Another week has gone by and yet there are many who refuse to acknowledge the overwhelming views of the court of public opinion when it comes to planning for health care in Muskoka. Perhaps it is because no one was privy to the deliberations over time of the Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) Task Force. Perhaps it was felt by the Task Force that the $500,000 consultant could do no wrong and their word should not be questioned.
One should never underestimate the public’s capacity for understanding these matters fully. Especially when it is their hard-earned money on the line.
Let’s take a quick look at what we learned this past week.
- The total amount for the two new buildings is in the neighbourhood of $580 to $600 million dollars.*
- The local share is estimated to be about 22 per cent, or $129 million dollars.
- They have reduced this number by $55 million.
Firstly, all of these numbers are quoted in 2019 dollars. Everyone acknowledges that this number will balloon over time.
Secondly, if we analyze the other capital projects ongoing or recently completed in Ontario the local share consistently comes in around 24 per cent.
Thirdly, the reduction of $55 million is made up of $35 million for existing equipment, which at the time will be at least 15 years older. The Foundations have generously offered the other $20 million. As MAHC Chair Phil Matthews states: “I’m encouraged that our Foundations studied their ability to fundraise special capital funds and together are prepared to raise $20 million for redevelopment, in addition to ongoing annual multi-million dollar contributions to replace current equipment and technology.” But remember, this money comes primarily from local taxpayers as well. The same people who will have their levy increased.
Let me be clear, I am a big supporter of the Hospital Foundation. My business is a part of the Business Cares group. To offer to raise these donations will effectively mean that there will be fewer dollars available for any of the other deserving charities in our town or District. Community Living, Christine’s Place, The Table, Chrysalis, Fairvern and many other deserving charities will be hard pressed without their share of funds from our generous citizens.
So what happens next? The Stage 1B proposal will be produced by MAHC and sent to the LHIN and the Ministry of Health for approval. This is effectively a rubber stamp at this point (I was recently a director on the LHIN and approved other hospitals’ plans at this early stage). MAHC will begin Stage 2, the “Functional Program” Stage. This stage, when complete, will also be sent to the LHIN and Ministry for approval.
What can the public do? Remain vigilant, speak to your elected officials and let them know your opinion, and, in any future municipal election, vote for those candidates who respect your hard-earned money and don’t believe it grows on trees!
In conclusion, I stand by my statement at the September Huntsville Town Council meeting. This plan is designed to fail and only kicks this can down the already long road to the chosen hospital redevelopment scenario that our children and grandchildren will have to reckon with. I believe now is the time to look reality squarely in the eye and realize that we must look for more affordable options to maintain our two hospital sites.
* It has not been made clear to me if the projected amount for the new build in Bracebridge is separate or inclusive of Mayor Smith’s generous offer of free land (thanks to the taxpayers of Bracebridge) reported at the time to be some $1.3 million. Is that deal still on? If so, what will that number be in 15 years, and is it ethical to obligate a council that far ahead to commit to that promise?
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I agree with you Brian. A new build is the only practical choice to make. My opinion is based on medical care at SMMH many times over the past 10 years, although I received excellent care it is time to begin to grow and update not just renovate.
Brian Tapley on October 16, 2019 11:58 pm
With apologies to Tim, I wrote this as a response to Hugh Mackenzie’s Doppler last week and it was suggested I post it again here
If Hugh’s numbers are anywhere close to reality then i think a new Hospital would be a good choice.
There comes a time when renovating costs more than building new and another factor to consider in Huntsville is that the land is available, serviced and essentially ready to use, right next to the existing hospital. These are all advantages.
No disruption of service would occur as the old hospital could continue to operate as the new one is built next door. After the switch over, then the old hospital could be renovated maybe into a much needed long term care facility. It has a wonderful site, is solidly built and as noted, has been designed to be expanded upon. With no operational constraints to contend with this building could be renovated more efficiently than if it had to remain a working hospital.
We could end up with a new hospital, a long term care facility and the doctors office complexes all in one area. This would be a good solution.
Another point that could be made is to consider if all the town’s currently supported expenses actually are needed and if they are as important as the hospital? When you see all the town vehicles roaming about, all the various areas of expenditure, one has to wonder if maybe a few cuts here and there could be the town’s equivalent of that $80 to $100 per year per person that Hugh speaks of. Possibly a few less mowing jobs on parks, a few less new trucks, maybe find a contractor who can do some snow removal a little cheaper than the town….. there have to be savings out there and these could be put toward a hospital, at least for a few years. Just a thought as when you think about it what is more important than a good hospital? It only takes one visit to emergency to gain an appreciation of the value of a good hospital and we will all get to this point at some time in our lives!
This said, I will agree with Tim and some commenters in that the numbers being quoted and tossed around for consideration today, are most likely not going to be very recognizable in 20 years time when the actual building is going up. We all know that “estimates” are just that.. an educated guess essentially and subject to many modifying factors over such a long time line. These numbers are BIG and it is right that they should cause us all to wonder about how they will be paid. Just as there might be savings in other departments, there are likely savings to be found in these estimates as well.
Government tends to be operated by staff who are adept at avoiding risk to the municipality. While this is generally a good thing, one has to remember that the risk is still real and has not been eliminated. All that is actually being done is that the risk is being pushed onto other entities, or moved further into the future. In all cases there is a cost to do this. Whomever the risk lands upon will have to charge enough to cover all the possible eventualities and this won’t be cheap. This is what insurance companies do for a living. It is also what health initiative and hospital capital managers must do. It is always a guessing game and the safer one wants one’s future to be the more expensive it becomes.
If anyone can come up with a better idea of how to do this they should step forward and be listened to as the bottom line is that we need a complete acute care hospital in both towns… somehow!
I’m foursquare behind you, Tim; as I have been since the inception of this fiasco. Folks, bear in mind that the LHIN’s will soon be replaced by Health Centres, which, no doubt, will introduce an entirely new set of approval criteria (based on the austerity program of the governing Tories). For certain, the profligate spending projected by the MAHC will never pass muster. Why even present it initially and antagonize the Ministry?
Well they are trying to impeach Trump, is it possible to impeach the MAHC? All these numbers are baloney as far as I’m concerned. The building will never come in on budget or on time. Why dont these MAHC people listen to what we as taxpayers want?