By Tessa Swanton (Townson), Bruce Peninsula Press
The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula (MNBP) Council received a delegation on July 14 from Elijah Marcella, owner/operator of Bruce Peninsula Virtual Care (BPVC), a nurse practitioner-led local online healthcare service. Marcella requested $35,000 from MNBP in exchange for two years of subsidized virtual service delivery serving 750 patients, while prioritizing residents without a family doctor, seniors, and individuals managing chronic health conditions. Marcella states that “This targeted investment will provide immediate access to care, reduce emergency room visits, and demonstrate MNBP’s commitment to innovative, community-first healthcare.”
Marcella explained, “Like most of Ontario, we are currently experiencing the consequences of a physician shortage. Many residents of NBP don’t have access to a family doctor. Without any other options, like a walk-in clinic, residents are forced to receive their healthcare through the emergency department, even if it’s not an emergency. This means that residents without a family doctor are forced to travel long distances, spend their money on gas and parking, and face long wait times in the ER and contribute to overcrowding in the ER.” As a nurse practitioner, Marcella can assist residents with prescription medications, ordering laboratory tests and x-rays, completing medical forms, and referrals to specialists.
Marcella said that Ontario legislation restricts BPVC from billing OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) like a physician, forcing him to operate privately and bill patients for their care. He is proposing MNBP bulk purchases appointments at a 10-15% discounted rate so the appointments could be provided for free. Currently, a 15-minute appointment costs $50.
At the January 13, 2025, Council Meeting, Council approved a $10,000 increase in the physician recruitment incentive from $25,000 to $35,000 as per a recommendation from the Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee. Minutes of the Committee’s December 11, 2024, meeting reflect that CAO, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, advised that MNBP maintains a physician recruitment reserve with funds allocated annually, and Council has considered physician recruitment to be a top priority. The increase was warranted to stay competitive and comparable to nearby communities also attracting physicians. Marcella proposed that MNBP provides $35,000, the same amount offered by MNBP as a physician incentive.
Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson commented, “[MNBP is] slowly but surely getting sucked into the health and social services thing, and that’s not what we should be doing. It’s a good idea, but it shouldn’t be driven by [MNBP]. It is a provincial responsibility. I can see where it has merit.”
When asked about the importance of virtual care in today’s world, Marcella expressed that “Virtual care makes high quality primary health services accessible to people regardless of where they live. It is especially important in rural and underserved communities like NBP. It reduces travel barriers; eases pressure on local emergency departments and allows patients to get timely diagnoses and treatment without leaving home.”
Kirsten Sharma, Business Operations Manager, confirmed that they have served over 100 residents since the company’s launch in February 2025. Sharma indicated that BPVC hopes to hire additional nurse practitioners and expand operating hours. She stated, “Our goals include establishing ongoing partnerships with local organizations and municipalities to better coordinate healthcare services. We also plan to introduce specialized virtual care programs focused on chronic disease management, weight management, and mental health support, as well as launching regular community health initiatives like educational webinars, and preventative health programs to help keep our community healthy, informed, and connected.”
Marcella possesses a passion for the community as a lifelong resident of the Bruce Peninsula. His career began as a registered nurse in local emergency departments. With a decade of experience and a master’s degree in nursing and nurse practitioner degree, Marcella has shifted his focus to primary health care and work in a long-term care home.
Staff will be providing a report to Council regarding Marcella’s request.
New Playground and Swings Coming to Ferndale and Pike Bay Community Parks This Fall
Council accepted a $175,916.28 plus HST proposal from Henderson Recreation Limited based out of Simcoe for playground design, supply, and installation at the Ferndale and Pike Bay Community Parks. MNBP was granted $125,000 from the Enabling Accessibility Fund for the playgrounds. Report No. PF 25-16 from Mark Coleman, Parks and Facilities Manager, states that staff conducted municipal playground inspections in May 2023 where Ferndale and Pike Bay Parks were determined to not meet most standards for safety, design, and accessibility. The designs provide elevated, ground level, and accessible elements with wheelchair components. Both playgrounds will be equipped with new swing sets.
Deputy Mayor Anderson spoke as a grandfather on behalf of his three-year-old grandson, “He would give his peewee stamp of approval” and “two thumbs up.”
The playgrounds are scheduled for installation in September/October of this year.
No. PF 25-16, July 14, 2025.
Graphic: Pike Bay Community Park Design from Henderson Recreation Equipment Limited.
No. PF 25-16, July 14, 2025.
Graphic: Ferndale Community Park Design from Henderson Recreation Equipment Limited.
Bruce County to Host International Plowing Match in September 2026
Gord Lang and Andy Dales provided an update on the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo planned for September 22 to 29, 2026. A committee is organizing the event alongside 1,800 volunteers at the same location in Walkerton as the 1976 and 1993 events. Over 200,000 attendees are expected at the match where parades, RV’s, concerts, demonstrations, vendors, exhibitors, plowing, and special events will take place. The event is anticipated to attract politicians and generate $3 million dollars in revenue with almost $1 million dollars in profit distributed to Bruce County. Lang and Dales visited Council to inform MNBP of the event and request help promoting the match; no financial assistance was requested.
