Bracebridge Council receives update on new hospitals

MAHC confirmed a $35 million pledge from hospital foundations toward the redevelopment of the new hospitals

Bracebridge General Committee received an update about the progress of the new hospital development, in the September 2, 2025, meeting.

In the presentation by Muskoka Algonquin Health Care (MAHC) representatives confirmed a $35 million commitment from both the Huntsville Hospital Foundation and South Muskoka Hospital Foundation for the redevelopment of the 2 new hospitals.

According to their report, in addition to ongoing fundraising this commitment is “over and above annual commitments of $1 million each” for projects involving imaging and the new Christodoulou Family Reactivation and Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit.

MAHC CEO, Cheryl Harrison, indicated that partnerships and collaboration will be key with providing services to the community and moving the project forward. She said, “Health care doesn’t happen in isolation,” but requires a “a connected and sustainable system.”

She added that “transparency and trust” is also important.  She said that MAHC now has a new CEO Advisory Table and podcast called The Pulse, and Political Leadership Forum.

Regarding obstetrics, MAHC reports, “A clearer direction is expected from our working group by late fall/early winter, as they evaluate models to maintain accessible obstetrical care.”

Harrison said that while there is still uncertainty about this area they are” listening to the community” and collaborating with Ontario Health and Ministry of Health, which will help inform their direction.

Other hurdles involve financial and organizational areas said Harrison. She explained that challenges include “financial sustainability, aging infrastructure, shortage of human resources, high housing costs, aging population, mental health, low-income levels, and seasonal population fluctuation.”

The 1.3 submission is currently under review by the government, with round three responses to questions for the project underway, said Harrison, adding that “the project was taken to the Treasury Board because of the additional beds and costs of inflation.”

MAHC added that they’re also making progress with a Memo of Understanding with Infrastructure Ontario (IO) regarding land acquisition.

According to their report, MAHC is currently working with the Town’s legal counsel to finalize a purchase agreement for property at 300 Pine Street.

They added that IO will play an essential role with detailed design planning in stage 2, which will involve site plans, contractor documents, design requirements and procurement, “where the vision really starts to take shape,” said Harrison.

She added, “The future of Muskoka is really becoming tangible.”

She said they also revised their vision and mission statements, emphasizing importance with “having integrated care involving community partnership.”

MAHC will use a 4 pillars approach which includes quality care and safety, partnerships and collaboration, innovative future, and a strong team.

Mayor, Rick Maloney, expressed appreciation for the update and “some very positive things in your update today in terms of where you’re at.”

Council members raised concerns about a lack of communication to the public, including letting them know that services in this area will encompass all of south Muskoka rather than just Bracebridge, and about whether ongoing communication has been conducted with doctors still unsettled about the project.

MAHC indicated that majority of doctors are on board with the project since last fall, especially given the increase in hospital beds for the south site, and they will be having a physician planning retreat with an emphasis on “working on trying to get them on the same page.”

They added that Council members can refer doctors with concerns to Harrison.