Spring Melt Brings Higher Risk for Contamination of Well Water 

The well water sampling drop off program will resume for the 2025 season on Tuesday, April 22nd in the Township of North Kawartha and the Municipality of Trent Lakes. The program offers free water sample collection kit pick-up and sample drop-off through these municipal offices. 

Beginning Tuesday, April 22nd, water samples can be dropped off at: 

• North Kawartha Municipal Office – 280 Burleigh Street,?Apsley, ON
  Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. 
• Trent Lakes Municipal Office – 760 County Road 36, Trent Lakes, ON
  Tuesday and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.  

Samples are then couriered to the Public Health Ontario Lab in Peterborough for testing. Empty sample bottles can be picked up from these offices at any time during regular business hours. Samples must be dropped off at the municipal offices within 24 hours of collection to ensure they reach the lab and are processed in a timely manner. Residents are encouraged to carefully read the sampling and collection instructions included with each kit. Filled sample bottles should be delivered to the front desk at the municipal office. Staff will then place it in a fridge until it is collected by the courier. 

Well water testing is recommended at least twice a year, in the Spring and Fall. Water samples are tested for two types of bacterial contamination: total coliforms and E. coli. Anyone can become ill if they consume contaminated water, but young people, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk. 

Water samples can also be dropped off year-round at the following locations: 

• Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa Street, Havelock
  Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.   
• Peterborough Public Health, 185 King Street, Peterborough
  Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  Friday., 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon  
• Public Health Ontario Laboratory, 99 Hospital Drive 
  Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Residents will receive water quality results by mail or can call Public Health Ontario’s Interactive Voice Response at 1-877-723-3426. If you have questions about your test results, please call the PPH Safe Water Program at 705-743-1000, ext. 232, for more information. 

To learn more about well water safety, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/well-water-safety 

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For further information, please contact: 

Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca  

Keely-Anne Johnson
Secretary/Receptionist
Township of North Kawartha
705-656-5175
K.Johnson@northkawartha.ca 

Rachel Stark 
Economic Development and Communications Officer
Municipality of Trent Lakes 
705-738-3800, ext. 223
rstark@trentlakes.ca  

The Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit Board of Health will meet in-person.

PORT HOPE and PETERBOROUGH, ON (April 14, 2025) – The Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit (formerly the HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health) would like to advise media and the community of an upcoming Board of Health meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 5 p.m.

The Board of Health meeting will be held in person at the Lindsay Office located at 108 Angeline Street South, Lindsay. Items on the agenda include:

• Presentation: Peterborough Youth Substance Use Prevention Initiative
• Medical Officer of Health Updates
• Report: Stewardship Committee
• Report: Association of Local Public Health Agencies Membership Approval
• Report: Merger Progress Update

How to Attend
Members of the media and community can watch the livestream by accessing our YouTube Channel.

Agenda and Board Package
Please find the agenda and Board of Health package on the HKPR District Health Unit website and the Peterborough Public Health website.

During this time, both the HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health remain committed to engaging with the communities they serve, partners and teams to determine future opportunities to continue the legacy of public healthcare across the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the Greater Peterborough Area.

Take Precautions to Avoid Foodborne and Waterborne Illness

Following the weekend’s ice storm, power outages and debris clean up may persist for several days, posing a risk to residents. The following information outlines guidelines for minimizing the health risks associated with foodborne and waterborne illnesses. For those with limited access to the internet, please call Peterborough Public Health to hear this information and ask questions at 705-743-1000.

Food Safety and Storage:

Keep refrigerators and freezers closed. A household fridge that is left closed will typically keep food at a safe temperature (4°C or 40°F) for 4 hours, after which the temperature will begin to rise. Hazardous foods such as milk, deli meats, and other dairy or meat products should be discarded once it’s spent more than 2 hours at a temperature warmer than 4°C or 40°F.

A freezer (chest or fridge-freezer combo) will keep food frozen for one to two days if it remains closed. Throw out any food that is thawed or has been at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If food has only been partially thawed, or thawed for less than 2 hours, it can be safely refrozen. The quality of the food item may be affected, but the food will still be safe to consume if it has only been partially thawed.

