Hospital Renaming: West Niagara Memorial Hospital

Share Hospital Renaming: West Niagara Memorial Hospital on Facebook Share Hospital Renaming: West Niagara Memorial Hospital on Twitter Share Hospital Renaming: West Niagara Memorial Hospital on Linkedin Email Hospital Renaming: West Niagara Memorial Hospital link

Consultation has concluded for this project. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts and participate in our survey. 

Decision on Proposed Hospital Renaming

Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) has advised the Mayors of Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln, as well as the regional chair of Niagara, that at this time the hospital is no longer considering their request to rename West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (WLMH) to West Niagara Memorial Hospital.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Lincoln community, especially to the many community members who shared their thoughts through various public engagement opportunities. We believe that this decision accurately reflects the feedback we collectively received.

Many thanks also to the team from Hamilton Health Sciences and West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation for their collaboration over the last several months in engaging community members.

Lincoln community members and surrounding communities have much to look forward to in the coming months as the construction of this important community resource nears completion. Once again, thank you to community members and to the Province of Ontario for your contributions to this new facility that will serve the healthcare needs of our residents.

Special Council Meeting

A special meeting took place on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

The New Hospital

West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (WLMH), a Hamilton Health Sciences hospital, is being rebuilt to accommodate the growing health care needs of west Niagara’s communities. Public support of the new hospital has been overwhelmingly positive, as local residents acknowledge this important endeavour and have demonstrated unwavering commitment to this redevelopment project.

Proposed New Name: West Niagara Memorial Hospital

The Mayors of the Town of Grimsby, Town of Lincoln, Township of West Lincoln and the Chair of Niagara Region have submitted a request to Hamilton Health Sciences to change the name of the new hospital to West Niagara Memorial Hospital. The municipalities, region, WLMH Foundation and HHS are sharing information about the process with the community in support of this request.

The proposed new name not only aims to better reflect the geography in which the hospital is located, but also more accurately represents the broader communities the hospital serves. Similarly, including “West Niagara” in the new name follows recent precedent in naming other community infrastructures, such as the West Niagara Secondary School and the West Niagara Agricultural Centre & Fairgrounds. Names not only identify, they provide historical connections and symbolize the communities in which they belong.

A decision about the new name for the hospital is expected to be made in late spring 2024; should the proposed new name be approved, it would be effective upon the opening of the new hospital in mid-2025.

.

Watch in Real Time! Hospital construction live feed


About the WLMH Rebuild

The WLMH redevelopment project is currently in the construction phase after breaking ground in spring 2022. The new hospital is being built directly behind the existing building located at 169 Main St. E, Grimsby.

WLMH provides both inpatient and outpatient services, including emergency services, complex and palliative care, surgery, and maternal and newborn care. The new hospital will be approximately 80 per cent larger than the existing hospital, and enhance patient capacity, comfort and care throughout.

The new, modernized facility will support the community’s evolving health care needs and the workforce’s ability to provide exceptional care. As a site of HHS, WLMH serves as a point of access to one of the largest health systems in Canada for patients requiring more specialized care.

Stay Up-to-Date

If you would like to stay informed of ongoing West Lincoln Memorial Hospital updates, you can subscribe to their newsletter.

Decision on Proposed Hospital Renaming

Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) has advised the Mayors of Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln, as well as the regional chair of Niagara, that at this time the hospital is no longer considering their request to rename West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (WLMH) to West Niagara Memorial Hospital.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Lincoln community, especially to the many community members who shared their thoughts through various public engagement opportunities. We believe that this decision accurately reflects the feedback we collectively received.

Many thanks also to the team from Hamilton Health Sciences and West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation for their collaboration over the last several months in engaging community members.

Lincoln community members and surrounding communities have much to look forward to in the coming months as the construction of this important community resource nears completion. Once again, thank you to community members and to the Province of Ontario for your contributions to this new facility that will serve the healthcare needs of our residents.

Special Council Meeting

A special meeting took place on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

The New Hospital

West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (WLMH), a Hamilton Health Sciences hospital, is being rebuilt to accommodate the growing health care needs of west Niagara’s communities. Public support of the new hospital has been overwhelmingly positive, as local residents acknowledge this important endeavour and have demonstrated unwavering commitment to this redevelopment project.

Proposed New Name: West Niagara Memorial Hospital

The Mayors of the Town of Grimsby, Town of Lincoln, Township of West Lincoln and the Chair of Niagara Region have submitted a request to Hamilton Health Sciences to change the name of the new hospital to West Niagara Memorial Hospital. The municipalities, region, WLMH Foundation and HHS are sharing information about the process with the community in support of this request.

