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In their efforts the trustees have had the wise counsel and support of the medical profession, the guidance of the Ontario Hospital Commission, the co-operation of the officials of Congratulations to the trustees and members of the York Central Hospital Association whose leader- ship and direction have made the building of the hospital possible. Chairman Douglas H. Storms and the board of trustees have rendered outstanding service to this commun- ity. They have for more than four years given freely of their time and talent and in addition have been among the most generous of finan- cial supporters. The measure of their dedicated service ranks them high on the roll of public benefactors. The number of hospital beds in this county today is 113 and this to serve a population of well over 112,- 000. This is one bed per thousand of population. On completion early next year of the extension to the hospital at Newmarket and the op- ening of the York Central Hospital here there will be in the county 389 beds or 3.4 beds per thousand. The safe minimum recommended is 4.5 beds per thousand people. 0f necessity therefore the hospital appeal must for some time at least be a continuing one. There is need for additions as soon as possible, and the hospital opening now is planned This ceremony will climax for many a dream of the years and will mean the realization of the hopes of those who for a long time have felt the urgent need of hospital accom- modation in this district. During the next twelve months one out of every three families will re- quire hospital care. These figures are not guesswork. The authorityris the Ontario Hospital Commission, and this is an organization in a posi- tion to know whereof it speaks. This makes the provision of adequate hos- pital accommodation a matter of vi- tal concern to every family. Sickness is no respector of persons. It isn’t too bad to be on a waiting list for seats at the theatre or a sports arena. It’s a very serious matâ€" ter to have to be on a waiting list for a hospital bed. Often it is a matter of life or death. Thursday, November 28, 1963 will be a date in local history to be cher- ished in remembrance. On that day the new hospital will be officially AHA.-â€" vuv u opener; Honour the Lieuten- ant-Governor of Ontario. .12.. At the opening of York Central Hospital it is fitting to pay tribute to the important role of the County of York in the success of the project. Without the co-operation of the County Council the record of achieve- ment of the past three years would just not have been possible. York County Council acted with practical vision in recognizing the seriousness of our hospital situation in first asking the existing hospital boards for a survey and report. This was followed by the appointment of the York County Hospital Commis- sion and the voting of substantial financial grants. Sometimes there has been criti- cism of county councils as a part of our system of municipal government and it is possible some of that criti- cism may be justified. We are glad that York County Council has given such a practical demonstration of its usefulness and made a very notable contribution in the solving of the hospital problem. Many of those who took a. leading part in negotiations then are no longer in public life. We recall par- In his report at the last annual meeting of the York Central Hospi- tal, Association Chairman D. H. Storms made the observation that one of the most important moves in the development of the local hospi- tal was the getting together with the York County Hospital Associa- tion at Newmarket and the designat~ ing of the county as a joint, hospital service area. This sensible approach to the hos- pital problem and the fine co-opera- tion accorded by the members of York County Council in setting up the York County Hospital Commis- sionâ€" and giving substantial financial Subscription Rate $3.50 per “Authorized as second class LIBERAL, Richmond Hill: Ontario, Thursday. County Co-Operuiion An Independent Weekly: Established 1878 Oatâ€"4C , I. k on Rate $3.50 per year; to United States $4.50; 10c single copy Member Audit Bureau of Circulations Member Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association J. E. SMITH, Editor and Publisher W. S. COOK, Managing Editor Hospital Planning Date To Remember Need Still Great was liberal mail, Post Office Department, Ottawa" The financial campaign directed by the United Hospital Appeal un- der the able chairmanship of Ray Marshall and supported in such fine spirit by a great band of volunteer workers met with a generous res- ponse. Corporations, members of the medical profession, service clubs, local and church organizations, business people and private citizens every- where responded to the appeal with donations and pledges well over a million dollars which will be divided between the local hospital and the one at Newmarket. The enthusiasm and spirit of that financial campaign were inspiring and the results grati- fying. However this is no time to rest on our oars and it must be a continuing appeal and a' continuing effort. all levels of government and the