Collingwood Town Council will meet on April 8, 2026, to discuss key community priorities, including progress on physician recruitment, updates to accessibility planning, and the launch of a long-term financial strategy.
The town remains focused on addressing a local healthcare gap, as the South Georgian Bay Ontario Health Team estimates that between 6,000 and 7,000 residents in the region currently do not have a local family doctor. Collingwood has taken active steps to improve access, including an incentive program that successfully brought Dr. Matthew Ladda to the community. Since beginning his practice at Hume Street Health in late 2024, Dr. Ladda has onboarded patients from local wait lists.
Mayor Yvonne Hamlin has been a vocal advocate for these initiatives, drawing on her experience with local governance to help navigate the town’s physician recruitment efforts. To further address the broader provincial shortage, the town also joined an Association of Municipalities of Ontario and Ontario Medical Association resolution calling on the provincial government for systemic changes.
In addition to healthcare, council members will review the first portion of a new long-term strategic financial plan. This initiative is a priority for the municipality as it navigates rising costs for construction, utilities, insurance, and contracts. This follows the adoption of the 2026 municipal budget earlier this year, which was the first to be finalized under provincial strong mayor powers.
The town is also working to update its commitment to inclusivity by developing a new 2026-2030 multi-year accessibility plan. The municipality has engaged BDO Canada LLP to manage stakeholder consultations as the current plan, which aligns with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, reaches its end in 2025. Residents are encouraged to review the full meeting agenda on the Town of Collingwood website.
