Bracebridge agrees to undisclosed amount for doctor recruitment

There are more than 13,000 people without a health care provider

Bracebridge General Committee agreed to an undisclosed amount for a Muskoka Almaguin Ontario Health Team (MAOHT) funding renewal request, in the September 2, 2025, meeting.

MAOHT approached Committee with a request to renew a 3-year commitment to funding for physician recruitment.

Other municipalities, such as Huntsville, Lake of Bays, and Gravenhurst, have renewed their commitment to the recruitment program, although Huntsville has an additional initiative that includes financial incentives and other community perks to attract physicians as well.

MAOHT advised that their efforts are working, with 15 physicians and nurse practitioners joining them so far.

However, the patient waiting list remains high, with South Muskoka alone having a waiting list of 13,000 advised MAOHT. Although, they also said there is an overlap of numbers due to patients on multiple lists.

MAOHT added that they “think the list is growing,” regardless, and expressed concern about patients also becoming “orphaned” from retiring physicians.

Co-Chair of the MOAHT Task Force, Dr. Kristen Jones, expressed the importance of the recruitment initiative. She said, “This service is absolutely necessary. It’s absolutely a must for us.”

Jones also expressed concern with physicians retiring or going on maternity leave having to find their own replacements. She said that some had to remain working for up to 3 years before getting a replacement.

She added that having to do a full-time job as a physician, while being short staffed, plus having to recruit for their own jobs is challenging, making recruitment services necessary.

“We won’t be able to meet recruitment needs with out MAOHT,” said Jones.

MAOHT also indicated that “recruitment can be expensive,” unless divided between communities. “Each doesn’t have to do it alone,” they said.

However, they added that their recruitment methods can also take “multiple years.”

MAOHT Recruiter, David Gravelle, said that he would rather focus on quality rather than quantity for retention purposes, ensuring the lifestyle is a good fit for physicians.

Having additional community supports like health hubs and related organizations are also important for physicians, advised MAOHT. They said, “The more support they have to support people really makes a difference.”

Councillor, Tatiana Sutherland, inquired about how communities are impacted if some municipalities have their own recruitment initiatives.

Gravelle suggested that doctors chasing money “is the wrong thing.” He said the recruitment focus should be on lifestyle. He added, “When the money runs out, you’re going to chase the money elsewhere.”

Although the Town contributed $25,000 in the last request (in line with Huntsville and the District of Muskoka contributions) today Committee agreed to receive “a letter with the amount requested” at a later date.