The proposed new name not only aims to better reflect the geography in which the hospital is located, but also more accurately represents the broader communities the hospital serves. Similarly, including “West Niagara” in the new name follows recent precedent in naming other community infrastructures, such as the West Niagara Secondary School and the West Niagara Agricultural Centre & Fairgrounds. Names not only identify, they provide historical connections and symbolize the communities in which they belong.

A decision about the new name for the hospital is expected to be made in late spring 2024; should the proposed new name be approved, it would be effective upon the opening of the new hospital in mid-2025.

.

Watch in Real Time! Hospital construction live feed


About the WLMH Rebuild

The WLMH redevelopment project is currently in the construction phase after breaking ground in spring 2022. The new hospital is being built directly behind the existing building located at 169 Main St. E, Grimsby.

WLMH provides both inpatient and outpatient services, including emergency services, complex and palliative care, surgery, and maternal and newborn care. The new hospital will be approximately 80 per cent larger than the existing hospital, and enhance patient capacity, comfort and care throughout.

The new, modernized facility will support the community’s evolving health care needs and the workforce’s ability to provide exceptional care. As a site of HHS, WLMH serves as a point of access to one of the largest health systems in Canada for patients requiring more specialized care.

Stay Up-to-Date

If you would like to stay informed of ongoing West Lincoln Memorial Hospital updates, you can subscribe to their newsletter.

Consultation has concluded for this project. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts and participate in our survey. 

The Project Team is available to answer any questions you may have about the proposed new name "West Niagara Memorial Hospital." Please submit your question, and we will respond as promptly as possible.

  • Share Happy to see HHS is not moving forward with renaming. To those who said there would be no cost for a name change, this is from the June 6th St. Catharines Standard (paperwork costs money): “It’s the best news I’ve had this week,” said Fred Lilly, president of West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary. Lilly said a survey of 100 of their members earlier in the spring resulted in a 75-25 vote in favour of keeping the name. “We’re a registered charity and a name change would mean changing our paperwork,” Lilly said. “It seems kind of frivolous to change something that has been around since 1944; there’s a whole bunch of happy people in Grimsby.” on Facebook Share Happy to see HHS is not moving forward with renaming. To those who said there would be no cost for a name change, this is from the June 6th St. Catharines Standard (paperwork costs money): “It’s the best news I’ve had this week,” said Fred Lilly, president of West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary. Lilly said a survey of 100 of their members earlier in the spring resulted in a 75-25 vote in favour of keeping the name. “We’re a registered charity and a name change would mean changing our paperwork,” Lilly said. “It seems kind of frivolous to change something that has been around since 1944; there’s a whole bunch of happy people in Grimsby.” on Twitter Share Happy to see HHS is not moving forward with renaming. To those who said there would be no cost for a name change, this is from the June 6th St. Catharines Standard (paperwork costs money): “It’s the best news I’ve had this week,” said Fred Lilly, president of West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary. Lilly said a survey of 100 of their members earlier in the spring resulted in a 75-25 vote in favour of keeping the name. “We’re a registered charity and a name change would mean changing our paperwork,” Lilly said. “It seems kind of frivolous to change something that has been around since 1944; there’s a whole bunch of happy people in Grimsby.” on Linkedin Email Happy to see HHS is not moving forward with renaming. To those who said there would be no cost for a name change, this is from the June 6th St. Catharines Standard (paperwork costs money): “It’s the best news I’ve had this week,” said Fred Lilly, president of West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary. Lilly said a survey of 100 of their members earlier in the spring resulted in a 75-25 vote in favour of keeping the name. “We’re a registered charity and a name change would mean changing our paperwork,” Lilly said. “It seems kind of frivolous to change something that has been around since 1944; there’s a whole bunch of happy people in Grimsby.” link

    Happy to see HHS is not moving forward with renaming. To those who said there would be no cost for a name change, this is from the June 6th St. Catharines Standard (paperwork costs money): “It’s the best news I’ve had this week,” said Fred Lilly, president of West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary. Lilly said a survey of 100 of their members earlier in the spring resulted in a 75-25 vote in favour of keeping the name. “We’re a registered charity and a name change would mean changing our paperwork,” Lilly said. “It seems kind of frivolous to change something that has been around since 1944; there’s a whole bunch of happy people in Grimsby.”

    AndrewBowles asked 6 months ago

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Community engagement has been an integral part of this process, and we appreciate you taking the time to provide input. 

