The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health will merge into a single organization on January 1, 2025.
This voluntary merger, supported by a $10.1 million investment from the Province of Ontario, aims to enhance the delivery of public health services across multiple regions, including the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County, Peterborough County, the City of Peterborough, and several First Nations communities.
“This is an important milestone bringing both public health units together to form one new organization,” said David Marshall, Board Chair for HKPR District Health Unit. “Our dedicated and now combined team of more than 300 public health professionals will continue working to protect and promote health and prevent disease within our communities.”
The merger is part of a broader initiative by Ontario’s Ministry of Health to strengthen public health infrastructure. In August 2023, the Ministry offered resources and one-time funding to support voluntary health unit mergers by January 1, 2025. Following a feasibility study and approval by both Boards of Health earlier this year, the merger proposal was submitted to the Ministry in April.
Expanded Services and Provincial Support
The $10.1 million provincial investment will fund merger activities, address service backlogs, and improve public health offerings in the affected regions. Ontario has pledged full financial support for the merger, ensuring no fiscal impact on municipalities or First Nations communities involved.
“Peterborough residents became more familiar with public health’s critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Councillor Joy Lachica, Board Chair for PPH. “With our friends at HKPR and the province’s generous funding, we will sustain and grow public health services for our residents.”
The new organization will maintain current programs and services without disruption and aims to introduce a new brand and identity in early 2025.
Representation and Next Steps
The new Board of Health will consist of nine municipal representatives, two First Nations members, and provincial appointees yet to be confirmed. A new organizational structure and leadership team will be announced later.
Both health units remain committed to engaging with communities, partners, and stakeholders during the transition. More updates, including the merged health unit’s official name and logo, will be shared in 2025.
This merger marks a significant step in sustaining and improving public health services across Central Ontario while ensuring continued collaboration with municipalities, First Nations, and local communities.
