"If it's something the province could make available to us then certainly we'll pursue that. If it's not, then to go to the province with something they will not support isn't being realistic," said Mayor Doug Martin.

Last week, Port Colborne Mayor Vance Badawey announced among options for his community is to separate from the NHS, saying the organization has "made it clear they want nothing to do with Port Colborne General or Douglas Memorial."

Badawey said the proposal may be unrealistic, especially with the province's focus on "bigger and better" health-care systems, but he thinks the plan stands a chance of being accepted.

Under orders from the province, the NHS released its hospital restructuring plan last month. Included in the plan were several cuts to Port Colborne General and Douglas Memorial, including the removal of emergency and surgical services by 2013.

Martin said instead of pursuing an option that may not be viable, he plans to present the Local Health Integration Network with a solid argument as to why Fort Erie needs its hospital to continue to function the way it does today.

"We want to look at what is it that the LHIN is looking for. I think that's the key to this whole thing. You have to show the LHIN you're credible. We're not just objecting because we don't like it, we have to object to it with facts that they can base their decision on.

Martin said if Niagara north and Niagara south health systems, for example, were supported by the LHIN, he would be in favour of looking at it.

"If there is an alignment that's available to us other than the Niagara Health System, we would certainly look at that."

Port Colborne council approved the hiring of a consultant to develop an accountable, credible and valid plan. The consultant could come with a price tag of between $35,000 and $50,000.

Martin said there aren't currently plans for a consultant in Fort Erie. Instead, he formed a committee with former mayors Wayne Redekop and John Teal to counter the plan the NHS put forward to reduce its deficit and streamline services.