Consider transferring hazardous food items from the refrigerator to a cooler with ice, replace the ice frequently to keep food cold (ideally at 4°C or 40°F).

Well and Septic System Safety:

For those on wells and septic systems, power outages can affect treatment units for drinking/tap water and pumps for well water and septic systems.

Drinking Water: Use bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing your teeth and any other activities that involve the direct consumption of water. When the power is restored, verify that any filters and treatment devices have resumed normal operation and flush your plumbing system to remove any untreated water by running the water for several minutes through all plumbing fixtures. Collect a water sample as soon as possible once the power has been restored.

Pump Failure: If you do not have water due to a pump failure, find an alternate source of water to use until you can sample your water once the power comes back on. Use bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing your teeth and any other activities that involve the direct consumption of water.

Septic Systems: If you are on a septic system, limit the amount of wastewater that you are generating. If your sewage cannot be pumped to the leaching bed, your tank may fill up and backup into the house or discharge to the ground. In the event you have a sewage backup into your home or you observe breakout of sewage onto your property, call a sewage hauler and immediately pump your septic tank.

Pools and Hot Tubs:

If you have a pool or hot tub, there could be increased challenges with pool/hot tub operation and safety if recirculation systems are not working. Contact a recreational water professional for more information about after-care once the power comes back on. During the power outage, avoid swimming in the pool to prevent waterborne illnesses due to insufficient pool water treatment. If the water is cloudy, do not swim as this can increase risk for accidental drowning.

General Safety During a Power Outage:

• Do not cook indoors on equipment that expels carbon monoxide (camp stoves, charcoal grills, etc.)
• Do not use gas stoves unless there is proper ventilation (they often require electric fans to ventilate)
• Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order with batteries
• Do not use portable generators indoors. These need to be outdoors and away from windows. Do not connect a portable generator to your home electrical panel unless this has been previously set up by a qualified electrician
• Use caution while driving as many streetlights and stop lights may be out
• Do not stand under trees or other hazards, as they may be compromised by ice

Stay Warm:
The City of Peterborough is operating warming centres. The following sites will be open until 8 p.m. on March 31st:

• Healthy Planet Arena, banquet hall, 911 Monaghan Rd.
• Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W.
• Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.

Flood Cleanup
If your home experiences flooding, standing water and water-damaged materials can present long-term health risks, with the growth of mould, viruses, and bacteria. Homes and furnishings are less likely to grow mould if they are dried within 48 hours. Learn more at peterboroughpublichealth.ca/flooding. To clean up, ensure you:

• Determine if the flood involves relatively clean water or sewage-contaminated water
  • Contact PPH if you suspect sewage contamination
• Keep any extension cords out of the water
• Shut off power to the flooded area at the breaker box
• Wear rubber boots (to avoid electrical shocks), disposable gloves, N95 mask, and goggles
• Do not use combustion equipment designed for outdoor use inside
• Dispose of contaminated household items that cannot be dried

For those without access to the internet, please call Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000 to hear this information. Additional information can be found at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca

The Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit Board of Health will meet in-person.

PORT HOPE and PETERBOROUGH, ON (March 17, 2025) – The Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit (formerly the HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health) would like to advise media and the community of an upcoming Board of Health meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 1 p.m.

The Board of Health meeting will be held in person at the Port Hope Office located at 200 Rose Glen Road, Port Hope. Items on the agenda include:

• Reports: OMERS
• Reports: Policies and Procedures for Approval
• Consent Items: Report from the Indigenous Health Advisory Circle
• Presentation: Association of Local Public Health Agencies Organization

How to Attend
Members of the media and community can watch the livestream by accessing our YouTube Channel.

Agenda and Board Package
Please find the agenda and Board of Health package on the HKPR District Health Unit website and the Peterborough Public Health website.

During this time, both the HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health remain committed to engaging with the communities they serve, partners and teams to determine future opportunities to continue the legacy of public healthcare across the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the Greater Peterborough Area.

Media Contacts:

Ashley Beaulac, Communication Services Manager, HKPR District Health Unit, abeaulac@hkpr.on.ca, 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1212
Media Relations, Peterborough Public Health, media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca 1-705-743-1000, ext. 352

The Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough Public Health, the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County are joining forces to highlight pedestrian safety and encouraging everyone to #walksafe.

