Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Local Boards of Health investigate possible merger

Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) Board of Health, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District (LGLD) Board of Health, and the Hastings Prince Edward (HPE) Board of Health endorsed investigating the feasibility of a potential merger between these local public health agencies (LPHAs). 

This consideration has been brought forward in response to the Ontario Ministry of Health’s announcement in August 2023 to strengthen the public health sector. This announcement also included one-time funding, resources, and supports to LPHAs that decide to voluntarily merge.

The province has indicated that any cost efficiencies realized by a merger would be retained by LPHAs to further support the local delivery of programs and services.

The province has set objectives for public health mergers.

  • A minimum population base of 500,000.
  • Improve organizational performance.
  • Sustain leadership structures.
  • Sustain competencies and capacities for specialized positions.
  • Support alignment and coordination with partners.
  • Support alignment and partnerships within communities and priority populations.

“Our agencies have the same goal to support progress on improving population health outcomes while reducing health inequities in the communities we serve,” said Wess Garrod, Chair of KFL&A Board of Health. “If a voluntary merger offers a chance to strengthen our public health capacity to meet unexpected surges in demand and fully deliver core public health services, then it is an opportunity worth exploring.”

“We continue to work positively with our neighbouring health units,” said Peter McKenna, Chair for the LGLD Board of Health. “We look forward to continuing conversations about how a voluntary merger could enrich local public health service delivery in our region.”

“Over the past several weeks, we have had productive conversations with neighbouring public health units, exploring potential partnerships that could build on our existing strengths and meet the province’s objectives to strengthen public health,” said Jan O’Neill, Board Chair at HPEPH. “We are open to possibilities to improve capacity and coordination, and the community should be reassured that when exploring any such decision, we will prioritize our ability to maintain front line service to meet local needs.” 

Feasibility of a potential merger will be considered, and each Board will independently decide whether they wish to move forward. If the Boards approve moving forward with a voluntary merger, they must submit a proposal to the Ministry of Health by March 2024. This proposal is then subject to approval by the Ministry of Health.

Article submitted by Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.

Hot this week

Smiths Falls Police address crash, bar incident and youth assault in series of responses

SUBMITTED No injuries after collision with hydro pole. Driver facing...

UCDSB to host holocaust survivor Andy Rèti as Tour for Humanity returns

SUBMITTED The Tour for Humanity mobile classroom will return to...

King Charles III Coronation Medal recognizes exceptional Canadians

LAURIE WEIR In a special ceremony hosted by Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston MP...

Smiths Falls Police tackle crime with multiple arrests in ongoing theft and IPV investigations

SUBMITTED Two arrested after shoplift investigation On April 9th, 2025, the...

Carleton Place prioritizes non-profits in new Affordable Housing Plan backed by $5.6M grant

HEDDY SOROUR The Town of Carleton Place has just released...

Smiths Falls Police address crash, bar incident and youth assault in series of responses

SUBMITTED No injuries after collision with hydro pole. Driver facing...

Leeds OPP lays obstruct, drug and assault charges following head-on collision

SUBMITTED Members of the Leeds County Detachment of the Ontario...

UCDSB to host holocaust survivor Andy Rèti as Tour for Humanity returns

SUBMITTED The Tour for Humanity mobile classroom will return to...

Fraud charges laid in connection with Elgin-area cat rescue

SUBMITTED The Leeds County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police...

Naismith students champion accessibility in Mississippi Mills

SUBMITTED Grade 6 students at Naismith Memorial Public School have made a...

Smiths Falls Police tackle crime with multiple arrests in ongoing theft and IPV investigations

SUBMITTED Two arrested after shoplift investigation On April 9th, 2025, the...

Rideau Lakes council trims tax hike to 5.78%, avoids new borrowing in revised budget

LAURIE WEIR Township council will proceed with a leaner 2025...

Related Articles

Popular Categories