The President and CEO of the Ottawa Hospital admitted the NCC's selection of Tunney's Pasture as the site for a new Civic Hospital came out of left field.

"I'm surprised, because we did have some concerns (about the site) and it wasn't one of our top choices," said Dr. Jack Kitts.

The Ottawa Hospital's independent review of possible sites found that Tunney's Pasture would cost far too much to knock down buildings and prepare the land, didn't have enough space for future expansions, and was too far from the Queensway.

Kitts won't say whether they'll accept the NCC's decision.

"We need to study the options," he said.

Kitts said that time is of the essence, noting that, at this point, "Ottawa's 21st century hospital" won't be ready before 2025.