CONTINUED FROM PAGE 42 understand that significant effort would be needed over the long term. From 2-5 years could be expected for our work – as far as we were concerned this was not going to be over, lost and done quickly. By Nov. 7, 2018, vacant key roles were filled and the CAG team welcomed Tony Joosse and Dr. Tom Estall as co-chairs. It was really important that our diverse community was represented by co-chairs with the experience, reach and expertise to have impact - able to fully commit significant time over the long term. Tony, as a lifelong Grimsby resident has proudly supported the West Niagara community in many roles. He has worked at a local company since 1980 moving into a senior executive position in 1997, spent time on Grimsby Town Council, and acts as an effective political influencer to serve community needs. Tony is a steadfast supporter of WLMH through family connections starting with being born at the hospital. Tom, as a retired physician brought his experience in primary care and emergency medicine along with his deep knowledge of the Ontario health care system. Dr. Estall practiced in rural, community and academic settings during his career. His passion for WLMH and years of experience in the medical field continue to bring a significant contribution to the CAG. The CAG three co-chair team was introduced at the Nov. 13, 2018 community meeting. By this time, HHS had taken notice and engaged with us. Our voices were being recognized as our organization matured over a matter of weeks. It soon became obvious that WLMH had advocates across a huge area, beyond the borders of West Niagara. We worked to meld diverse input on how to move forward strategically and effectively. A big part of the work was to let the community know what they could do to help and how personal actions could create impact - Don’t Stand Down Until there are Shovels in the Ground! Collectively, we were able to change the course of HHS planning for the hospital. By the end of November 2018, promises were made by the province and HHS that there would be a rebuild – with shovels in the ground by 2022. As a community – this was a promise we’d heard before. It was up to us to make sure that WLMH got its long-promised rebuild!
Our tag line for the time, “Celebrate but remain Vigilant!” The CAG’s strategy, leadership and communications teams continued community actions. Thousands of CAG engagement actions were organized between fall 2018 to today to change the course of the hospital’s future. Throughout 2019, the CAG volunteers stayed connected with the community at schools, arenas, churches, libraries, with seniors’ and community groups as well as at chamber of commerce meetings and more. So much was accomplished! All community sectors acted in support. The team, especially on the political front, kept up important conversations to make sure there was no backsliding on provincial promises, HHS work and municipal funding came through to keep moving towards the new hospital. Tony’s involvement has been critical with his unwavering and constant presence in the political arena through powerful but respectful representation of our community’s needs. Tom has been the critical eye and voice of health care system experience. He connected with medical professionals, clinicians and influencers to raise awareness and bring input into the CAG’s strategic planning. No one should underestimate the effort needed to change the course of big system planning. However, it can and has been done this time – the WLMH rebuild will have shovels in the ground in 2022 – next year – and you can believe it. This incredible journey needs to be recognized as an amazing representation of effective community activism. 2020 deserves special mention. By spring the corner was turned for the CAG as provincial and HHS commitments solidified. Collaboration and alignment of goals for WLMH’s future were coming together on all fronts with funding commitments also being secured. Of course, 2020 also brought the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many issues kept us working within the community and engaging with HHS but layered on was our community’s ongoing efforts to let our local health care providers know how proud the community was and is of the efforts and role they are playing to fight the pandemic. Moments stand out that represent our strength as a community. Our community knows how to rally to the WLMH cause –
that’s for sure. In the first three weeks of our journey, almost 1,000 people signed up to stay connected to the issue and be called upon to volunteer. Hundreds if not a thousand letters and emails launched towards the provincial government and HHS within the first few weeks of our community’s response. The petition to “Save & Rebuild” WLMH gathered over 18,000 signatures in a matter of a week and were delivered by MPP Sam Oosterhoff to the provincial legislature. It took a small army of people hustling to get the petition in front of the community to raise awareness and reflect the community’s position. Lawn signs, buttons and posters were in high demand as residents and businesses wanted to declare their passionate support. Handouts, presentations and more were developed by the team to make sure there were options to let people know how they could affect WLMH’s future. With short notice of a road trip by Premier Doug Ford, volunteers raced out, putting up 2,000 lawn signs across West Niagara in advance. Headquartered at Cole’s Florist, over the weekend of Nov. 24, 2018, more than 25 volunteers worked in the pouring rain - often door-to-door - to blanket major roadways. It was definitive that our collective community wanted action! When Premier Ford drove through West Niagara, a few days later - the signal was received: we would not stand down. What an inspiring weekend – it seemed like almost overnight – WLMH Save & Rebuild signs declared our intent for all to see. Our collective actions had immense influence proving once again no community is more passionate about its hospital. We knew from the beginning that the journey would be long, not a matter of months, and that dedication of significant personal time would be necessary. At this point, apologies are offered. Few volunteers or groups are named specifically – only because the list would fill multiple pages. In the community, you know who you are and the critical role each of you played. All actions were important; all efforts needed. A heartfelt thanks to all of you! What an end to this journey – and an amazing and almost unbelievable start to a new one...rebuilding WLMH.
One Team. One Dream. Magazine July 2021 43