whole-hearted support of the people. The work of hundreds of volunteers in the financial campaign and the success which crowned their efforts is an encouraging story of commun- ity loyalty, public spirit and gener- osity. The architects, the contractors, the workmen have co-operated with the gratifying result that the hospi- tal will be open pretty well on sched- ule and before long available for the care of our sick and injured. The building to be officially opened to- day is only the first phase of a much larger hospital which eventu- ally will have at least 600 beds. It is a start on a long over-due hospital program to give the people of this district the hospital accommodation so urgently needed. We join with the people of Rich- mond Hill and surrounding district in expressing our thanks to all who in any way contributed to the suc- cess of the hospital project. Our fervent hope is that the hospital to be opened to-day may serve well the people of this district and that God may abundantly bless it in its mission of comfort and healing. and designed for enlargement to ac- commodate 600 beds. Much in the way of expensive equipment still is required at our hospital to extend the services of treatment and healing. A hospital trust committee has been set up and will continue to appeal for public support and at all times will wel- come donations large and small. The opening of the hospital is not the end by any means in supplying the need â€" it is just the beginning. ticularly the wise counsel and prud- ent fleadership of the 1960 Warden, W. L. Clark the reeve of Markham Township. Commenting editorially at that time we said: “Warden Clark as head of the county administration is adding lustre to an already out- standing municipal career. While his year will be remembered for many things one of the outstanding ach- ievements was the action taken ap- pointing a hospital commission. It is an important step forward in meeting the urgent needs of our people and will in years to come mean bountiful blessings” mean bountiful blessings.” In looking back to those critical days in planning for the hospital we recall two other municipal leaders of that day, Kenneth Tomlin, Rich- mond Hill’s mayor and John Perry, the then reeve of Vaughan Town- ship. Both these gentlemen now have retired to private life but we remem- ber their very valuable support for the hospital project. Their fine spirit and commendable vision has been characteristic of the support accord- ed to the new hospital.by municipal leaders and citizens generally. The adoption of the county as a unit for hospital planning and the appointment of a County Hospital Commission have proven very suc- cessful here and no doubt the plan will be adopted in other sections of the province. Chairman Storms in large measure deserves credit for the idea and all who co-operated are to be commended for vision and prac- tical approach to a problem which closely touches the lives of all our people. aid contributed in large measure to the success of the local hospital pro- ject. Nov. 28th, 1963 As Recorded In The Files Of The Home Paper: The first news item regarding the hospital appeared in our issue of January 28, 1960. It was a front page story stating that initial steps were taken for the founding of a new hospital to serve Richmond Hill and surrounding district. Since then more than three thousand column inches of space in the home paper have from week to week recorded the interesting and inspiring story of the building of a hospital. A scrap book with clippings of' all news stories and pictures of that four year hospital story is on view in our front office and visitors are welcome to peruse its pages. The first news story headed “Plan For New Hospital” stated “for some time there has been a growing appreciation of the need for a hospital and preliminary study by municipal officials and members of the medical association has resulted in the calling of a public meeting. Mayor Kenneth Tomlin will preside at the meeting which will be held in the McConaghy School Thursday evening February 11 to which the public is invited. A provisional board of directors will be appointed and plans discussed for the establishment of a hospital.” Editorialvly the same week “The Liberal” endorsed the proposal for a new hospital. The editorial, the first of many supporting the hospital project stated: “The growth and development of Richmond Hill and district in recent years has made necessary a continuous extension and expansion of local services. As population increased the munici- pal authorities took care of the greater demands for services by extensions of water and electric facilities, additions to the police force, works and administrative staffs. This week the medical association has given unanimous approval to the proposal of a hospital here and in the hope of getting a. start on the project a public meeting has been called for early next month. It is hoped at this meeting a provi- sional organization will be set up to secure the necessary detailed information and present a prac- tical proposal to the municipal councils and people of the district. We concur whole-heartedly with the mayor and