It appears Bracebridge Town councillors are having serious second thoughts about whether to proceed with $10 million in funding for the new Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) model of care.
Today during the Bracebridge planning and development committee meeting, without prior notice Coun. Don Smith and Mayor Rick Maloney introduced a two-part motion in response to MAHC’s recent decision to move ahead with their proposed model of care for Muskoka.
Part 1 of the motion stipulated that a representative from MAHC come before a special committee to answer questions about the model. Part 2 was that Town staff reevaluate the $10 million in local funding already promised, and come back with some possible stipulations and conditions on releasing the funds.
“My faith in the current MAHC process is gone,” said Mayor Maloney. “I believe there is always an opportunity to move forward but the model must meet certain conditions.”
Maloney said MAHC’s decision to proceed with the model during their board of directors meeting last evening has essentially ”welded their train to the tracks.”
Coin. Smith said the MAHC board has ignored the mounting concerns expressed by the people of south Muskoka, MPP Graydon Smith and many area physicians.
He said the board has “continually undermined the trust of the South Muskoka community” and the information they’ve chosen to release is nothing more than “spin.”
The decision was approved unanimously by the committee and must now be approved during the next Bracebridge council meeting on Wednesday.
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Bob Braan says
If Bracebridge and the District withdraw local funding for MAHC’s disastrous plan it’s dead in the water.
Withdrawing funding is the next step.
Save Our Hospital as it says at the Norwood theatre, other businesses and many lawn signs.
The board continues to ignore residents, doctors, our MPP and the Bracebridge mayor.
How many hundreds of millions of dollars has MAHC cost taxpayers by presenting unacceptable plans over many years?
While construction costs have skyrocketed by hundreds of millions of dollars?
Why are these board members still present after failing again and again?
They can’t be trusted.
Bob Braan says
MAHC is attempting to convince residents a much smaller hospital is a good thing. It’s not working.
When the current much bigger hospital is running at 150% capacity.
Just like Doug Ford is attempting to convince Ontario a much smaller Science Centre is a good thing.
That’s not working either.
Closure is based on many lies.
Only minor repairs are needed and can be done while it’s reopened according to architects and engineers.
MAHC is as trustworthy as Doug Ford and his minions.
Obviously it’s less expensive to do minor repairs to the existing building while it’s open than to build new.
Even one half the size.
Or even a tiny temporary one. 1/10 the size.
Search “Canadian Architect Cost of Ontario Science Centre temporary location exceeds cost of roof repairs”
Watch the video “Original architects say Science Centre didn’t have to close”
Obviously it’s less expensive to renovate the two existing hospital sites and add beds than build new.
Here is what Midland is getting for far less money.
Search “Georgian Bay General Hospital looks to future with $100M expansion plans”
Connie Spek says
Yes. Withdraw all funding support until the hospital needs of the Bracebridge community are met. Why consult the Community only to ignore them?
Dave Brown says
Time for the hospital board of bullies to resign, their arragance is not acceptable. The chair and head doctor should hang their heads in shame.
Kathleen Jay says
We the ordinary public expect transparency and truthful communication about the hospital plans. I respect the town decision. It is important that the input of the doctors and the input of the community should be appropriately honoured. The developments MAHC makes should be shared with us.
In the event that MAHC plans need to be revised, that too is of public concern. Be trnsparent with us please.
Christine Jacobs says
How disappointing that MACH will not listen to the Bracebridge Community. I appreciate the thought of holding back the $10 million, but I doubt it will make a difference. I am curious that the town suggests this, yet took down all of the residents signs. If only the staff supported the Bracebridge residents as well.
I suggest people place calls to Doug Ford’s office illustrating our displeasure. Swamp the switchboard with calls
The MACH must have the trust of all of the taxpayers. It looks like they have lost the faith of a significant number. We must not let them away with this.
CLJ
Barry Eansbrough says
Way past time for a new start with professional planners. We should all be outraged at this fiasco .
Who is in charge of this $1 + billion project.? No one. Graydon has started the cleanup. Hope he can finish it. He is ON’s Gov’t rep here and has the power to act, and he is. Let’s back him up.
Bob Braan says
We need professional planners to design a plan to renovate and add to the existing sites.
That’s what most hospitals do.
Far cheaper than all new.
Here is what Midland is getting for far less money.
240 beds.
Search “Georgian Bay General Hospital looks to future with $100M expansion plans”
MAHC falsely claims building on the existing Bracebridge site is too disruptive.
Building over top of the parking lot, as has been suggested, is not disruptive at all.
Then connect old with new.
People will gladly park at the closed arena parking lot during construction.
Jack Lord says
Back up MPP Graydon???? He’s been propping up this terrible hospital plan until he saw all the signs and realised he’ll lose the upcoming provincial election. Had he pushed for funding for two hospitals we would not be in this current mess.
Why were signs taken down? This is a disgrace.
Catherine Goodwin says
Graydon Smith is now saying he will continue to work with MAHC. What happened to his earlier statement “should the Board proceed with passing the motion as presented, I will not support the current redevelopment proposal”? Is he continuing to work with them because of the amendment? This board lost the trust of the community back in January and the few changes it has made has not won back the trust. So, they are going to “continue” to collaborate with stakeholders? Our doctors, nurses, emergency personnel and community members are telling them they don’t like the plan! Apparently there is a world of difference between listening and hearing!