Public Health Unit Mergers

Press Release

January 31, 2025

Effective January 1, 2025, the Ontario Ministry of Health has approved the voluntary merger of nine local public health units (PHUs) into four entities:

  • Northeastern Public Health, formerly Porcupine Health Unit and Timiskaming Health Unit
  • Grand Erie Public Health, formerly Brant County Health Unit and Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit
  • Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit, formerly Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough County-City Health Unit
  • South East Health Unit, formerly Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit, Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox and Addington Health Unit and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

All current public health units will remain operational, with no immediate impact on programs and services provided to the public. Each new health entity has issued public statements in support of their voluntary merger and will continue to provide updates throughout this transitional period. Please check out their websites to read more about these transitions.

Impact on PHO’s Reports and Resources
PHO has begun incorporating the new names of these health entities into our reports and resources. However, there will be a transitional period where the previous health unit name and/or the new health entity name may be referenced. Please note that updates will not be made retroactively.

PHO will continue to provide scientific and evidence-based information and expert guidance to help shape public health policies and practices. We will continue to work with our PHU partners to ensure they can continue to effectively communicate with the public on important public health issues affecting all those in Ontario.

IHT4

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