Whether you are traveling on a city street or using a rural roadway, the safety of all road users should be front and center. Over the coming weeks, essential safety tips will be released through our organizations.

From families on their morning trip to school, to someone walking to the bus stop to get to work, or even the short trip one may make from the parking garage to a shop, each of us make many walk or roll trips each day. In 2024, there were 44 pedestrian-involved collisions in the Peterborough Police Service policing areas (City of Peterborough, Village of Lakefield, Township of Cavan-Monaghan) with 39 of them (or 89%) resulting in injury. In local OPP-patrolled areas, there was one pedestrian involved collision that resulted in one death and one person injured.

The goal of releasing these safety tips, is to reduce the risk to those walking, running, or rolling on city and rural roads, as well as minimize their exposure to hazards.

There are tried and true Pedestrian Safety Tips that help everyone to #walksafe:

1. Be Visible
   • Wear Bright or Reflective Clothing: Choose clothing in bright colors (such as neon or white) or wear reflective gear, especially if walking during low-light conditions (dawn, dusk, or night) or inclement weather conditions.
   • Carry a Flashlight or Headlamp: If walking in the dark, use a flashlight or headlamp to help you see and be seen by drivers.
   • Use Reflective Accessories: Consider adding reflective tape or vests to your clothing or gear, making you more visible from a distance.

2. Walk Facing Traffic
   • Face Oncoming Vehicles: On streets without sidewalks, always walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic so you can see approaching vehicles and take action if necessary.
   • Stay Alert: Minimize distractions by only having one headphone in and low volume. If you need to text, stop, text and then continue walking when you are done. 

3. Stay on the Shoulder
   • Use the Shoulder: Walk on the shoulder of the road, as far away from moving vehicles as possible.
   • Give Passing Vehicles Space: When cars or trucks pass by, stay as far off the roadway as possible to give them plenty of space.

4. Choose Safe Walking Routes
   • Select the Safest Routes: Choose roads with the least amount of traffic or where traffic moves slower. If high-speed roads are your only option, please choose to be extra cautious. Consider roads that have wider shoulders or clearer visibility for drivers. Be alert at curves or areas with limited sight lines.

5. Cross Safely
   • Use Marked Crossings When Available: If no designated crossings are present, choose the safest location to cross with good visibility for both pedestrians and drivers. 
   • Look Both Ways Before Crossing: Always check for oncoming traffic in both directions, even if the road seems clear. Don’t assume vehicles will stop for you.
   • Don’t Rush the Hand: Give yourself plenty of time to cross at intersections and designated crosswalks. 

6. Be Mindful of Weather Conditions
   • Adapt to Weather Changes: In poor weather (rain, fog, snow), visibility is reduced. Wear more reflective gear, and if conditions are severe, consider postponing walking if you can.
   • Stay Alert: Be aware of how conditions may impact vehicles. Poor weather may impact vehicles’ ability to stop or steer. Walk with extra caution, particularly when there is no sidewalk or crossing the street. 

7. Carry Identification
   • Carry ID and Emergency Info: Always carry identification and a phone with emergency contacts, especially if walking in more remote areas where help may not be readily available.

8. Limit/Avoid Walking at Night
   • Utilize Well-Lit Roads: When possible, stick to roads and sidewalks that are well-lit during night or times or low light. 
   • Limit Nighttime Walking: If possible, avoid walking after dark, especially on rural roads as visibility is low, and drivers may not expect pedestrians. If walking is unavoidable, ensure you have sufficient lighting and reflective gear.

9. Be Cautious Around Large Vehicles
   • Watch Out for Large Vehicles: Rural roads and areas near construction zones are often utilized by large trucks, farm equipment, and other heavy vehicles. Be extra cautious, as these vehicles require more space and have longer stopping distances.
   • Give Farm Vehicles Extra Space: Always give farm equipment plenty of room, especially when it’s traveling at slow speeds or taking up the whole road.

Motorists also have an active role to play in pedestrian safety. Motorists are reminded to:

Be Alert for Pedestrians

• In the dark or inclement weather, pedestrians may be less visible. Be alert and aware of other road users.
• Remember to check for pedestrians crossing at intersections. Do a double check when making turns, as a pedestrian may arrive while you’ve been looking for a gap in traffic.
• If a crossing guard is present, follow their instructions. Be patient and remember that stop means stop. It’s important that cars remain stopped at crosswalks until everyone is back on the sidewalk.

