Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare updates Huntsville on the status of the hospital redevelopment plans

Planning Stage 1.3 was delivered to the Ministry of Health for review

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MACH) updated Huntsville on the status of the hospital redevelopment plans, in the January 28, 2026, General Committee meeting.

MAHC confirmed that key planning submissions have now been completed and are under review by the provincial government.

They indicated the redevelopment process has reached an important milestone, with the Stage 1.3 submission formally delivered to the Ministry of Health. This stage includes a detailed review and discussion of the proposal, land acquisition considerations, and alignment with the province's capital planning process.

MAHC is now awaiting feedback from the Ministry before moving forward to the next phase.

While government funding supports core hospital operations, MAHC emphasized the ongoing role of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation and the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation in supporting redevelopment and equipment needs. Each foundation has committed $35 million toward the future redevelopment of hospital facilities in Muskoka, in addition to annual capital contributions of approximately $1 million each.

Foundation support has already funded major initiatives, including a $10 million imaging campaign that delivered MRI and advanced diagnostic equipment, as well as the Christodoulou Family Reactivation and Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit. Fundraising efforts are now expanding to help support the community's share of building two new hospitals in Muskoka.

MAHC also acknowledged ongoing uncertainty surrounding obstetrical services at the South Muskoka site. Hospital leadership confirmed that options are actively being explored to ensure high-quality, sustainable obstetrical care, with a public update expected in the coming weeks.

Despite progress, MAHC noted several challenges that continue to affect planning and operations, including financial sustainability pressures, aging infrastructure, shortages in healthcare workers, high housing costs that impact recruitment, an aging population, mental health concerns, and seasonal population fluctuations.

Collaboration with municipal leaders, foundations, and the province remains essential as the organization works through the approval process and plans next steps for Muskoka's future healthcare system.

Mayor, Nancy Alcock, expressed that she “gets nervous and excited at the same time because of all the different things going on.”

She inquired about whether MACH’s relationship with the province is “fluid enough that they can update the submission” if necessary.

MACH president and CEO, Cheryl Harrison, indicated that they have a “strong relationship” with the province who is “following planning, at the table quarterly…and they’re excited at the future of healthcare in Muskoka.”

Councillor, Dione Schumacher, expressed concern about the conditions of the current emergency room in Huntsville. She said she recently brought her father there and there were “people in the hallway on beds, kids in rooms, etc.”

She also expressed concern about timelines. She said, “By the time we build we’re almost 10 years behind, and what if we need to tweak plans?

Harrison said, “You do the best you can.” She explained they are using “prescribed data regarding population growth, designing rooms based on different technology we will use. They don’t let you overbuild… The planning cycle is a long process.”

She added, “You do the best you can do, and you manage it as it comes.”