members of the medical association that a hospital is needed to serve the ever-increasing needs of the expanding population of the town and district. The nearest hospitals now are located in NOrth York Township and in Newmarket, a distance of about fifteen miles, and many of our citizens use the Toronto hospitals. This means inconvenience and long trips for patients, families, friends and doctors. The official opening of the York Central Hos- pital on November 28 is the climax of many months of dedicated effort and is a remarkable success story of public spirited leadership and community co- operation. The first exploratory public meeting to discuss the need for a local hospital was held in the McConaghy School, Yonge Street, on February 11, 1960. To-day, less than four years later the new hospital, equipped and staffed is ready to open its doors and start its mission of mercy and healing in the care and treatment of our ill and injured. “The Liberal” has been the home paper of this district continuously since 1878 and through these many years it has been the great privilege and responsibility of this newspaper to support a mul- titude of good causes and community projects deemed ,in the best interests of the people of the area. Never have we supported a cause with greater heart and enthusiasm than the project of a new hospital to serve this part of York County. For a long time there has been a growing realization that one of our urgent needs is a hospital to serve Richmond Hill and surrounding area. Last year Mayor Tomlin drew attention to the fact that a hospital is needed addstated that exploratory studies were being madgym- the hope of getting some coâ€"operative action‘by‘ all interested parties. - Support Hospital With Enthusiasm Growing Realization 0f Need A modern hospital should be a practical project not beyond the means of local municipalities and we trust the proposal will have serious and careful consideration. From a purely economic standpoint the simple facts are that in this district we spend many thousands of dollars annually for hospital services. We might just as well spend them at home and have the advantages of close-at-hand accommoda- tion. “The Liberal” endorses the proposal of a new hospital for this district and trusts citizens will show their interest and concern by attending the public meeting. The proposal is a challenge and an opportunity for all to share in laying the foundation for a local institution which for years to come will contribute to the health and welfare of all our people.” The first meeting was held and our .files record in our issue of February 18, 1960 the following: “A largely attended public meeting gave enthu- siastic support to the proposal to establish a hospital in this district. Mayor Tomlin presided and after congratulating citizens on their interest in such a worth-while community project reviewed the discussions held concerning the need for hospital accommodation. Dr. James Langstafi represented the medical association and told the meeting that for some time the members of the association had felt the growing need for a hospital. Provisional Directors Elected Elected as provisional directors for the proposed hospital were the heads of district municipalities, Mayor Tomlin, Richmond Hill; Warden William L. Clark, reeve of Markham Township; John Perry. reeve of Vaughan; William Hodgson, King Town- ship; Reeve Joseph Fry, of Markham Village; Reeve George Richardson, of Whitchurch Township, along with Graham Walter, Ernest Redelmeier and Don- ald C. Stewart of Vaughan Township, Mrs. Carol Davis, and A. G. Sampson of King Township, Stuart Parker, Q.C., of Markham Township, and Douglas H. Storms, Edward Butlin, John Griffin and J. E. Smith of Richmond Hill. Dr. Peter Morse of Thorn- hill and Dr. Allan Smith of Richmond Hill were elected to represent the medical association. The provisional committee was given authority to add to its number. Citizens generally have welcomed the move to Story Of Planning And Building A Hospital Jos ph Fry Ba ,‘ry P. Hayes Jr. Gage H. Love Dr, P. Morse Matt. B. Smith Mrs. S. C. Sniveley Ph‘iglip Barith' establish a hospital here and the committee has assurance of the whole-hearted support in the important work they are undertaking on behalf of the community.” Our issue of May 5, 1960 reported that Chair- man Storms had announced that the committee’s application for a charter had been approved by the provincial government, as of April 25, 1960. It stated “the charter will be in the name of the York Central Hospital Association.” Mr. Storms said the committee planned an early meeting to organize a hospital association which it is hoped will interest several thousand members. of the committee. Chairman Storms in accepting the post asked the support and co-operation of committee members and the citizens of the entire district. “This is a big job and an important one” he said “and we invite the help and assistance of all.” He stated that appropriate committees will be named and a thorough and intensive study made of the needs of the district and the best and most economical means to provide adequate hospital accommodation. Chairman