Patients in the broader York Region and Simcoe County area may also find emergency care at other community hospitals in the region, depending on their location and the nature of their condition.
Southlake Regional Health Centre's Emergency Department in Newmarket, Ontario serves more than 120,000 patients annually, providing around-the-clock emergency care to residents of northern York Region and south Simcoe County. As a tertiary regional referral centre, Southlake offers advanced capabilities in cardiac care, cancer treatment, maternal and perinatal care, and mental health services, making it one of the most comprehensive hospitals in the region. Patients requiring highly specialized care beyond Southlake's scope are stabilized and transferred to appropriate facilities, though the hospital's extensive specialty programs mean most emergencies can be handled on-site.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department with fast-track serviceCanadian Triage Acuity Scale (CTAS) triage assessmentNurse Practitioner-Led Children's Care Clinic (ages 6 months to 18 years)Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) nurse programED discharge planning servicesLanguage interpretation including American Sign Language via video linkCardiac surgery and arrhythmia programStronach Regional Cancer Centre with radiation therapyLevel 2 neonatal careMaternal and perinatal careThoracic surgeryInpatient and outpatient mental health servicesChild and adolescent mental health including eating disorders programStroke prevention programDiabetes education centreCataract surgeryPaediatric servicesGeriatric psychiatryDigital mammography and diagnostic imagingLaboratory servicesPalliative care
Amenities
Cafeteria
Gift shop
Prayer room
Welcome Centres at East, West, Emergency, and Medical Arts Building entrances
Conference centre, auditorium, and meeting rooms
Connected to Stronach Regional Cancer Centre
Connected to Medical Arts Building via arch bridge
Dedicated security service in the Emergency Department
Security cameras in common areas and waiting rooms
Parking & Transit
Southlake Regional Health Centre offers 12 on-site parking lots for visitors and staff, with pay-and-display meters accepting cash or major credit cards. An HPASS preloaded card is available for 5, 10, or 30 days at a discounted rate with in-and-out privileges within a 24-hour period. An off-site lot two blocks west at 465 Davis Drive offers visitor parking for a daily maximum of $3.00. Veterans receiving care at Southlake with a valid CF1FC Card may obtain complimentary parking vouchers at any Welcome Centre (East, West, Emergency, or Medical Arts Building entrances). The facility is fully accessible.
Southlake Regional Health Centre is well-served by public transit. The nearest bus stop is at Davis Dr / Bolton Ave, approximately a 1-minute walk from the hospital. Newmarket GO Station is about 559 metres away — an 8-minute walk — with daily GO Train service. The hospital is also accessible via York Region Transit, GO Transit, and Highway 404.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
Southlake's ED serves over 120,000 patients annually, so some wait times are unavoidable. Generally, early morning hours on weekdays (before 9 a.m.) tend to be quieter. If your condition allows flexibility, mid-morning on a weekday is often a better time to visit than evenings or weekends.
🔴 Busier times
Emergency departments across Canada, including Southlake's, are typically busiest on Monday mornings, Friday evenings, and throughout the weekend, as well as during evenings after walk-in clinics close (usually after 8 p.m.). Avoid these peak times if your condition is non-urgent.
Tips Before You Go
Use the fast-track service within the ED for less urgent conditions — it is designed to reduce wait times for lower-acuity patients.
If bringing a child aged 6 months to 18 years for a non-emergency concern, check whether the Nurse Practitioner-Led Children's Care Clinic is appropriate — appointments can be booked without a referral.
If you or a family member is a senior, ask about the Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) nurse upon arrival — this specialist focuses on older adults at risk and can coordinate additional supports.
Save on parking by purchasing an HPASS multi-day card if you expect multiple visits, or use the off-site lot at 465 Davis Drive for a $3.00 daily maximum.
Veterans with a CF1FC Card should register at any Welcome Centre upon arrival to receive a complimentary parking voucher.
Language interpretation services — including American Sign Language via secure video link — are available in the ED; inform triage staff of your language needs right away.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (e.g., Ontario driver's licence or passport)
Ontario Health Card (OHIP card)
Provincial drug benefit card or private insurance information
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
List of relevant medical history and any recent test results or referral letters
CF1FC Card if you are a veteran seeking complimentary parking
Comfortable clothing and a sweater, as waiting areas can be cool
Snacks, water, and entertainment for potentially long waits
Frequently Asked Questions
What area does Southlake Regional Health Centre's Emergency Department serve?
Southlake's ED is the primary emergency and tertiary referral hospital for northern York Region and south Simcoe County, serving a catchment population of roughly 250,000 people in communities such as Newmarket, Aurora, Bradford, and surrounding areas, with some specialized services extending as far north as Muskoka.
Does Southlake have specialized care for children in the Emergency Department?
Yes. A Nurse Practitioner-Led Children's Care Clinic within the ED serves children and youth aged 6 months to 18 years. Appointments can be made through a central booking system and no referral is required, making it an efficient option for pediatric concerns that do not require immediate emergency-level care.
Is there support for seniors who visit the Southlake Emergency Department?
Yes. A dedicated Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) nurse is available in the ED to assist older adults who may be at risk of injury or who may require transition planning to long-term care. This specialist can coordinate care and additional community supports during and after an ED visit.
What cardiac and cancer services are available at Southlake Regional Health Centre?
Southlake is a nationally recognized tertiary centre for cardiac care, including cardiac surgery and a state-of-the-art Arrhythmia Program. Cancer care is provided through the on-site Stronach Regional Cancer Centre, which offers radiation therapy and full palliative care services — one of the most comprehensive cancer programs in the Greater Toronto Area's northern communities.
Are interpretation services available in the Southlake Emergency Department?
Yes. Southlake's ED offers language interpretation services for many languages and dialects, including American Sign Language, delivered via a secure two-way video link. Patients should inform triage staff of their language needs as soon as they arrive.
How can I get to Southlake Regional Health Centre by public transit?
The nearest bus stop is at Davis Dr / Bolton Ave, about a 1-minute walk from the hospital entrance. Newmarket GO Station is approximately 559 metres away (an 8-minute walk), with daily GO Train service. York Region Transit routes also serve the area, and the hospital is accessible via Highway 404 for those driving.
About ER Wait Times
Emergency departments use triage — patients with more serious conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time.
Wait times are estimates based on Ontario health data using historical volumes, current patient counts, and staffing. Actual wait times may vary.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.