By MPP Graydon Smith
Much has been said and written about this past week with respect to the two new hospital redevelopments Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare is planning and our government is funding. Some of that has been from me and I believe that as your Member of Provincial Parliament, who as a mayor and candidate for MPP, advocated vociferously and successfully for the funding to make these projects a reality, it is important for the residents of Muskoka and Almaguin to know where I stand.
It bears repeating here, clearly and as definitively as possible: the residents of Muskoka and Almaguin will be getting two new acute care hospital sites. The funding for these projects is not going anywhere. Our government is committed to making this redevelopment project a reality. Despite what is now being claimed by others, we were the first, and remain the only party willing to formally commit the funds necessary to deliver a two-site hospital solution for Muskoka and Almaguin.
The word “unprecedented” is being used a lot, particularly with respect to the funding committed to the project, because it is. The financial commitment from the provincial government remains larger on a per capita basis than anywhere else in Ontario, and perhaps even the country. This story is not about a lack of funding; rather, it is about our provincial government and our local municipalities coming together to create a unique opportunity by working together.
There have been attempts by some parties or groups to politicize, for partisan gain, what remains a community-level planning process. They thrive on pitting people against one another, one town against the other; the south against the north and vice versa, not because they are interested in finding a solution, or will be part of finding that solution. They are interested only because they wish to further their own goals or air their grievances against the provincial government. They have disingenuously claimed that this is a process being led and manipulated by the province, when in fact it remains at the local level, being led by Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC).
We must not lose sight of the fact that we are in an enviable position, whereby a catchment area with approximately 80,000 residents is receiving nearly the same amount of provincial funding as areas approaching 500,000 residents. This is not by chance or happenstance. It is the result of hard work by many, done quietly, far away from the toxicity of social media.
Given that MAHC’s proposal is still firmly rooted at the community planning level and that the province has not formally received a finalized plan, it remains my job, as it has been from the beginning, to facilitate discussion and collaboration between MAHC, the community, and all other relevant stakeholders. This is not an inherently political or partisan process, so I have done my work quietly, until recently when it was important to provide an opinion and some context to the Board as someone who has been part of this discussion for a long time.
I know that this plan has its supporters and detractors. The former want me to issue a declarative statement of support and proclaim, “get on with it.” The latter would prefer that I denounce the plan and call for it to be scrapped. Unfortunately, the division between these two positions presently lies geographically between north and south. I do not, however, believe either of these positions is helpful in arriving at a solution that works for everyone.
The fact remains that a viable plan which ensures long-term success cannot be achieved when one half of the catchment area remains deeply unsupportive. Whether it is the north or the south, there must be more acceptance of the plan to assure long-term viability.
I am keenly aware of the fact that I represent every resident from Severn Bridge to South River. It would, again, be irresponsible of me to tell either the north or south to simply “get over it.” What I can do, on the other hand, is play a constructive role in finding a balance that both areas deem fair. That is what I am currently trying to do. In fact, in recent conversations I have had with all the parties involved, I believe finding a solution is closer than many may think. I also believe it need not take too much time.
I wish to emphasize once again that we do not run the risk of losing funding from this government and the talk of the “queue” that exists is more fluid than rigid as every hospital redevelopment project has its ups and downs. I continue to reinforce that these are priority redevelopment projects and have been assured that it is most critical to get the proposal right from the start, thereby avoiding having to revise and revisit critical components of the plan. The fastest way to move forward is for MAHC to submit a plan that is met with approval the first time around. What will help that is a level of community consensus.
We have a special opportunity before us. I know that everyone wants the best for their community for many generations to come. I encourage everyone to try to put themselves in the other’s shoes, be a bit more patient, a bit more conciliatory and together we will get to a place where everyone wins.
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Get rid of the present MAHC board and you’ll see that 2 full service hospitals are what is best for all of Muskoka. There is no “fight” between the two centres but a need for equal services in both towns to best serve their catchments.
Come on, Mr. Smith. You know better than what you’ve said here – or not said.
Mr. Kuebler, you are mistaken and, quite frankly, wrong on several of you assertions.
First, the $1B commitment was made in 2022, not 2018.
Second, and most importantly, no other party including the Greens, were willing to fund two hospitals until AFTER the PCs made the commitment. Only then did, the Johnny Come Lately’s in the Green Party say “oh, ya, ugggh, us too, I guess”.
Third, because the Green Party doesn’t stand a chance of winning government, every single election they make promises they can never even dream of fulfilling. Their entire strategy is to be all thing to all people. They promise the sun and moon with zero accountability.
