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 tonight. Nighttime temperatures are predicted to reach -17°C, with a windchill reaching -27.  

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 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m. 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 

Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Board of Health Meeting Summary Date:
Thursday, January 16, 2025. | Time: 2 p.m.

The Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Board of Health Meeting was called to order at 2:01 p.m.

8.1 Report: Approval of Board Meeting Schedule

A rotating schedule of Wednesdays and Thursday meetings with both 1 and 5 p.m. start times was approved.

• Wednesday, February 19 – 5pm (Peterborough Office)
• Thursday, March 20 – 1pm (Port Hope Office)
• Wednesday, April 16 – 5pm (TBD)
• Thursday, May 15 – 1pm (TBD)
• Wednesday, June 18 – 5pm (TBD)
• Thursday, September 17 – 1pm (TBD)
• Wednesday, October 15 – 5pm (TBD)
• Thursday, November 20 – 1pm (TBD)
• Wednesday, December 17 – 5pm (TBD)

8.2 Report: Approval of Board Remuneration Policy and Rate

A remuneration amount of $100/meeting approved for Board of Health Members for 2025 was approved.

10.1 Presentation: HKNP Merger Briefing – Journey Towards Full Integration – Q1 2025

Tony Yu, Principal, Sense and Nous presented on merger successes that both legacy organizations have accomplished to date. Operational areas of review included Governance, Finance and Facilities, Legal, Information Technology, Branding and Communications, Human Resources, Change Management and Program Harmonization. A few operational examples include the near complete harmonization of the financial management systems, the bridging across two information technology systems to utilize cross tenant access, and the continued transparency of communications across both legacy organizations along with progress made with the new brand identity. The Senior Leadership Team continues to collaborate on an integration approach that’s both organizational and regional in scope while ensuring the path forward is harmonious. Current priority focus remains on the leadership structure and when and how those decisions are to be made. The Senior Leadership Team will be providing an update to the Ministry on the 2025 budget.

10.2 Presentation: Partnering to Enhance Merger Success

Angela Burton, Principal Change Advisor, Prosci presented on change management practices and preparing both legacy organizations to be ready for change. A review of the 10 aspects of change management was presented along with a review of leadership capabilities. Change Management training has been delivered to the Senior Leadership Team as well as managers from both legacy organizations, and work is ongoing to support effective merger implementation through helping staff and stakeholders on their change journeys.

10.3 Legal Corporate Address

The Board of Health approved the 185 King Street Peterborough to be the legal corporate address for HKNP.

The Board discussed this legal/provincial requirement and recognized with current work approaches this represents a legal/mailing decision and does not change approaches to work design in our full region where offices in Peterborough, Port Hope, Lindsay and Haliburton are technically headquarters with rotating management/staff at each site.

10.4 Meeting Streaming

The Board of Health has requested staff to bring forward a report for the February 19th meeting on the different options available for a Board of Health decision regarding the public/media participation in meetings including live streaming, teleconference call-in, recording and posting Board of Health meeting, and meeting summary reports with no recording.

Board of Health Meeting adjourned at 4:36 p.m.

Next HKNP Board of Health Meeting The next meeting of the Board of Health for the Haliburton Kawartha Peterborough Northumberland will take place on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 5 p.m. at the Peterborough Office, located at 185 King Street and will be an in-person/hybrid meeting.

View the HKNP Board of Health Agenda and Package

To view the Board of Health Meeting Summary, Agenda and Package please visit either the HKPR District Health Unit or Peterborough Public Health websites.

Media Contacts

Ashley Beaulac, Manager of Communication Services, HKPR District Health Unit, abeaulac@hkpr.on.ca, 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1212

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

We are committed to providing information in a format that meets your needs. To request information in an alternate format please speak to either media contacts listed above.

Board of Health Meeting Scheduled for January 16, 2025

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

PORT HOPE and PETERBOROUGH, ON (January 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 Thursday, January 16, at 2 p.m.

The Board of Health meeting will be held in-person at the Lindsay Office located at 108 Angeline Street South, Lindsay ON.

Items on the Board of Health meeting agenda include:

• Approval of Board Meeting Schedule
• Approval of Board Remuneration Policy and Rate
• Presentation: HKNP Merger Briefing – Journey Towards Full Integration
• Presentation: Partnering to Enhance Merger Success
• Legal Corporate Address
• Meeting Streaming

How to Attend
Members of the media and community are welcome to listen in to the meeting through an audio line: +1-647-749-9372, and phone conference ID: 124824888#.

Agenda and Board Package
Please find the agenda and Board of Health package on our 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

Stay warm to avoid cold-related illness 

Today Peterborough Public Health is issuing the first Frostbite Alert of the season. A cold event is expected to affect the Peterborough area tonight, with nighttime temperatures reaching -18°C, and a windchill expected to reach -28.  

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 newly merged Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit will meet virtually.

PORT HOPE and PETERBOROUGH, ON (December 30, 2024) – 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 virtually for Thursday, January 2, at 11:00 a.m.

