From the Town of Gravenhurst:
The Rotary Club of Gravenhurst and the Cottage Country Family Health team made a presentation to council, asking the town to partner with them to develop what they are calling the Gravenhurst Health Hub.
The hub would involve the development of the vacant second floor of the medical centre next door to the Gravenhurst municipal office.
The space would offer a variety of medical services.
Currently, the health team occupies the first floor of the medical centre.
Bruce Hemphill, chair of the Gravenhurst Health Hub, led the presentation and asked that the town partner with the two organizations – a request that included an ask for $200,000 in financial support.
He said they plan to raise funds to develop the space so it can meet the growing medical needs of residents.
Hemphill noted they have a steering committee currently made up of four representatives from each organization.
They see the hub “transforming care” in a number of ways.
This includes attracting new doctors and expanded diagnostic services.
Hemphill said they see the project unfolding in three phases.
He said the first phase will happen this year and they estimate the cost to be $750,000.
Phase 1 would include the retention of three new primary care physicians.
Phases two and three would happen the following year and possibly into 2027.
He said they see the primary care facility being capable of running seven days a week, up to 12 hours per day, starting January 2026.
The total project cost is approximately $1.7-million, he said.
He said to make their vision possible they would like a commitment from the town of $200,000 to launch phase 1 of the project this year.
He also asked for permission to work with town staff on a fundraising campaign for the project.
Mayor Lorenz thanked Hemphill for the presentation and noted the town has worked diligently with the family health team for the past few years in an effort to secure funding for the development of the second floor of the medical centre.
She said that during the 2025 budget deliberations the town confirmed, in principle, the support and funding commitment for development of the space.
She said the town looks forward to continuing to work together on the hub project.
CAO Scott Lucas noted the town will review the plans as proposed by the Task Force for the hub and report back to council on what can be done to continue to assist.
Lucas added the town will be in touch with hub representatives later in the month to continue discussions.
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Brilliant! Thank you everyone for bringing likely the most valuable proposal to benefit our community.