Huntsville council hears call to keep cancer clinic in town

Residents are expressing concern over the possible move of the clinic to the new Bracebridge Hospital

Huntsville Council heard a call to keep cancer treatment services at Huntsville District Memorial Hospital during the September 30, 2026, meeting.

Austin and Leah Toth addressed Council regarding plans to move the Huntsville cancer clinic to Bracebridge, highlighting concerns about increased travel and access to treatment.

Austin Toth told Council his cancer journey with multiple myeloma began in 2021 and requires weekly treatment at Huntsville Hospital, along with travel to Barrie every four weeks for treatment and consultation.

"The staff at the Huntsville Cancer Clinic are not just good, they're exceptional. They saved my life," he said.

Toth said a petition opposing the move has collected approximately 3,900 signatures and received support from numerous municipal councils. He said Nickel Belt MPP and Ontario NDP Health Critic France Gélinas will present the petition to the Legislature.

Leah Toth addressed the impact from a caregiver's perspective, noting responsibility for appointments and transportation often "falls on the primary caregiver."

She said approximately 4,500 people access the cancer clinic annually and raised concerns about the additional travel required for patients and caregivers, many of whom are also trying to maintain employment while doing so.

Council also heard concerns contained in a letter from Huntsville District Memorial Hospital employee Jody MacPherson, who has worked at the hospital for 36 years, including 27 years in chemotherapy, oncology and ambulatory care.

MacPherson highlighted the reduced travel time, expenses and missed work provided by local treatment. She noted Huntsville and Bracebridge previously operated separate cancer clinics but said this "diluted nursing staff experience and expertise too much." However, she believes it’s still a viable solution and one that would have a positive impact on overcrowding, especially given the population growth in the region.

Mayor Nancy Alcock expressed support for retaining the service. She said, "This is a service that we need, that we would like to keep in Huntsville." She added, "Rest assured we are laser focused and paying attention."

Councillor, Bob Stone, cautioned against changes that could undermine the broader hospital model, saying, "We have to be careful of exploding the model and not having the hospitals go forward."

Deputy Mayor, Dan Armour, supported the deputation's request while acknowledging the decision rests outside municipal Council.