Goderich Council considers sizeable donation to support MRI Campaign

Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (AMGH) Foundation is currently working towards bringing an MRI machine to Goderich.

As it stands today, residents must travel outside the area for MRI services, which are currently offered in London, Owen Sound and Stratford.

Foundation members requested financial support from Goderich Council at the May 4 meeting, to help raise funds for the $6.5 million campaign to bring an MRI machine to AMGH.

The Magnetic Moments Capital Campaign Committee asked the Town of Goderich to consider a leadership contribution of $1 million to help support this project.

Goderich Council understands the importance of the MRI campaign, and members of council agree they need to be leaders on this campaign.

With other financial commitments such as the downtown rebuilding project and still paying for the CT scanner at AMGH, council wants to support the MRI campaign but do not want to impact taxation on its residents.

There were also concerns raised at the June 17 meeting about committing to $1 million, especially if this commitment gets referred to the 2027 budget. This is an election year, and a new council could change that decision.

Although a necessary diagnostic tool and a key feature for physician recruitment, council is wary of committing to the $1 million with so many other projects already being financially supported.

Council agreed on a motion to support the campaign through $750,000 and have requested town staff to report back with specifics around how that amount will be funded, before a final decision is made.

“It’s a tough conversation to have and I understand both sides of the fence, whether you’re on $750,000 or a million dollars,” said Mayor Trevor Bazinet during the June 17 meeting.

“For me, know what my family has been through in the last year, any equipment for that hospital is so important.”

The Foundation has met with ACW, Central Huron and Bluewater, and requested $250,000 from each. All three municipalities have approved the request.

In a report to council, dated June 17, town staff indicated that the Foundation intends to make similar requests to all eight of the other municipalities in Huron County and are waiting for a response from Bruce Power and Compass Minerals, as well as the Town of Goderich.

Bringing an MRI machine to AMGH keeps healthcare dollars local, strengthens hospital services, enhances emergency care capacity, and reduces downstream healthcare costs.

According to data, regarding patient visits from January 2020 to December 31, 2025, the Town of Goderich represents 37.67 per cent of patients.

Town staff will bring a report back to the next council meeting on July 13 with specifics around how the $750,000 will be funded and a timeline.