Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath Injured in Fall, Sustaining Fractures

Andrea Horwath speaks during a provincial election campaign rally in Brampton, Ont., on May 14, 2022. The Canadian Press/Cole Burston

Hamilton Mayor and former provincial NDP Leader Andrea Horwath was taken to hospital after falling during what has been described as “extremely windy conditions.”

Horwath’s office announced on April 29 that she was in hospital with a broken wrist.

“She is awaiting surgery and further assessment to determine the full extent of treatment required,” the statement said.

Horwath’s wrist was injured after she fell on the stairs outside city hall during “extremely windy conditions,” according to The Canadian Press.

A statement from Horwath’s office did not indicate how the injury occurred, saying the mayor was in “hospital receiving care after sustaining an injury in an accident.”

Horwath’s office provided an update to media about her condition on April 30, and said that as well as a broken wrist, she was also being assessed in hospital for an elbow fracture and leg injury.

Her office said that she may need to take a “short medical leave” that would allow her to focus on resting and recovery.

If the mayor does take medical leave, the office said it intends to “ensure continuity of leadership” for city operations and city council.

“Mayor Horwath remains in good spirits and is in regular communication with her team,” the April 29 statement said.

The city had issued a weather warning on April 29, asking residents to report fallen trees and debris.

Environment Canada had forecast strong wind gusts for that day in Southern Ontario, with hailstorms and a risk of tornadoes.

Elected as mayor in 2022, Horwath is the former leader of the Ontario NDP.

The Canadian Press contributed to this article.