Pelham giving fraction of what Niagara Health wants for new Falls hospital: ‘The full ask is more than we have in the bank’

Pelham is opening its wallet — but only partway — by making a $1-million contribution toward the new south Niagara Falls hospital.

That’s far short of the $5.8 million requested by Niagara Health.

The $1-million pledge spread over 15 years comes after a presentation by the Niagara hospital system in spring. With Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Port Colborne, Wainfleet and Welland, Pelham was asked to help cover 10 per cent of the hospital’s estimated $2.3-billion cost — a combined $230 million.

Pelham staff was directed to explore the feasibility of the request and provided town councillors a series of options that ranged from full support to no donation, with most options requiring debt financing.

While there was slight disagreement on the exact amount, councillors unanimously agreed Wednes