Capital Plan Development Task Force Update #20

The Capital Plan Development Task Force met on July 4.

The task force reviewed the economic impact analysis, which provided a high-level analysis of the potential regional economic impact of each of the three proposed service delivery models. The consultant’s study  included six different methods and approaches. The task force heard that the lack of accessible historical economic development statistical data in Muskoka and East Parry Sound made the study challenging and more anecdotal. Additional feedback from the municipalities and District of Muskoka was offered.

The analysis found that about 34% of hospital industry purchases in Muskoka are made within the region, while the majority of economic activity takes place outside Muskoka. The analysis projected the impact of construction costs and jobs associated with each of the three models. It also indicated that depending on the service delivery model ultimately selected, there could be notable positive and negative employment impacts on the local municipalities, but an overall increase in the number of jobs created in Muskoka in 2031-32. The analysis concluded that each of the three delivery models would result in positive economic and employment impacts for the region as a whole, and the most positive results would be garnered from the Two Acute Sites model. The Inpatient Site/Outpatient Site model and the One Site model would create uneven distribution of the workforce to the respective municipalities where these models are assigned.

Having received the economic impact analysis, task force members completed their evaluation of each model against the evaluation criteria and 500 pages of supporting research, data and studies. The two members who represent the North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN indicated as regional advisors they would not submit criteria evaluation results. The remaining individuals’ confidential evaluations will be compiled and tallied by the consultants and presented at the next task force meeting for review and discussion.

The task force intends to come to a consensus on a preferred service delivery model recommendation by the end of July.

The next task force meeting is July 16, 2018.