The Save South Muskoka Hospital Committee would like to sincerely thank the many concerned residents who attended the Public Meeting on May 23. The exceptional turnout demonstrated that the community remains deeply engaged, informed, and committed to protecting the future of hospital care in South Muskoka.
The meeting focused on the Freedom of Information (FOI) materials recently obtained by the Committee (available on ssmh.ca/foi). The information disclosed through the FOI process has reinforced the community’s call for transparency and accountability.
The FOI materials validate the practical concerns the Committee has raised since the Functional Program was announced in January 2024. Most surprisingly, the Committee has also identified that MAHC has not followed through in on its clear commitment to maintain obstetrical services at the new South Muskoka hospital. This is completely opposite to MAHC’s express commitment to the community, the local physicians and the Town of Bracebridge as an essential element of its “Made in Muskoka” approach. MAHC has again conducted itself with complete disregard for public confidence in the planning process.
Residents continue to ask a fundamental question: what evidence did MAHC rely upon in concluding that maintaining the current two hospital with a service allocation similar to today is not feasible?
The overwhelming public engagement at the Public Meeting meeting sends a clear message: The future success of the hospital redevelopment projects across Muskoka will depend upon meaningful public confidence and support from South Muskoka.
MAHC must take meaningful steps to repair its credibility with the community through openness, transparency, and genuine engagement. Failing that, the Province must ensure that a sustainable and publicly supported solution is achieved for all Muskoka residents through the current provincial review of MAHC’s “Made in Muskoka” Stage 1.3 Functional Program.
MAHC and the Province have an obligation to engage openly with the community and come to the table to find a solution that is inclusive of the healthcare needs of South Muskoka residents, both now and into the future.
A special thank you to Brian and the Norwood Theatre for the use of the theatre to host this important event.