Be Aware of the Posted Speed Limit

• Slow down and give space to pedestrians on roadways
• Speed limits in many City and County school areas are reduced, be mindful of students walking or rolling to and from school
• Community Safety Zones are established to provide awareness of higher concentrations of vulnerable road users, speeding fines can be doubled in these areas.

Be Mindful of Weather Conditions

• Adapt to Weather Changes: In poor weather (rain, fog, snow), visibility is reduced, and road conditions may be impacted. Leave yourself extra space and extra time to travel. 

We are asking residents to watch for these messages and to share them widely. Let’s all #walksafe.

Contact Information:

Sandra Dueck
Manager, Strategic Communication Services
sdueck@peterborough.ca
705-876-1122 x217
peterboroughpolice.com

Sarah Deeth
Communications Specialist, City of Peterborough
SDeeth@peterborough.ca
705-742-7777 ext. 1638
Peterborough.ca

Tracie Bertrand
General Manager, Tourism and Communications
Peterborough County
tbertrand@ptbocounty.ca
705-743-0380 ext. 2502
ptbocounty.ca

Media Relations
Peterborough Public Health
Media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca
705-743-1000 ext. 352

Information Pages:

City of Peterborough: peterborough.ca/transportation

Peterborough County: Active Transportation Master Plan – County of Peterborough

Quotes:

“Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility, and Peterborough County is committed to working alongside our partners to ensure everyone can walk safely, whether it’s on a village street or a rural road. It is crucial that we all take these safety tips to heart. Together, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and create safer communities for everyone. Let’s all join together and #walksafe.” – Bonnie Clark, Warden for Peterborough County 

“Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility, and the #walksafe campaign is a crucial reminder for both walkers and drivers to stay vigilant. By taking a few simple steps, we can all make a real difference in road safety. Let’s work together to ensure everyone can walk safely in our community.” – Mayor Jeff Leal.

“We live in a beautiful region; one of my favourite ways to enjoy it is by walking or biking to work and being active outdoors with my family on weekends. Active transportation is one of the best ways to be out experiencing all our community has to offer, especially with the warmer weather. Safe pedestrian and driving habits can prevent accidents or serious injuries and allow us all to be out enjoying our community. Even something as simple as crossing the street correctly or wearing bright clothing can help drivers see pedestrians and prevent an accident.” – Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health for Peterborough Public Health

“One pedestrian-involved collision is one too many. The Peterborough Police Service is committed to ensuring our roads are as safe as possible for all residents. Whether we move about as pedestrians or as motorists in our communities, we have a shared responsibility to safety. These tips will not only give everyone the tools to be safe and avoid distractions but create an awareness that while on the road in any capacity we need to remain vigilant. Please #walksafe.” – Chief Stuart Betts, Chief of Police, Peterborough Police Service.

“While pedestrian-vehicle collisions are less frequent in Peterborough County than in the city, the risk is still very real. Pedestrians must stay aware of their surroundings, use designated crossings where available, and avoid distractions like cell phones and headphones. Vigilance can make the difference in preventing a tragedy. The Peterborough County OPP remains committed to educating our community on pedestrian safety to help prevent collisions before they happen.” – Inspector Chris Galeazza, Peterborough County OPP

Residents Reminded No Smoking or Vaping on Rec Centre Property 

Under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA), it is illegal to smoke or vape on the property or within 20 metres of all community recreation facilities, such as arenas, in Ontario. While this law has been unchanged since 2018, community members often benefit from periodic reminders. In January, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) shared a letter with all municipal recreation managers to be sent to all facilities’ user groups regarding SFOA legislation and resources. 

Additionally, over the past four weeks, Tobacco Enforcement Officers (TEOs) from PPH have visited 14 community recreation facilities within the region. In that time, TEOs have engaged in 40 educational conversations and given 22 warnings. As part of a progressive enforcement campaign, the TEOs will be escalating to issuing tickets immediately. So far, one ticket has been issued for smoking at a local arena this year. Under the SFOA, the fine for a first offence of smoking or vaping on arena property is $305. TEOs have observed that while overall compliance remains high, there has been an increase in the number of people vaping instead of smoking cigarettes compared to previous years. It’s important for the public to understand that both smoking and vaping are prohibited. 

