Construction of two new Muskoka hospitals to cost significantly more than estimated
Construction of two new hospitals in Huntsville and Bracebridge is expected to cost significantly more than initially estimated due to supply chain issues and high inflation rates related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The original cost estimate for the two facilities was roughly $560 million, but now that is closer to $722 million and could rise to as much as $967 million in 10 years' time.
"The Ministry of Health pays for most of the cost of new buildings, and the local communities have to pay a share of the entire project," explained Moreen Miller, chair of the Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare's Board of Directors.
Miller noted the communities' share could be up to 30 per cent of the total project cost. Initially estimated at $129 million, it could increase to as much as $225 million.
For the hospitals to proceed to tender, the government must be shown how the community will pay for its share of the projects.
Despite the challenges, the hospitals' foundations are well underway with fundraising efforts.
The hospitals plan to hold open houses in the New Year to gather input from the public on the design and operation of the new facilities.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting
Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Toronto police called to Drake's Bridle Path mansion for another alleged intruder on Thursday
Toronto police say a man who allegedly attempted to access Drake’s Bridle Path property was taken to hospital on Thursday after an altercation with security guards.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Storm-battered U.S. South is again under threat. A boy swept into a drain fights for his life
Dangerous storms crashed over parts of the U.S. South on Thursday even as the region cleaned up from earlier severe weather that spawned tornadoes, killed at least three people, and gravely injured a boy who was swept into a storm drain as he played in a flooded street.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Prince Harry, Meghan arrive in Nigeria to champion the Invictus Games and meet with wounded soldiers
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, arrived in Nigeria on Friday to champion the Invictus Games, which he founded to aid the rehabilitation of wounded and sick servicemembers and veterans, among them Nigerian soldiers fighting a 14-year war against Islamic extremists.