York Region Celebrates First Baby of 2026 at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital

A new addition has welcomed the year 2026 in York Region as baby James Hargreaves made his entrance just after midnight. Born at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital at 12:01:52 a.m. on January 1, James weighed in at seven pounds, eight ounces. He is the first baby born in York Region for the new year.

Reflecting on the significance of this occasion, Dr. Olamide Sobowale, the chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Mackenzie Health, expressed that the arrival of the first baby of the year serves as a “beautiful reminder” of the hope that each new year brings. This sentiment resonates with many as families celebrate fresh beginnings.

James’s parents, Stephanie Henry and Brydon Hargreaves, hail from Brampton and are overjoyed with their new arrival. In a year marked by challenges, the birth of a child often symbolizes optimism and renewal, particularly at the dawn of a new calendar year.

Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, which opened its doors in 2021, has been a key facility for maternity services in the region. The hospital is part of the larger Mackenzie Health network, which also includes Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. In 2025, the dedicated labour and delivery team at Mackenzie Health successfully welcomed over 4,100 babies, underscoring the hospital’s vital role in the community.

As families across the region reflect on their hopes and aspirations for the year ahead, the arrival of baby James stands as a heartwarming and unifying moment. It highlights the joy that new life brings and the promise of the future, setting a positive tone for the months to come.