Muskoka Algonquin Health Care updates Lake of Bays about their Strategic Plan for 2025-2030

MAHC'S CEO Cheryl Harrison updated council on the new hospital builds

Muskoka Algonquin Health Care (MAHC) updated Lake of Bays Council about their Strategic Plan for 2025-2030, in the December 9, 2025, meeting.

Their plan outlines a renewed commitment to delivering an integrated strategy with a mission of providing patient-centred care, and a focus on strengthening the region's healthcare system through innovation, collaboration, and community partnership.

CEO, Cheryl Harrison, highlighted they recently received a donation of $20 million in honour of Bob Hutchinson.

She emphasized the importance of their partnerships and collaborations, and local research projects that impact changes, including stakeholder engagement, a new advisory table, political leader’s forum, The Pulse Podcast.

She said, “These partnerships reflect the fact that healthcare does not happen in isolation.”

The partnerships are a part of MAHC’s four-pillar approach, which includes:

• Quality Care and Safety - emphasizing a high-performing culture that listens to patients and advances safe, effective care.
• Partnerships and Collaboration - highlights MAHC's commitment to building trusted relationships with internal teams, community organizations, and regional health partners to support a cohesive Made-in-Muskoka model of care.
• Innovative Future - focuses on modernizing systems and approaches to enhance efficiency and meet evolving needs.
• Our Team Is Our Strength - acknowledges the importance of a supportive, connected workplace that empowers staff and fosters pride in service.

MACH also explained that the plan recognizes current challenges that influence healthcare delivery, including financial sustainability pressures, aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, rising housing costs, and the unique demographic realities of Muskoka's aging and seasonal population.

They also emphasized the importance of addressing mental health needs and the socioeconomic factors affecting permanent residents.

They continued that obstetrical services remain under review, with ongoing collaborative evaluations in an attempt to ensure long-term, sustainable solutions.

Significant focus is also placed on capital redevelopment, including Stage 1.3 submission processes, Ministry review, and land acquisition.

Mayor, Terry Glover, said, “I’m very comfortable that the hospital will be given the green light. I’m thrilled with the way you’re moving forward… It’s some pretty nice work.”

Glover added that the Township “is pretty quiet regarding complying about this and that and that’s not the case in other towns.”

He continued that he has communicated with people from south Muskoka who expressed they’re comfortable with moving ahead now as well. “It’s just having the government to make their announcement,” he said.

He suggested that proposing that other mayors attend meetings like he has would be a good idea for showing their support, and it’s an opportunity for questions and answers, especially given the upcoming election year, a time where “everybody gets a bit nervous.”