The PCs promise $1B, the Greens promise $2B (because they will never be expected to fulfill the commitment). The situation is very different for people actually in government or with a chance of forming government.
Do you realize how easy it is for a 2 seat party to make outlandish promises to everyone? It’s very very easy.
The Greens have zero credibility here and anyone who thinks PSM would be better off in the political wilderness should give their head a shake.
Mr. Guanciale & Smith you are both so correct in your comments as to Don Clement this opinion you have always seems to come up but to the North we have as many seasonal residents maybe not as wealthy? But the are still taxpayers and people in need of care
Dear Minister Smith,
You say this a local issue and it should not be about politics.
First, your government holds the purse strings, and since local design is constrained by cost, the issue is yours to fix by obtaining the funds promised INCLUDING INFLATION. So, the $1 Billion you and Primer Ford promised in 2018, is now $1.5 Billion. Deliver those funds and there is no issue, local or otherwise. No north – south battle, no protests,, except from disgruntled healthcare workers who continue to be abused by your government.
Second you want to keep politics out of this, and degrade others for raising the reality that funding is the sole issue here and you are NOT DELIVERING on your PROMISE!
By the way, other political parties want two hospitals, so your party is NOT “the only political party” wanting two hospitals.
Paul Kuebler
Port Sydney
We went through some of the same issues in Niagara determining the right location for the new hospital that is currently in the build stage. At some point the outside noise that isn’t helpful has to be ignored, and after consultation is done, get on with it!
Let’s get them built.
Seasonal owner
Lake of Bays
The ‘catchment area’ would be better served if health care professionals made the decisions and not politicians. You have been injecting yourself into this discussion for 20 years. All we get is division in the community and 20 years of inaction.
Health care is too important to be decided by politicians. Please get out of the way and let the process proceed.
Muskoka is getting two brand spanking new hospitals and an MRI……and we’re complaining? Not a good look for our area.
I understand that parochialism is human nature but being so consumed with wanting the bigger and shinier object is not productive, and in this situation, it’s not only divisive but also not rooted in any sort of sound health policy.
Those people who stood up at the Bracebridge session and demanded the plan simply be “flipped”, even after learning about the stroke unit and all the various reasons for the larger site being in Huntsville…..well, perhaps it’s time for a look in the mirror.
I didn’t have a full appreciation for the BB v HV rivalry but holy cow folks, is it childish or what?
Long story short, I’m thankful for the work that’s being done and the funding that’s being provided.
Onwards and upwards.
Thank you Graydon.
I believe it would be helpful to everyone if it was clearly articulated a. The main topics and agreements have already been reached by all parties and b. those areas that are still being formulated and debated. Conspiracy and discent thrive when knowledge is lacking.
Mr. Clement, what about the people from Algonquin and Arrowhead parks? These numbers vastly surpass anything from the cottage community in the south.
The south loves to point to cottagers without acknowledging that Almaguin even exists and that Huntsville absorbs a gigantic amount of people from the parks and area north to Sundridge and west to Magnetewan.
Kudos to Min. Smith. Keep working and we’ll all win.
The “catchment area” of MAHC is not merely 80,000, as stated, but more than double that in the south Muskoka area for at least half the year. Seasonal residents, many of them the Spielbergs of the world,,are part of the equation. It is a false analogy to compare us to , say, Brampton, when we have such major distances and challenging topography that are distinct to our area.
Graydon. I sincetely believe that you will help find a solution that both the North and South communities will be happy with. Muskoka is lucky to have someone, like you, who has been an advocate for an acute care hospital for both communities since the discussions began, many years ago.. You were instrumental in making sure that the powers that be were aware of the importance of having 2 hospitals! You kept fighting for what you believed in and you did it, success.
I am hopeful that a success solution is near.
Thank you Graydon for your dedication and support for the communities you represent.
Gail Finnson
Thank you MPP Graydon Smith for your advocacy & support of two acute care hospitals servicing Muskoka and Almaguin. It is reassuring to the community that you are representing us. It is disappointing that MAHC has not been transparent, but I have faith you will continue to fight for all communities involved to make sure we get the healthcare we need and deserve.
Thank you Graydon Smith
You have always been here for the communities of Muskoka as you have grown up in these communities. I, as well, have been a member for many years in both South and North while raising our family in both areas. I have worked in both hospitals over 21 years and seen how much these 2 hospitals are needed to care for the communities , now and in the future years to come as areas grow.
I sincerely believe you will find a solution to having two acute care hospitals.
Thank you Graydon Smith