Storms addressed a special meeting of York County Council when he outlined plans for more adequate hospital accommodation, and discuss- ed possible methods of organization and financing. Detailed O.H.C.S. Report Requested The committee has contacted the Ontario Hos- pital Commission and requested a survey and detailed report. The report should indicate the size of hospital required to meet the needs of our people and the estimated cost. The chairman emphasized that the problem would receive intensive study and that hasty decisions would be avoided. In a forceful and able presentation Mr. Storms deplored the fact that here in the banner county of York, hospital accommodation is much below minimum requirements. He made a strong case for a new approach to the whole problem of hospital building, and administration. After weeks of study of the local situation Mr. Storms contended that the old method of passing the hat to provide hospital beds is not satisfactory and suggested that the whole problem be approached with the County as a unit. Our Mareh 3 issue reported that the first meeting of the provisional directors had been held arid _that Douglas H. Storms was elected chairman n ""”â€"‘u v Editorially on May 5, 1960 we said: “York County Council showed commendable interest and concern in the hospital problem and took prompt action to do something about it. In his presentation Chairman Storms made a forceful plea for actlon to meet the hospital needs of the county and brought forward something new in a very practical sugges- tion for hospital planning and financing. He suggested a thorough and independent survey-of hospital needs in the county and a recommendahon by qualified authorities as to the best and most economical means of meeting these needs. He suggested that the old method of passing the hat to build hospitals is out of date and that money to provide hospital beds over and above grants of federal and provincial governments should be raised mainly by county taxation. Mr. Storms’ suggestion was well received by county council and we believe it should have the approval of citizens of the county. William Neal, Mayor of Richmond Hill Keith Nisbet, Mayor of Aurora W. R. Dean, Reeve of Markham Township York County council members displayed keen interest in the problem and adopted unanimously a resolution recognizing the need for hospital accom- modation and asking the two existing hospital boards to arrange for a survey and present a report with recommendations at the June session of council.” This was a crucial time in the campaign for more hospital beds and in our issue of May 5 we editorially commended Mr. Storms for an able presentation and the county council members for the interest in the problem. It is noteworthy that this was the first official approach to the hospital bed shortage with the whole county as the unit for planning. C. H. Hooper, Deputy-reeve of Markham J. A. Bryson, Deputy-reeve of Vaughan Mr. Storms stressed the urgent need for more hospital beds. “People are dying” he said “while waiting for a vacant hospital bed.” Many more he said are sent home before they are fully recovered so beds may be available for more urgent cases. To solve the problem of hospital financing and place it on a fair and equitable basis Mr. Storms suggested a complete survey of the whole county and that when needs and locations are recommended that the financing necessary be by a tax levy. Crucial Time In Campaign Board of Trustees York Central Hospital 1963 President .................................... Douglas Storms Vice-president ------------------------ Stuart P. Parker, Q.C. Secretary .................................... Dr, Allan J_ Smith Treasurer .................................. Donald C, Stewart . H. Ruthérford, Reeve of Vaughan Toimship York County Representatives Municipal Representatives Graham Walter Trustees Arthur Dymond John Grifiin a' Mrs. F. ‘C. Jackson Mrs. R. J. Miller James R. Reycraft John E. Smith John L. Turner Outstanding Leadership A brother, Dr. Harold Stormy was responsible for starting the rehabilitation plan for the Ont- ario Workmen's Compensation Board. This early association no doubt. inspired his interest and zeal in the mission of healing the sick. ‘ (Continued From anied his father on 1 calls. Mr. Storms was an original, serving as a gunner in the first division in World War 1 and served again in World War 11 retiring as a brigadier after commaixdffig 17,0007 men in the campaign on the continent foll- owing “D Day.” V Fo;merly for several years a resident on Highland Lane, There may have been a day when hospitaliza- tion could be considered a luxury, but that day is far past. In this modern age, hospitalization is a necessity, just as roads, schools and waterworks systems are necessities. This being true, why do we continue to leave hospital construction to the uncertain support of charity? We agree with Mr. Storms that passing the hat is not the right method of financing hospitals needed by all our people. _ r...,_..... The suggestion to make the county a unit for hospital planning and financing seems an excellent one and we comme'nd'county council for prompt acceptance and