In the Part 1 of this post, I shared my own experiences with Ontario’s healthcare system and how grateful I am for it. But as we look to the future, all of us here in Ontario should consider the challenges our healthcare system faces, particularly in the Southern Georgian Bay region. Ontario is projected to see a substantial increase in seniors, with those aged 65 and older set to represent over 21% of the population by 2037. This is thanks not only to the aging baby boomer generation but also to more people choosing to make the beautiful Georgian Bay area their home. This shift is expected to put even more pressure on our healthcare system, which is already struggling to meet existing demand.
The Growing Need for a New Hospital in Collingwood
Right now, our most pressing need is a new, larger hospital in Collingwood. A few years ago, there was excitement around plans for a new facility on Poplar Sideroad, but progress has since stalled.
Discussions have included both building a new hospital and expanding the current one, though recent rumors suggest a new facility might still be ten years away. Meanwhile, our current hospital continues to be stretched thin including the staff. As our community grows, so does the demand for medical care – from primary care doctors to specialists.
The reality is that building a hospital is costly, with modern facilities running anywhere from $200 to $500 million or more, depending on location and amenities. In Toronto, for instance, the estimated cost of an addition to Toronto Western Hospital is $800 million. This level of investment is challenging, especially in areas that are growing rapidly but lack the infrastructure to support the healthcare needs of an expanding population.
Community Priorities: Healthcare vs. Other Projects
As we talk about these healthcare needs, it is also worth discussing the various priorities competing for funding. Recently, Collingwood and the Blue Mountains started a feasibility study for a multi-use recreational facility while Collingwood is looking at options for a new cultural arts center. For context, the new recreational complex in Wasaga Beach came in at about $60 million, and estimates for the proposed cultural center in Collingwood range from $61 to $72 million.
Now, to be clear, I am not against these types of projects, sports complexes and arts centers are valuable community assets. But in times like these, when funding is tight and essential infrastructure needs are high, we must prioritize with an emphasis on “needs” not “wants.” Water treatment, for example, is an absolute necessity and not an inexpensive one: the Collingwood plant expansion is estimated at $270 million. So while sports facilities and cultural centers are wonderful additions, healthcare and water services must come first.
Funding Challenges: Where Will the Money Come From?
Healthcare infrastructure is not cheap, and the question of funding for a new hospital looms large. Government grants are often discussed, but even grant money ultimately comes from taxpayers. Unless grants are privately funded, they are drawn from the public purse, which is under pressure to fund countless other needs and projects across the province.
With more than twenty years of real estate experience and a background in corporate management, I understand the challenge of balancing immediate needs with long-term investment. Revenue must be generated and reinvested to ensure a sustainable future, and the same is true for our healthcare system. The need for additional funds to support healthcare infrastructure – especially for our aging population – is only going to grow.
A Shared Responsibility
Ensuring the future of our healthcare system is a shared responsibility, one that requires attention, advocacy, and involvement from everyone in our community. Staying informed about the direction of healthcare in our area and understanding what is needed to support growth can help us make better choices as a community.
I believe that as individuals, families, and communities, we have a role to play in advocating for the healthcare infrastructure that will serve us well today and in the future. Our healthcare system is something we all depend on yet too often take for granted. With proper planning and focus, we can help ensure it grows along with us.
The author is a Broker, Market Value Appraiser-Residential with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada and a Past President (2008) of the Lakeland’s Association of REALTORS®.