Ontario is facing renewed calls to create a 24/7 mental health and addictions ward at Lakeridge Health Oshawa after Durham Regional Council unanimously endorsed the project earlier this month.

The council’s committee of the whole passed a resolution on Sept. 10 pledging up to $2.25 million towards the project — but the hospital needs $30 million for an initial investment.

"We just can’t accept that people are suffering on our streets on a daily basis,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter, who moved the motion.

“I’ve been committed to this from day one, and I’m not going to give up until I get it done.”

The Ministry of Health did not directly answer questions about the project. Instead, spokesperson Ema Popovic said the province has made “record investments” in Durham Region in an emailed stat

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