quick action in asking for a survey and a report for the June session. The special session of York County Council may mark the dawn of a new era in hospitalization. The action taken may have marked the beginning of a new and more realistic approach to the whole problem of hospital building and administration. We are impressed by the attitude and action of York County Council and are confident the members will meet the challenge of the existing situation with courage and vision. If they do they will have learned the everlasting gratitude of the people'of this county and will have given the lead in l ting a great humanitarian need in a manner and ibirit which may well be followed by other countiefs of the province.” ‘ The hospital boards commissioned by tedunty council to make a survey lost no time in getting down to work and on June 1 the joint report was submitted to county council. The report was pre- sented by Mr. Storms and was signed by Mr. W. A. Spear, president of York County Hospital and supported by surveys and studies made by the Ontario Hospital Association and firms of specializ- ed hospital consultants and accountants. Report Suggests New Hospital The York Central Hospital Associ tion was launched at an inaugural meeting he] ‘in the Richmond Theatre Thursday June 9, 1960. The meeting was attended by more than 250 people and unanimously endorsed the York County hospital plan recommended by the joint committee. A‘board of trustees was elected and it was decided to launch a membership campaign. ' Trustees elected were: W. E. Butlin, John Griffin, F. R. Perkins, Dr. Allan Smith, J. E. Smith, Douglas H. Storms all of Richmond Hill, Graham Walter, D. C. Stewart, Ernest Redelmeier, all of Vaughan Township, Stuart Parker Q. C., James Reycraft, H. Craig of Markham Township, F. R. Corner, Aurora, Joseph Fry, Markham Village, Dr. P. Morse, Thornhill, M. D. Smith, King. Ex-ofiicio members are the mayors of Richmond Hill and Aurora, and the reeves of Vaughan and Markham Townships. Our issue of October 6, 1960 reported that York County Council' in special session passed a resolution authorizing appointment of a York Coun- ty Hospital Commission. The resolution was presented to council by Reeve John Perry of Vaughan Township. The commission will plan, co- ordinate and advise on all hospital matters pertain- ing to the County of York. Commission will include two members of county council, president of each hospital association, a representative of York Medical Society, and two citizens one of whom shall be chairman. John W. Rye, an ex-warden was named chairman of the commission, other members being: Douglas Storms, chairman of York Central Hospital, Alex Spear, chairman Newmarket Hospi- tal, Mrs. Elton Armstrong, Armitage, Dr. W. B. McClintock of Newmarket, Reeve William Sellers of Sutton and Reeve Norn Garriock of Woodbridge. In our issue of February 9, 1961 we reported that a hospital program to meet the existing critical shortage of accommodation was recommended to York County Council by the hospital commission. It suggested a building program be commenced at once and carried out in stages to make a substantial addition to the existing hospital at Newmarket and build a new hospital at Richmond Hill. The program will cost $4,350,000, and it was recommended that the county’s share be raised by the issuing of twenty year debentures. After careful consideration county council on February 24, 1961 gave the green light to the hospital program by granting $1,180,000, I 11_n.‘:A...1 A--.\A:nt.n“ null The joint report pointed out the urgent need for more hospital beds in the county and recom- mended that the capacity of the hospital at‘ Newmarket be increased from 113 beds to 250 beds, and that a new hospital of 180 beds be built at or near Richmond Hill. The report pointed out that while the minimum requirement recognized by the Ontario Hospital Services Commission is 4.5 hospi- tal beds for every thousand of population, York County has only one hospital with 113 beds which is just slightly more than 1 bed per thousand. In addition to recommending the immediate extension of the Newmarket Hospital from 113 to 250 beds and the construction of a new' hospital of 180 beds at Richmond Hill the report recommend- ed a debenture issue over the whole county to cover the cost and the appointment of a‘ York County Hospital Commission so that administration and control of hospital services may be coâ€"ordinated and applied for the greatest good for people of the whole county. 115111; uv vnnv ..‘..., each to the Yorlivbentrval Hosbilal Association and the York County Hospital at Newmarket. Given the go signal by the county York Central (Continued On Page 6) 1 Page 1! Richmond Hill he recently his round of moved to his new home on lJOhn St., Thornhill. Lieut.â€"Gov. Rowe Opens Hospital (Continued From Page 1) 1930 and 1935. He was sworn in as a privy councillor and appo- inted Minister without Portâ€" folio in the Rt. Hon. R. B. Bennett‘s cabinet in 1935. He led the Liberal-Conserv- ative Party in Ontario from 1936 to 1938 when he resigned and was re-elected to the House of Commons in 1938. 1940, 1945. 1949, 1953', 1957. 1958 and 1962.