Cornwall Ontario — The Concerned Citizen’s Coalition made an announcement in front of City Hall on Friday afternoon. They reported that the Hospital’s Board of Directors would give them enough time to lobby City Council for support in their efforts to turn the Second Street site into a long-term care facility for seniors.

Speaking at the event were Mark MacDonald, Ian Wilson, and Josh Welsh. Jason Setnyk reporting for The Seeker spoke with Josh Welsh this evening, and here is what he had to say on what transpired today.

“I am quite pleased with the hospital board’s decision to allow us the time that we need in order to make our community proposal. Mark MacDonald has worked so diligently to bring the Coalition to where we are today and he deserves a big pat on the back. Now to remind all the readers; we want the Cornwall General Hospital for the social benefit of the community, with the focus on seniors. Our next step is making a presentation to City Council in a few weeks regarding our proposal. We need community support and we are now at the stage where we need Council’s help. Yes, Council did grant a motion for a Local Task Force to be put into place but it takes much more than that – in my opinion. We need to put all politics aside and focus on the task at hand. When we have Council’s support only then will we be able to continue our efforts in saving the Cornwall General Hospital. I said it once and I’ll say it again. We will all need long-term care eventually. If we plan to stay in Cornwall, we should get that care sooner rather than later”

Thank you Josh Welsh for your thoughts on today’s events.