Items on the Board of Health meeting agenda include:

• Elections of the Chair and Vice Chair
• By-Laws for Approval
• Committee Terms of Reference for Approval
• Committee Appointments – Board Members
• Committee Appointments – Community Members
• Meeting Schedule and Honourarium
• Correspondence: Regulatory Amendments to Effect Voluntary Mergers of Local Public Health Agencies from the CMOH

How to Attend

Members of the media and community are welcome to listen in to the meeting through an audio line: +1 647-794-5625, and phone conference ID: 689576425#.

Agenda and Board Package available online at Peterborough Public Health

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.

Further communication will be released once the new health unit launches its official business name and new logo.

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

Peterborough Public Health Activates Extreme Cold Response Plan 

As the cold weather arrives, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has once again activated their Extreme Cold Response Plan (ECRP) for the region. The ECRP mandates that PPH monitor temperatures and notify residents how to protect themselves when the temperature or wind chill reach temperatures that could cause negative health impacts. When the ECRP is activated, alerts will be shared on PPH’s social media, through media outlets, and with partner agencies. 

A normal body temperature is approximately 37°C; changes of even one or two degrees to a core body temperature can increase a person’s risk of harm. When outside temperatures drop, staying warm and safe can become challenging, particularly when wind or other factors may cause the body to lose heat even faster. 

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)  

Read more in the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment.  

The City of Peterborough has extended the hours of Trinity Community Centre, located at 360 Reid St, from 9am to 7pm (overnight services remain 8pm to 8am). For a full description of meals and services that One City provides, please visit www.onecityptbo.ca. Residents of the County are encouraged to visit heated public spaces, such as libraries or arenas, or warming centres when needed.   

The most common cold-related injuries are windburn, frostbite and hypothermia, all of which are preventable. There is also a higher risk of heart attacks during extreme cold events since a person’s heart rate will increase as the body tries to pump blood faster to maintain warmth. Not to mention that during periods of cold, it is also likely to be slippery, increasing the risk of falls and injuries because of hazardous conditions. 

Residents are reminded to protect themselves, and those in their care, from extreme cold by: 

• seeking shelter when the temperatures drop or there is a wind chill 
• always wearing clothing appropriate for the weather 
• dressing in layers, with a wind-resistant outer layer 
• wearing warm socks, hat, gloves, and scarf 
• changing into dry clothing as soon as possible, if you get wet 
• paying attention to weather alerts, including wind chill alerts 
• knowing their own risk factors, such as certain medical conditions  

For further details on the response plan and recognizing cold-related illnesses, please visit peterboroughpublichealth.ca/extremecold  

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

Health Unit’s Annual Report Highlights More Severe Food Insecurity

From 2021 to 2023, approximately one in five households in Peterborough City and County faced food insecurity. Each year, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) releases a report on household food insecurity within the City and County of Peterborough.  However, this year’s report shows a significant increase in the severity of that food insecurity.

The 2024 report highlights how incomes are failing to meet the rising costs of basic needs and folks are now, more than ever, are missing meals or reducing food intake due to cost. The Canadian Consumer Price Index shows that goods and services increased by 6.8% in 2022 – the biggest increase in 40 years – and another 3.9% in 2023. Yet incomes have not increased at the same rate. Food insecurity is an income problem, which cannot be properly resolved without income solutions and addressing other critical community issues, such as:

• Affordable housing
• Strengthening food systems
• Addressing racism and discrimination
• Supporting Indigenous self-determination and health equity
• Helping families with children to thrive

Household food insecurity increases both adult’s and children’s risk of chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and poorer mental health, among other negative health outcomes. “Consistent with provincial and national trends, the Food Insecurity Report addresses the largest increases in food insecurity that our communities have faced in decades. To get to root causes and reverse this trend, we need to address income as a determinant of health”, said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of PPH. Residents are encouraged to continue taking action for income solutions, including the right to affordable housing, and learning about food insecurity within our community. The full report can be read online at: www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-Report-Addressing-Food-Insecurity-in-Peterborough.pdf

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

Attendance Options Available for Media and Community Members 

Media and the community are advised that the next Board of Health meeting will take place in-person at 185 King St., Peterborough on Wednesday, December 11 at 5:30 p.m. 

This meeting is open to in-person attendance for media partners and via teleconference line for media and community members. 

To attend: 
Media:  Please contact media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca if you wish to attend in person.
Media and Community Members: AUDIO STREAM – 1-647-794-5625, ID: 521 956 151#  

To access the board package, please visit: www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/about-us/meetings/. 

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

The legal merger of both health units into a single entity will take effect January 1, 2025.

PETERBOROUGH AND PORT HOPE, ON (December 4, 2024) – The Boards of Health for Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) and Peterborough Public Health (PPH) are pleased to announce that they will be moving forward with a voluntary merger, effective January 1, 2025. The goal of the merger is to sustain and improve the delivery of public health programs and services across the City of Kawartha Lakes, the County of Haliburton, