Huntsville Council making progress in recruitment with 5 new physicians
Huntsville announced that its making progress with its Physician Incentive Program, in the March 25, 2025, Council meeting.
In an update to Council, Economic Development Officer, Lauren MacDermid, advised that the Town has signed 5 new doctors since the program began last summer. She said they recently had 3 but have signed 2 more.
She expressed that she’s excited to have them “on board” and that talks are in the works for more.
She also urged that if public members know anybody to “spread the word” that the Town wants more doctors.
The Town’s program offers physicians between $60,000 to $80,000 to take over or create new practices, along with other incentives in exchange for a 5-year commitment.
MacDermid also expressed appreciation for the collaborations that have developed from implementing the program. She said, “There’s a lot behind the scenes.”
Mayor, Nancy Alcock, expressed appreciation to Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare, and Councillors Scott Morrison and Bob Stone for their involvement in the project, and asked about the impact the progress is having on the waiting list.
Stone advised that the physicians they’ve signed so far have taken over pre-existing practices, so, there is still 4500 people on the list. “It’s holding that number for now,” he said, adding that if they get a doctor that starts their own practice it can lower the list.
Councillor, Helena Renwick, praised the businesses that stepped up to help in the YouTube video called “How this Town is fixing the doctor shortage,” hosted by Paula Iturri of SecondStreet.org.
In the video Stone said, “We have been creative.” He indicated that he was on a task force for a year and a half without success. Once Council approved the new program Morrison approached him about getting local businesses involved and they’ve been working with the community ever since.
Morrison indicated that he utilized his many connections in the community for help. He said he thought of a few that may be potential contributors, “but everybody I approached said, ‘yes.”
The business owners in the video expressed that the issue impacts the whole community, including their own friends, family, customers, and even themselves because they don’t have a physician. Many businesses across the community are offering incentives as well.
Morrison said his 78-year-old mother is without a doctor for the first time in her life because hers retired. He added, “We think it’s critical to our Town that everyone has access to a family physician.”
Iturri said the doctor shortage is a problem across all of Canada.
Morrison added that other municipalities are waiting for the province to step in and help, however, “how long do you have to wait?” He said the choice was “to wait or take action.”