Smoke- and vape-free spaces offer many benefits to individuals and the community. The vast majority (about 90%) of Ontarians do not smoke, yet secondhand smoke or vapour can put everyone at risk. Secondhand vapour contains several heavy metals and ultrafine particles that are dangerous to inhale, and there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke or vapour. Smoke- and vape-free spaces also support social norms to prevent smoking and vaping; youth, are particularly susceptible to thinking of smoking as “normal”, acceptable behaviour when they are exposed to it often and in various settings. Among those who do smoke, nearly half report wanting to quit; smoke-free spaces have been shown to help people with their quit attempts.

Ontario Health Units take a progressive enforcement approach to the SFOA starting with warnings and then progressing to charges if the behaviour is not corrected. In 2024, one charge and 24 warnings were issued for violations under the SFOA at beaches, parks, and the hospital property. Residents can report smoking or vaping violations by calling 705-743-1000 or online at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/report-secondhand-smoke-vapour.

Further details on the SFOA and benefits of smoke-free spaces can be found at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/sfoa.  

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For further information, please contact: 

Media Relations 

media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca  

The Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit Board of Health will meet in-person.

PORT HOPE and PETERBOROUGH, ON (February 13, 2025) – The Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit (formerly the HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health) would like to advise media, and the community of an upcoming Board of Health meeting scheduled for February 19, 2025 at
5 p.m.

The Board of Health meeting will be held in person at the Peterborough Office located at 185 King Street, Peterborough. Items on the agenda include:

• Reports: 2025 Cost-Shared Budget
• Reports: Policies for Review
• Reports: Streaming Report

How to Attend
Members of the media and community can call the audioconference line to tune in live to the meeting at +1-647-794-5625, using phone conference ID: 854 770 6611#.

Agenda and Board Package
Please find the agenda and Board of Health package on the HKPR District Health Unit website and the Peterborough Public Health website.

During this time, both the HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health remain committed to engaging with the communities they serve, partners and teams to determine future opportunities to continue the legacy of public healthcare across the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the Greater Peterborough Area.

Dr. Thomas Piggott has been appointed as the Acting Medical Officer of Health effective immediately.

PETERBOROUGH AND PORT HOPE, ON (February 4, 2025) – Today, the Board of Health for the Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough (HKNP) Health Unit (formerly Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health) announces Dr. Thomas Piggott as the area’s new Acting Medical Officer of Health (MOH) and Chief Executive Officer, subject to the Minister of Health’s approval, effective immediately. 

“We are pleased to announce that Dr. Thomas Piggott has been appointed as Acting Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer of the newly merged Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit,” said Ron Black, Chair of the Board of Health for the Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit. “Dr. Piggott brings excellent knowledge of our community and public health to the role, and we are confident that our mandate of protecting and promoting the health of all residents will be met and exceeded upon.”

Dr. Piggott is already a familiar face to many in the community as the Medical Officer of Health of legacy Peterborough Public Health.  As an accomplished public health physician with a breadth of professional experience and community service, he will continue to oversee public health initiatives that enhance the well-being of the community.

Dr. Natalie Bocking remains in the Deputy Medical Officer of Health role. “We had two great candidates who challenged the board process and both incumbents were very effective leaders of their respective organizations,” said Ron Black.

In his role Dr. Piggott will be working to design senior leadership team responsibilities and the design of a second public health physician position, which has been communicated as part of the plan for strengthened medical coverage for the new organization.  

Dr. Thomas Piggott started with Peterborough Public Health in December 2021. In his position as MOH/CEO, Dr. Piggott brings experience working at various levels of public health in Canada and internationally. Prior to Peterborough, Dr. Thomas Piggott worked as MOH and VP lead for Population/Rural & Remote Health in the northern region of Labrador and as a field doctor with Médicins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Dr. Piggott completed medical training, residency in Public Health and Preventive Medicine and his PhD in Health Research Methods at McMaster University. He is involved in research, teaching, clinical work and a father of young children. 

