Strathcona County Deserves a Full-Service Hospital — And the Time to Act Is Now

More than a decade ago Strathcona Community Hospital opened its doors, offering 24/7 urgent care and bringing essential medical services closer to home for thousands of residents. Back then, it felt like a turning point. But as Strathcona County’s population has soared past 100,000, our community has outgrown what this facility can provide.

We are now Alberta’s largest municipality without a full-service hospital. No inpatient beds, no surgical suites, and no maternity care. That’s not just an oversight. For an area of our size, it’s an urgent problem, and the need for action has never been clearer.

Why Local Hospital Expansion Matters

Every week, residents are routed to Edmonton’s already overburdened hospitals for the critical services that should be available in their own county. This isn’t just about inconvenience:

• It increases wait times and lengthens the distance between patients and the care they need.

• It impacts health outcomes, especially for families, seniors, and those battling chronic or post-operative conditions.

• It’s a question of fairness- we pay into the same provincial healthcare system as everyone else. It’s time for a fair share of resources invested locally.

The Benefits of Local, Full-Service Care

A hospital expansion wouldn’t just be about bricks and mortar; it’s about building a healthier community, now and for generations to come.

Here’s what’s at stake:

• Shorter wait times and faster access to care.

• More consistent medical support across all age groups and needs.

• Reduced pressure on Edmonton hospitals, improving regional healthcare.

• Better health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

• New local jobs and economic growth.

• Stronger emergency response within Strathcona County.

We Need to Plan for Growth — Not Just Catch Up

Strathcona County isn’t slowing down . More families, seniors, and businesses arrive each year. Our healthcare infrastructure should be setting the pace, ensuring services keep up with demand instead of just reacting to it.

Expanding the Strathcona Community Hospital is a chance to plan boldly. To anticipate the future and guarantee a high quality of life for every resident, now and in the years ahead.

My Commitment: Fair, Local, Accessible Healthcare

With years of experience in public safety and crisis response, I’ve witnessed firsthand what can happen when critical care isn’t accessible. Since day one of my campaign, I’ve advocated for expanding our hospital. This fight isn’t about politics, it’s about people, and about ensuring Strathcona County isn’t left behind in Alberta’s healthcare landscape.

I want to work with Council, our local MLAs and our local MP, to make this a priority investment. To lobby government and make a community driven case for expansion. It might not happen over night, but if we can add services and expand offerings it is a step in the right direction. 

Strathcona County needs a full-service hospital, and the time to act is now.