Huntsville Council confirms members for the Town’s new Healthcare Advisory Panel

The panel was established earlier this year as part of the Town's efforts to strengthen local healthcare planning, recruitment, and collaboration

Huntsville Council approved the appointment of members for the Town’s new Huntsville Healthcare Advisory Panel (HHAP) in the April 27, 2026, meeting.

Staff reported that the panel was established earlier this year as part of the Town's efforts to strengthen local healthcare planning, recruitment, and collaboration across the region.

Council's latest decision confirms a group of representatives from municipal staff, healthcare organizations, and community partners who will serve on the panel through November 14, 2026.

The confirmed members include Town staff representatives Reva Frame, Director of Corporate and Community Strategy, and Lauren MacDermid, Economic Development Officer.

The Algonquin Family Health Team will be represented by Executive Director Janine van den Heuvel and Lead Physician Dr. Melanie Mar.

Additional healthcare representation includes physicians from the Lakeview Family Health Organization, Dr. Brooke Raycraft and Dr. Anabelle Dufour Lamontagne. The Muskoka and Area Ontario Health Team will be represented by healthcare human resources recruiter David Gravelle.

Representation from Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare includes Alasdair Smith, Vice President of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, while Katherine Craine, Chief Executive Officer of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, will also serve on the panel.

The report explains that the HHAP was originally approved by Council in February 2026, with the goal of bringing together key stakeholders to address local healthcare needs and support physician recruitment and retention.

The panel is expected to play a role in advising on strategies that align with Council's broader priorities of maintaining lively, healthy, and safe communities.

It continues that Council's decision to confirm the panel’s composition reflects a coordinated approach to healthcare planning, bringing together leadership from across the healthcare system to support long-term service improvements in the Town and surrounding area.

Mayor, Nancy Alcock, expressed enthusiasm for the panel. She said, “This is a very exciting moment for us. I think this is great and great individuals.” She added that the panel “is going to rock. I know it.”