The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) and Peterborough Public Health (PPH) will unite under a single entity effective January 1, 2025.
The Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit aims to improve services and sustain public health across the eight regions formerly serviced by HKPR and PPH. The provincial government is supporting the merger with $10.1 million to aid integration, catch-up efforts, and service enhancements. Board Chair for HKPR, David Marshall, said the merger is a “milestone” that will allow more than 300 health professionals to work together to protect and promote community health.
“This merger will ensure we continue to provide excellent public health services while meeting the needs of our growing population,” Marshall said.
The new board of health, meeting for the first time in January, will include municipal representatives from Northumberland County, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Peterborough County, and the City of Peterborough, as well as Indigenous representation from Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations.
Councillor Joy Lachica, Board Chair for Peterborough Public Health, highlighted the broader scope of public health work beyond infectious disease control. “With this merger and provincial investment, we will sustain and grow services for residents,” she said.
The merger aligns with the Ministry of Health’s push to strengthen public health through voluntary mergers. A feasibility study conducted in 2024 confirmed the benefits of uniting the two organisations, which face similar rural challenges.
A new organisational structure and branding will be unveiled in 2025, but existing services and communication channels will remain unchanged in the interim. Both agencies pledge to engage communities and stakeholders during the transition.
This merger marks a significant step in ensuring robust and equitable health services across the Kawarthas, Northumberland and Peterborough regions.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)