New Family Doctor Joins Wasaga Beach’s Medical Centre

Opened in October 2023, this modern medical centre is a key part of the Town’s efforts to attract more doctors.

“This is fantastic news for the residents of Wasaga Beach – it means around 2,000 people will now have access to a family doctor,” said Mayor Brian Smith. “Enhancing the Town’s family physician incentive program and launching the Wasaga Beach Medical Centre and After-Hours Clinic was a top priority for this Council, and we made it happen. While healthcare falls under provincial responsibility, my role as Mayor-and that of this Council-is to make sure our residents can access the services they require. That’s why we’re making these investments, and it’s evident that our innovative approach is effective.” – Mayor Brian Smith

WASAGA BEACH, ON, Sept. 25, 2025 /CNW/ – The town is excited to welcome its second doctor in less than two years. Thanks to the Wasaga Beach Medical Centre and After-Hours Clinic, the new family physician has quickly begun seeing patients.

Dr. Yannick Charette is already practicing at the Town-operated clinic located at 160 Beck Street in Wasaga Beach and aims to fill his roster in the upcoming months. This means about 2000 residents without a family doctor will now have convenient access to primary care.

A social media ad for the municipally-funded Wasaga Beach Medical Centre and After-Hours Clinic promotes extended evening hours and the clinic URL: wasagabeach. com/clinic (CNW Group/Town of Wasaga Beach)

The addition of Dr. Charette highlights how effective the town’s strategy has been in providing a fully equipped practice environment. The municipally operated medical centre-one of Ontario’s first-plays an essential role in attracting new physicians. This creative approach eliminates common obstacles faced by doctors, like high costs tied to starting a private practice.

TIMELINE

The Wasaga Beach Medical Centre opened in October 2023 after receiving over $10,000 worth of equipment, furnishings, and access to newly updated office space from retiring family physician Dr. Joe Greyling.

The Town previously initiated a temporary after-hours clinic funded by municipal resources back in November 2018 to assess community needs. The current facility at 160 Beck Street represents a long-term plan that serves both as a medical centre and an after-hours clinic while being primarily funded through casino revenue.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

A major challenge when recruiting physicians in smaller communities is often tied to initial costs associated with opening up their own practice. Young doctors usually graduate with significant debt which makes them hesitant about investing in leasing or renovating spaces before even starting their careers.

Wasaga Beach has tackled this issue head-on by creating a turn-key medical centre funded by local government resources along with an after-hours clinic option available too. This facility comes fully equipped with modern exam rooms alongside shared technology so new physicians can focus on patient care right from day one without having to worry about financial burdens related to setting up shop.

The Wasaga Beach Medical Centre isn’t just building healthcare infrastructure-it’s also acting as a strategic recruitment tool that speeds up readiness for practice while showing that community support exists for physicians and their families over time:

Reduced Barriers: Removes financial strain associated with establishing private practices. Turn-Key Facility: Offers completely furnished medical center featuring modern exam rooms plus shared tech. Focus on Patient Care: Enables doctors start strong concentrating on quality care immediately. Strategic Recruitment: Serves as an effective means of drawing in talented medical professionals.

IMPACT AND MOMENTUM

By providing fully equipped facilities along with administrative assistance, both Town officials along with Council are attracting healthcare workers ensuring locals get necessary attention:

Since reopening its doors again recently since launching operations; thousands have benefited from services offered within these two establishments combined here at Wasaga beach area itself. In February 2024 alone-the Ontario government allocated over $880k through South Georgian Bay Ontario Health Team leading directly towards expansion opportunities present today inside these clinics overall vision going forward too! During year ahead-this initiative played key role successfully recruiting Dr Jacob Jeffrey Mc Gavin too!

ADDITIONAL QUOTES

Dr. Yannick Charette:

“Visiting the new arena plus library then enjoying watching my kids play down at beach brought me closer than ever before!” said Dr Yannick Charette proudly expressing thoughts surrounding commitment felt locally throughout municipality aimed around improving overall accessibility levels via different kinds various initiatives available including those provided through recent developments happening via local clinics themselves! Having such state-of-the-art facilities positioned strategically within small towns like ours holds invaluable potential moving forward not just personally but collectively impacting everyone positively here within community!”

 

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– he concluded confidently stating excitement felt joining strong network existing alongside many fellow dedicated individuals all focused closely working hard help serve citizens living nearby areas across entire greater region itself.”</blockquot;

  Dr Harry O’Halloran Co-Chair South Georgian Bay Ontario Health Team: (“Adding welcome voices around us makes perfect sense”) said  Doctor O’Halloran reflecting recent positive changes observed together collaborative effort bringing forth improvements experienced locally achieved thanks partnerships formed between entities involved throughout ongoing projects seen taking place continuously.””</blockquot; Dr Gillian Brakel mentioned:"Arrival brings meaningful enhancements improving access ease congestion affecting regional Emergency Departments longer term solutions must remain priority focus points during future planning discussions."

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SOURCE Town Of WAs AGa BEACH!

Media contact:Sandra Watts Director Strategic Communications &< i>>;”,”””]}”=’”;[email protected];”

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