Ford visits Muskoka on snowmobile to support planned hospitals

Ontario Premier Doug Ford joined a snowmobile convoy at a 'Trails For Life' fundraiser in Muskoka supporting plans for new Huntsville and Bracebridge hospitals; the province says feasibility and study work is underway and no construction timetable has been set.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford made a surprise visit to the Huntsville area on Saturday to join a snowmobile convoy and attend a community fundraiser. The event, called 'Trails For Life' and held in Port Sydney, was organized by the local snowmobiling community to raise money for the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation and Huntsville Hospital Foundation. Officials and local MPPs took part to mark fundraising toward planned new hospitals in Huntsville and Bracebridge. The province says the projects are currently going through feasibility and study stages and no construction timetable has been announced. Key details: - Ford rode with Parry Sound–Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith, MPP Jill Dunlop, OPP officers and other participants before arriving at Port Sydney Community Hall. - The event supports fundraising for proposed new hospitals in Huntsville and Bracebridge, organized by local hospital foundations. - The Premier said each hospital could cost about $600 million and noted the region’s population increases in summer months. - The province announced a $5 million snowmobiling investment in December that helped the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs avoid trimming 4,500 kilometres from its trail network. - Officials say the hospital plans are progressing through feasibility and study stages; no start date for construction has been set. Summary: The visit highlighted local fundraising and community interest in new hospital projects across Muskoka. The province reports the projects remain in feasibility and study stages, and a construction timetable is undetermined at this time.