  • Share 4:3 vote. Why doesn't the Town youtube channel show all the attendees on screen that is usually shown, even if their camera is off like we usually see? There is also no indication who voted for, against in the 4:3 vote. Where can we find that specific information? Thank you in advance. on Facebook Share 4:3 vote. Why doesn't the Town youtube channel show all the attendees on screen that is usually shown, even if their camera is off like we usually see? There is also no indication who voted for, against in the 4:3 vote. Where can we find that specific information? Thank you in advance. on Twitter Share 4:3 vote. Why doesn't the Town youtube channel show all the attendees on screen that is usually shown, even if their camera is off like we usually see? There is also no indication who voted for, against in the 4:3 vote. Where can we find that specific information? Thank you in advance. on Linkedin Email 4:3 vote. Why doesn't the Town youtube channel show all the attendees on screen that is usually shown, even if their camera is off like we usually see? There is also no indication who voted for, against in the 4:3 vote. Where can we find that specific information? Thank you in advance. link

    4:3 vote. Why doesn't the Town youtube channel show all the attendees on screen that is usually shown, even if their camera is off like we usually see? There is also no indication who voted for, against in the 4:3 vote. Where can we find that specific information? Thank you in advance.

    David JENNINGS asked 6 months ago

    Thank you for your question. 

    Unfortunately we had IT technical issues in that the laptop and TV screen were not able to show the live results. However our voting system which is a separate software was live and working. In addition, a remote member of Council was having an issue logging into the voting system, and that is why their vote was verbally taken. 

    The vote carried which was 4:3 on the motion. There was not a procedural request for a recorded vote therefore we don’t list or call out the names individually. 

    However, in the interest of transparency and that typically if no technical issues were experienced, all vote results are visible once voting has closed and they are briefly shown on the screen.  The voting consisted as follows: 

    In Favour – Mayor Easton, Councillor Reimer, Councillor Rintjema, Councillor Russell

    Opposed – Councillor Pachereva, Councillor Timmers, Councillor Murre

  • Share Please leave the name as West Lincoln Memorial Hospital. There is a lot of history in our hospital and the continuity of a name is meaningful. Many of my family members were born there, treated there, died there ... it is one hospital and there is no need to change the history in the name of the this hospital. If we value our history and the contributions of WLMH to the community, we will not change its identity for the future. on Facebook Share Please leave the name as West Lincoln Memorial Hospital. There is a lot of history in our hospital and the continuity of a name is meaningful. Many of my family members were born there, treated there, died there ... it is one hospital and there is no need to change the history in the name of the this hospital. If we value our history and the contributions of WLMH to the community, we will not change its identity for the future. on Twitter Share Please leave the name as West Lincoln Memorial Hospital. There is a lot of history in our hospital and the continuity of a name is meaningful. Many of my family members were born there, treated there, died there ... it is one hospital and there is no need to change the history in the name of the this hospital. If we value our history and the contributions of WLMH to the community, we will not change its identity for the future. on Linkedin Email Please leave the name as West Lincoln Memorial Hospital. There is a lot of history in our hospital and the continuity of a name is meaningful. Many of my family members were born there, treated there, died there ... it is one hospital and there is no need to change the history in the name of the this hospital. If we value our history and the contributions of WLMH to the community, we will not change its identity for the future. link

    Please leave the name as West Lincoln Memorial Hospital. There is a lot of history in our hospital and the continuity of a name is meaningful. Many of my family members were born there, treated there, died there ... it is one hospital and there is no need to change the history in the name of the this hospital. If we value our history and the contributions of WLMH to the community, we will not change its identity for the future.

    community member asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for sharing your feedback with us, and for your passion and concern about our local hospital. Your input is important, and will be shared with the project team for consideration. 

  • Share Where do we vote ?? Very confusing no Let’s Talk Lincoln! on Facebook Share Where do we vote ?? Very confusing no Let’s Talk Lincoln! on Twitter Share Where do we vote ?? Very confusing no Let’s Talk Lincoln! on Linkedin Email Where do we vote ?? Very confusing no Let’s Talk Lincoln! link

    Where do we vote ?? Very confusing no Let’s Talk Lincoln!

    Lizzo asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for your question. The survey is now closed. If you would like to share your thoughts, please let us know by submitting another comment through this Questions tool, and we will share your input with the project team. 

  • Share I VOTE THAT THE ORIGINAL NAME REMAINS AS IT IS. on Facebook Share I VOTE THAT THE ORIGINAL NAME REMAINS AS IT IS. on Twitter Share I VOTE THAT THE ORIGINAL NAME REMAINS AS IT IS. on Linkedin Email I VOTE THAT THE ORIGINAL NAME REMAINS AS IT IS. link

    I VOTE THAT THE ORIGINAL NAME REMAINS AS IT IS.

    Leah Padfield asked 7 months ago

    Thank you, we appreciate you sharing your feedback with us. Your comment will be shared with the project team for consideration. 

