Gravenhurst requested to form a partnership in a new health hub development
Gravenhurst Council were requested to form a partnership in a new health hub development, in the February 11, 2025, meeting.
Rotary Club representative, Bruce Hemphill, outlined a strategy for the new 12,000 square foot hub that will be located on the second floor of the Cottage Country Family Health Team’s clinic.
He proposed that the Town commit $200,000 “to launch the first phase of development so residents receive the healthcare they deserve.”
He indicated the Town currently has 6,000 people without a primary health care doctor or nurse, with one third of this being over 65 years old.
“Primary care is the backbone of the community,” said Hemphill.
Hemphill referred to the health hub as a “game changer” for the Town because in addition to assisting with the prevention of hospital visits, it can “attract and retain doctors, expand diagnostic services, partner with institutions for expert care, expand team-based care, provide referrals for specialized ongoing care, and address urgent health care concerns.”
He said the costs of “inaction” can include people not wanting to settle in the Town, businesses not being able to recruit employees, burdening emergency care resources, and lack of disease prevention.
He added that the provincial health care plan includes an investment of $1.8 billion for access to primary care for the 2 million people without access in Ontario, and if the Town agrees to the partnership their influence can help garner provincial support.
He advised that the project will unfold in three phases, with the first phase this year at a total cost of approximately $1.7 million. The first phase begins this year, costing $750,000, and the second and third phases the following year and into 2027 at $1.6 million, plus $130,000 for contingency and property management fees.
“We will not suffer from a lack of talent and expertise, and I assure you we will not run out of energy,” said Hemphill, adding that they will be communicating with community groups as well.
He continued, “We’re in this for the long haul and the health of our community will be the beneficiary.”
Mayor, Heidi Lorenz, said the Town is “amped up” about the project. She added, “We want to do what we can to get this over the finish line.”
She added that she met with the premier last year where there were discussions about Muskoka/Parry Sound joining the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, which could be another funding option.
Councillor, Peter Johnston, requested “assurance that the project won’t duplicate services in the two new hospitals.”
Hemphill advised that they will work “in synchronicity with MAHC” [Muskoka Algonquin Health Care].
Lorenz confirmed, “Council made a commitment to see it over the finish line.” However, they need to do their “homework first…because it’s important to the community.”
She added, “It’s been a long time coming,” and said they will have more information available later this month.