A reminder that Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit is the legal name of the organization. HKPR and PPH will remain operational, with no immediate impact on programs and services. More information will be shared on the formal launch of the new organization business name and logo later in 2025.  

A Media Scrum is being planned for Monday, February 10, 2025, at 10 a.m.  

Media Contacts: 

Stay warm to avoid cold-related illness 

Peterborough Public Health is issuing a Frostbite Alert, as a cold event is expected to affect the area tomorrow (Saturday) morning. Temperatures are predicted to reach -18°C, with a windchill reaching -28; the lowest temperatures are expected around 9am.  

Frostbite alerts are issued when temperatures and/or windchills are forecasted to be anywhere from -27°C to -38°C. At these temperatures, exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 to 30 minutes. While extreme cold can put everyone at risk, health risks are greatest for the following individuals: 

• people experiencing homelessness 
• older adults 
• children, especially infants and young children 
• people taking certain medications 
• people with certain health conditions (e.g., respiratory, cardiac, mental illness, mobility limitations) 
• people who live in homes that are poorly insulated, without heat/power  
• people who are active outdoors (e.g., outdoor workers, winter sport enthusiasts) 

Protect Yourself During Cold Weather 

• Remain indoors, if possible, while temperatures are the coldest; everyone is encouraged to seek shelter if possible  
• Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather 
• Dress in layers, with a wind-resistant outer layer 
• Wear warm socks, hat, gloves, and a scarf 
• If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible 
• Stay informed with weather alerts, including windchill alerts 

Community Resources to Stay Warm: 

Trinity Community Centre (360 Reid St.) is open from 9am-7pm and 8pm-8am every day. Operated by One City Peterborough, the Trinity Community Centre provides services on behalf of the City of Peterborough.?For a full description of meals and other services that One City provides, please visit www.onecityptbo.ca.?Members of the public are encouraged to access heated public spaces (e.g., shopping centres, public libraries, places of worship), if needed.  

Know the Signs of Cold-Related Illness: 

People suffer cold-related illnesses when their body temperature drops. A core temperature lowered by even 1-2°C, can put someone at risk for harmful effects. The risk of cold-related illness increases with the amount of time spent in the cold, the temperature, and strength of the wind.  

Cold-related illnesses include windburn, frostbite, and hypothermia. If your skin is turning white or yellow, but is still soft to the touch, you may be experiencing frostbite/frostnip. Move to a warm space, wrap yourself in warm, dry clothing/blankets, and thaw injured skin with water just above body temperature. Severe frostbite, where the skin is turning black, requires immediate medical attention.   

If your shivering is strong (or stops altogether) and/or you are having trouble speaking/thinking/walking, you may be experiencing stage 2 or 3 hypothermia. Call 9-1-1 immediately. While you wait for help, move to a warm space and try to dry and gradually warm your body. For more information on extreme cold and cold-related illnesses, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/extremecold.

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For further information, please contact: 

Media Relations 

media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca 

The Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit Board of Health will meet virtually.

PORT HOPE and PETERBOROUGH, ON (January 29, 2025) – The Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit (formerly the HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health) would like to advise media, and the community of an upcoming Special Board of Health meeting scheduled for Friday, January 31, at 8:30 a.m.

The Board of Health meeting will be virtually, and majority of the meeting will be in closed session in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001, Section 239(2)(d) Labour relations or employee negotiations. Motions passed in open session will be posted after the meeting.

How to Attend

Members of the media and community can call the audioconference line but will be held in the lobby until the open session portion of this meeting. Use audio line +1-647-794-5625, use phone conference ID: 510970444#.

Agenda and Board Package

Please find the agenda and Board of Health package on the HKPR District Health Unit website and the Peterborough Public Health website.

During this time, both the HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health remain committed to engaging with the communities they serve, partners and teams to determine future opportunities to continue the legacy of public healthcare across the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the Greater Peterborough Area.

Media Contacts:
Ashley Beaulac, Communication Services Manager, HKPR District Health Unit, abeaulac@hkpr.on.ca, 1-866-888-4577 x 1212 Media Relations, Peterborough Public Health, media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca 1-705-743-1000, x 352