Huntsville General Committee approves the creation of a new healthcare advisory panel

The town expects the number of unattached patients to drop to 3900 from 5500.

Huntsville General Committee approved the creation of a new healthcare advisory panel, in the February 25, 2026, meeting.

According to the report, the Town’s unattached patient waitlist sits at approximately 5,500 people as of February 2026.

Staff indicated that although some physicians who have signed incentive agreements are still in the process of rostering patients, they estimate about 600 residents will soon be attached, reducing the waitlist to roughly 4,900.

They continued that with three additional family physicians currently reviewing incentive agreements, a further 1,000 patients could be taken off the list, leaving approximately 3,900 unattached patients.

Deputy Mayor, Dan Armour, said, “Hopefully we’ll see that list go down from 3,900 people.”

Staff also noted that some physicians recruited through the program have taken over existing practices, meaning the overall reduction in the waitlist may be limited. However, the program helps prevent additional patients from being added, stabilizing access to primary care.

The report indicates that the Huntsville Physician Incentive Program was first approved by Council in May 2024 and included cash incentives ranging from $60,000 to $80,000 for up to ten physicians.

Community members, businesses, and organizations also contributed non-cash incentives such as gift cards, memberships, discounts, and services.

Program amendments were approved in October 2024 and January 2025 to strengthen recruitment efforts. Since then, staff have conducted extensive research and consultations to explore both short- and long-term healthcare solutions.

Efforts included discussions with the Algonquin Family Health Team and the Muskoka Almaguin Ontario Health Team recruiter, reviews of healthcare models in other municipalities, and consideration of alternative approaches such as community health centres and healthcare-related short-term rental housing.

As a result of this work, staff recommended the formation of the Huntsville Healthcare Advisory Panel (HHAP), which is intended to provide guidance and expertise on healthcare attraction and retention initiatives and address broader community healthcare needs.

According to the report, the HHAP will support initiatives such as exploring the potential for a community healthcare centre, expansion of existing clinics, healthcare housing solutions, and addressing workforce needs including hospitalists, nurse practitioners, personal support workers, and mental health services.

The panel's terms of reference, including its mandate and composition, were approved alongside the recommendation.

Staff indicated the advisory panel will help maintain recruitment momentum and provide coordinated advice as Huntsville continues efforts to reduce its unattached patient waitlist.

Mayor, Nancy Alcock, expressed support for the initiative, and said, “I think having this advisory panel makes all the sense in the world.”

Armour said, “Maybe we’re not as bleak as we thought we were.”

He added, “For those slamming Huntsville for the recruitment program, it’s working.”