  • Share I can't see any reason, or advantage in changing the name. I can only see the negatives - confusion and unnecessary expense involved in the renaming/rebranding of the name. on Facebook Share I can't see any reason, or advantage in changing the name. I can only see the negatives - confusion and unnecessary expense involved in the renaming/rebranding of the name. on Twitter Share I can't see any reason, or advantage in changing the name. I can only see the negatives - confusion and unnecessary expense involved in the renaming/rebranding of the name. on Linkedin Email I can't see any reason, or advantage in changing the name. I can only see the negatives - confusion and unnecessary expense involved in the renaming/rebranding of the name. link

    I can't see any reason, or advantage in changing the name. I can only see the negatives - confusion and unnecessary expense involved in the renaming/rebranding of the name.

    Leah Padfield asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for sharing your comments with us. These will be shared with the project team for consideration. 

    We also recommend you read through our Frequently Asked Questions on this page for the background and rationale on the proposed name change, for your reference. 

  • Share I would like the hospital name to remain the same…..West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, since the site is in Lincoln County. on Facebook Share I would like the hospital name to remain the same…..West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, since the site is in Lincoln County. on Twitter Share I would like the hospital name to remain the same…..West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, since the site is in Lincoln County. on Linkedin Email I would like the hospital name to remain the same…..West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, since the site is in Lincoln County. link

    I would like the hospital name to remain the same…..West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, since the site is in Lincoln County.

    Jane asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for your question. Please see the response to our Frequently Asked Question about the history of the hospital and rationale for proposed new name. The response is also copied here, for your convenience:

    After discussing the matter, the Mayors of Grimsby, Lincoln, and West Lincoln, as well as the regional chair of Niagara, submitted a request to consider a proposed name change to West Niagara Memorial Hospital.

    The redevelopment of the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (WLMH) facility makes for an opportune time to explore the idea of this name change.

    The proposed name aims to better represent the broader community the hospital serves and the geographical location of the hospital. Names not only identify, but they also provide historical connections and symbolize the communities in which they belong. 

    Since the creation of the Niagara Region in 1970, the hospital is no longer located in what was formerly known as “West Lincoln County.”

  • Share The name for our rebuilt hospital should remain "West Lincoln Memorial Hospital". I do not believe in changing the name of a well known landmark. on Facebook Share The name for our rebuilt hospital should remain "West Lincoln Memorial Hospital". I do not believe in changing the name of a well known landmark. on Twitter Share The name for our rebuilt hospital should remain "West Lincoln Memorial Hospital". I do not believe in changing the name of a well known landmark. on Linkedin Email The name for our rebuilt hospital should remain "West Lincoln Memorial Hospital". I do not believe in changing the name of a well known landmark. link

    The name for our rebuilt hospital should remain "West Lincoln Memorial Hospital". I do not believe in changing the name of a well known landmark.

    Patricia Konkle asked 8 months ago

    Thank you for your comments.  Your feedback is important, and will be shared with the project team and decision-makers for consideration.

  • Share Grimsby General Hospital should be the name. The most common question is where do I go for treatment or to see someone. We don't need to know the history. That can be in the fine print to be read while we are waiting. on Facebook Share Grimsby General Hospital should be the name. The most common question is where do I go for treatment or to see someone. We don't need to know the history. That can be in the fine print to be read while we are waiting. on Twitter Share Grimsby General Hospital should be the name. The most common question is where do I go for treatment or to see someone. We don't need to know the history. That can be in the fine print to be read while we are waiting. on Linkedin Email Grimsby General Hospital should be the name. The most common question is where do I go for treatment or to see someone. We don't need to know the history. That can be in the fine print to be read while we are waiting. link

    Grimsby General Hospital should be the name. The most common question is where do I go for treatment or to see someone. We don't need to know the history. That can be in the fine print to be read while we are waiting.

    johnrpstewart asked 8 months ago

    1. Thank you for taking the time to share your input. Your comment will be shared with the project team for consideration.

    2. West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (WLMH) provides both inpatient services and outpatient services, and as a site of Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS), the hospital serves as a point of access to one of the largest health systems in Canada for patients requiring more specialized care.

      The new modernized facility will be home to the hospital’s signature programs, including but not limited to, an emergency department, diagnostic imaging, complex continuing care, acute inpatient care, maternal and newborn, day surgery and endoscopy, and ambulatory care.

  • Share Why would you change the name? Leave it alone. on Facebook Share Why would you change the name? Leave it alone. on Twitter Share Why would you change the name? Leave it alone. on Linkedin Email Why would you change the name? Leave it alone. link

    Why would you change the name? Leave it alone.

    Rob Sinke asked 8 months ago

    1. Community feedback is important in this decision-making process, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your input. Your comment will be shared with the project team for consideration.