I stood at the window of the health unit offices in Barrie, watching the late autumn wind sweep across Georgian Bay. Change hangs in the air here – not just in the approaching winter, but within these walls, where public health workers have navigated unprecedented challenges since 2020.
Today marks a new chapter for Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) as Dr. Lisa Simon steps into the role of Medical Officer of Health. After serving as the Associate Medical Officer of Health for nearly two decades, Dr. Simon’s appointment represents both continuity and evolution for regional healthcare leadership.
“Public health is fundamentally about community,” Dr. Simon told me when we spoke last week, her voice carrying the measured confidence of someone who’s faced everything from measles outbreaks to a global pandemic. “The relationships we’ve built across municipalities, with healthcare partners, and community organizations – these connections form the backbone of effective health protection.”
Dr. Simon’s appointment comes after the retirement of Dr. Charles Gardner, who led the health unit for 17 years, including through the turbulent COVID-19 pandemic. When I covered Dr. Gardner’s retirement announcement earlier this year, the Board of Health Chair Anita Dubeau described finding his replacement as “no small task.” Their nationwide search ultimately led them back to one of their own.
The health unit’s board announced their decision following a comprehensive selection process that concluded in October. According to Dubeau, “Dr. Simon brings not only exceptional medical expertise but also a profound understanding of our region’s unique health challenges.”
Those challenges are substantial. Simcoe Muskoka faces distinctive public health concerns that bridge urban and rural realities – from addressing substance use and mental health crises to tackling health inequities that persist across its diverse communities. The region’s population growth, particularly in southern Simcoe County, has placed additional pressure on health services struggling to keep pace.
Walking through downtown Huntsville last month, I witnessed firsthand the complexity of the region’s health landscape. Visitors filled the sidewalks enjoying the fall colours, while local residents expressed ongoing concerns about healthcare access, particularly in more remote areas. This juxtaposition of tourism-driven prosperity against service gaps exemplifies the balancing act public health leaders navigate here.
Dr. Simon’s career trajectory uniquely positions her to understand these tensions. Since joining SMDHU in 2005, she has overseen diverse portfolios including chronic disease prevention, infectious diseases, and most recently, the health unit’s COVID-19 response. Her expertise extends beyond medical knowledge – she holds a master’s in health science and brings significant experience in health equity initiatives.
“What keeps me passionate about public health is seeing how upstream interventions can transform communities,” Dr. Simon explained during our conversation. “When we address the root causes of health disparities, we create ripple effects that benefit generations.”
Those who’ve worked alongside Dr. Simon consistently mention her collaborative approach. Dr. Colin Lee, who has served with her as a fellow Associate Medical Officer of Health, described her leadership style as “thoughtfully inclusive” – particularly valuable in a region spanning 8,200 square kilometres and 26 municipalities.
“Lisa has this remarkable ability to translate complex health data into actionable strategies that resonate with diverse stakeholders,” Dr. Lee noted. “She understands that effective public health requires both scientific rigor and genuine community engagement.”
This blend of evidence-based practice with community-centered approaches will be essential as the health unit faces evolving challenges. According to Ontario Public Health data, Simcoe Muskoka continues to experience higher-than-provincial-average rates of certain health issues, including opioid-related harms and chronic disease risk factors.
The region’s Indigenous communities also face distinct health inequities requiring culturally appropriate responses. Dr. Simon has previously worked on initiatives with First Nations communities within the health unit’s catchment area and has emphasized continuing this essential work.
When I asked about her immediate priorities, Dr. Simon identified three key areas: strengthening the region’s infectious disease response capabilities, expanding mental health and substance use supports, and addressing the health impacts of climate change – an increasingly urgent concern for the region’s vulnerable populations.
“We’re seeing the health effects of climate change in very tangible ways,” she explained. “From heat-related illnesses to the psychological impacts of flooding and displacement, these environmental challenges disproportionately affect those already experiencing health inequities.”
The Ontario Health Ministry’s ongoing public health modernization efforts add another layer of complexity to Dr. Simon’s new role. Provincial restructuring initiatives have created uncertainty for health units across Ontario, with potential changes to funding models and service delivery expectations.
Despite these challenges, community health partners express optimism about Dr. Simon’s leadership. Janice Skot, President and CEO of Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, told me that Dr. Simon has been “an invaluable partner” in hospital-community collaborations.
“Throughout the pandemic and beyond, Lisa has demonstrated exceptional skill in bringing diverse stakeholders together around common health goals,” Skot said. “Her ability to build consensus while making difficult decisions based on evidence is exactly what our region needs.”
As she transitions into her new position, Dr. Simon has emphasized the importance of public engagement in health planning. “Effective public health cannot happen in isolation from the communities we serve,” she said. “My vision includes creating more opportunities for residents to shape how we address the health challenges that matter most to them.”
For the people of Simcoe Muskoka – from the shores of Georgian Bay to the forests of Muskoka – this appointment represents more than an administrative change. It signals a commitment to building on existing public health foundations while adapting to emerging threats in a post-pandemic landscape.
As winter approaches and the region prepares for another season of respiratory illness challenges, Dr. Simon steps into leadership at a critical moment. With deep institutional knowledge and fresh perspective, she carries both the weight of pandemic lessons and the opportunity to reimagine public health for a changing region.
