather than impose a swéeping moratori- um on hospital redevelopment projects. Markham Stoufiville Hospital is in the pre-tender process for a capital redevelâ€" opment project, part of the govemment’s five-year $30-billion-plus infrastructure investment plan. Until now, the construction was to begin in 2010 but with the delay, the doors won’t be open to the expansion until 2014 or 2015. “I don’t know how we are going to be able to keep up with the HospitaI expansion put off until 201445: CEO 2005 2005 2005 2003 F150 XLT F150 Lariat Ranger Edge F150 Supercab USED TR 7 W33 5%.344 mdififigfi «HOUSIM FORD HOUSTON FORD LTD. fl 5786 Main St" Stouflvllle www.blllhoustonford.com 905-640-4541 ‘ One only has to drive down Ninth Line to see the growth in Markham, she added, pointing out the region’s popula- tion has grown significantly in recent years. The hospital used to attend to 100 new patients a day. That number has ballooned to 160 and it is diflicult to manage that volume with just 21 stretcher bays in the emergency room. SURGERIES CANCELLED Mirth only 0.6 beds per 1,000 people in the hospital compared to 1.5 to two beds in most other facilities. the hos- pital will have to increase stafiing and continue to cancel elective surgeries to manage the volume. “'Ibday, the dizectors met three times about it and we still have six or seven years to go (until the redevelopment is complete)." “Eitra stafi will mean people who aren’t seen on a stretcher will be looked after in a chair," Ms Beed said. Local Furniture Store Offers Customers Free Gas By: Casey Underwood Freelance Feature Writer (Markham, ON) - Local retailer, Almira Fine Furniture is helping their customers dealing with the rise in gas prices. For a limited time, Almira is offering not only great discounts on their furniture collections, but customers will receive gas cards based on the value of their purchase. www.almira.com adverton'al Construction continues on the $110-million regional cancer centre at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket. Scheduled to open next year, the centre will provide cancer diag- nostics, cancer surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatment and follow-up care to the more than one million people who live within its catchment area. York Central Hospital in Richmond Hill is completing the first phase of expansion, which includes 22 new complex continuing care beds, family birthing centre, inpatient medicine unit and the expansion of the emergency department, critical care, dialysis. surgi- cal. mental health and chemotherapy units. The north wing is expected to be operational by next spring. “We are just simply trying to do a massive catch-up across the province to keep up with demand,” she said. “But I am really disappointed York 'on is not a priority on the agency’s list. Owner Steve West says, “On a typical bedroom suite purchase, our customers can receive anywhere between $300 and $450 in gas cards on average. Saving on quality fine home fumishings and on the cost of gas, it’s a win-win situation.” or visit the store to see the fantastic selection and learn more about the eurrent gas card promotion. Please go to: www.almira.com Men 8: Boys' Violence Against Women Understanding and Addressing the Issues With Dr. Michael Kaufman $135.00 early bird registration by June 6th/08 Email for details: mking@fsyr.ca Wednesday, June 18, 2008 3:30 pm. Oakvlew Terraco 13256 Leslie St, Rlchmond Hill (South of Bloomlngton Sd. Rd. - 2nd driveway south of the Diamond Back Golf Course) Contact: Marla (905) 895-2371 Ext. 222 The Sun-Tribune is seeking nominations for Whitchurch-Stouffville's Sports Person of the Year. Tell The Sun-Tribune about a coach, manager ‘ or executive member you know that is making a _ difference by volunteering in our sports community. Supporting material and testimonials appreciated. Label nominations "Sports Person of the Year" and mail/deliver to: 6290 Main St., Stouffville, L4A 1G7 or e-mail: stouffvilleawards@yrmg.com by June 15. Award to be presented during Strawberry Festival, June 25 to June 29. For more information call: Jim Mason at 905-640-2612 Citizen of the Year? Know an outstanding resident that gives of their time to make our community a better place? Tell The Sun-Tribune why they should be honoured. Include supporting material and testimonials. Label nominations “Citizen of Year” and mail/deliver to: 6290 Main St., Stouffville, L4A 1G7 or e-mail: stouffvilleawards@ynng.com by June 15. Award to be presented during Strawberry Festival, June 25 to June ‘29. For more information (all: Jim Mason at 905-640-2612 Best Sport? Family Servnces VOII IIOIOI Who will be Whitch urch-Stouflville 's Sfiflifiibune Simj‘fi'i'l'ribune Stouffville Sun-'Ifibune I Saturday, May 31, 2008 Who is our Stouffville SW7qu Public Notice