Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens says he had a positive conversation with Ontario Premier Doug Ford this week regarding the future of health care in the region.
The two had a nearly 30-minute conversation about the new hospital and where the region is in the process.
"The premier understands the importance of the hospital, he understands it's the number one issue in both Windsor and Essex County. There's no doubt he was very well briefed and understands how important it is to all of us down here," said Dilkens.
The city and the hospital are currently waiting for a decision from the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. An adjudicator is deciding whether the rezoning of the selected hospital land is in line with the city's official plan and provincial planning policy.
"We understand that there's a process but he also understands that when that process comes to a conclusion action has to happen. From my perspective that was the important message to deliver to the premier," said Dilkens.
The adjudicator has another eight months to deliver a decision however Dilkens says he is hopeful they may have a decision before the end of 2019.