Chances of a resolution being reached without the assistance of a third-party fell by the wayside recently when those involved in the dispute over the location of a new hospital were unable to reach an agreement. The dispute is now expected to go to mediation.

The dispute concerns a new regional hospital which some want to be located on County Road 42. The decision could set a standard for the future direction of healthcare in the area.

According to tribunal chair Sarah Jacobs, “The main purpose … is to get organized for the hearing itself and not to discuss the merits of the appeals.”

The recent meeting was attended by at least 100 people, most of who were against locating the hospital on County Road 42. The group has already established a GoFundMe account and raised more than $33,000 toward the estimated $100,000 in legal expenses that are expected.

The attorney representing Citizens for an Accountable Megahospital Planning Process (CAMPP) called this “… a big issue… [with] a lot to it.] The group has been fighting for the hospital to be located at an inner city location that would replace Windsor Regional Hospital Met and Ouellette campuses.

The two sides were asked to consider mediation as part of the new regulations for the tribunal. Lawyers representing the city and the hospital called mediation attempts pointless because it would waste “time and resources,” but the city did say it would go to mediation if CAMPP changed its position.

CAMPP leaders believe mediation is worth trying and is expected to be the next step in the process of resolving the dispute.