New hospital build in Huntsville attracts record-setting $20 million gift

The Huntsville Hospital Foundation, on behalf of the Raise Muskoka hospital redevelopment campaign, has received the largest commitment ever in Muskoka history.

Raise Muskoka is the fundraising campaign in support of building one healthcare system, two new hospitals and one phenomenal future in and around Muskoka for generations to come. Overall, this is an estimated $1 billion dollar investment made up of contributions from the province ($742 million), Muskoka District and communities ($225 million) and both hospital Foundations ($35 million each).

In honour and celebration of long-time resident Bob Hutcheson, who turns 99 tomorrow, the team is thrilled to announce a $20 million gift led by the Jack Cockwell family in partnership with the Bob Hutcheson family, the Tom Anselmi/Sharon Mey family, the Kris House family, the Cooper Koo family, the Duncan Jackman Family, Judy & Scott Lynch of the Walker Lynch Foundation, the Bill & Debbie Aziz family, the Bob & Anne Aziz family, Judith Kilbourne, Don & Mary Spring and Brian & Megan Porter. This donation will match every donation up to $17.5 million for the new hospital and establish a $2.5 million Limberlost Invictus Scholarship to recruit and train care teams.

In dedication of this transformational generosity, the new Huntsville site will proudly be named in honour of Bob Hutcheson.

“I believe in Huntsville and all of Muskoka; I love this place right into my bones,” says Bob Hutcheson. “This has been a wonderful community to live in, and we would like to see the best healthcare for all of us. Working together we have tried to do our part to help build three hospitals over multiple generations, and now we’ve brought together a group of families and partners who feel the same way. Together, we’ll build a new hospital for the next generation. That’s something I’m very proud of.”

“Bob’s entire life in the Huntsville area and throughout Muskoka inspired these local healthcare champions to come together to give in his name. On the occasion of his 99th birthday, we are recognizing his outstanding civic contributions and local leadership throughout his lifetime, and that of his family over several generations,” says Jack Cockwell.

“Bob Hutcheson’s vision and leadership along with the generosity of all the families involved are transformative,” says MAHC CEO Cheryl Harrison. “All money committed and raised will be used to fulfill Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare’s Made-In-Muskoka Healthcare System proposal which is in the final stages of review with the Ontario Ministry of Health. Thank you, for supporting the Raise Muskoka campaign and the future of the Huntsville site.”

“We are on our way to making our new Huntsville hospital a reality as we launch our Raise Muskoka campaign. This gift is a massive head start, and we are very excited for, and proud of our community,” says Katherine Craine, Huntsville Hospital Foundation CEO. “The $17.5 million matching strategy allows community members the opportunity to double their gift and power-launches the Raise Muskoka hospital redevelopment.”

Both the Huntsville Hospital Foundation and the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation are working towards a campaign to support their respective hospital sites. While full and final approvals or start dates are not yet obtained from the province, this advanced donation goes a long way to catalyzing this terrific outcome for the community.

Led by the generosity of the community, this transformative donation will supercharge the Raise Muskoka campaign, inspiring others to give and doubling the impact of every dollar raised.

Now is the time for everyone to get involved. Your donation will be doubled and have lasting impact for families in Muskoka. Let’s seize this moment together. Contact our Foundation team to learn how you can help build the new site and invest in the future of local healthcare.

About Huntsville Hospital Foundation

The Huntsville Hospital Foundation inspires donations and raises funds to help Huntsville Hospital purchase technology and equipment not funded by taxes. Staying in step with changing and evolving medicine helps the hospital attract and retain the best expertise while sustaining its position as one of the leading community hospitals in Ontario. Learn more about the Foundation by visiting www.huntsvillehospitalfoundation.ca

From the Huntsville Hospital Foundation

Bob Hutcheson turns 99 tomorrow, September 26, 2025, and said the Raise Muskoka fundraising campaign is the best birthday present he’s ever had.Bob Hutcheson enjoys some of his birthday cake!Kathrine Crane, CEO of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, and Member of Provincial Parliament Graydon Smith are all smiles at the celebratory funding announcement – the most significant in Muskoka’s history, which will support building a state-of-the-art healthcare system for generations to come.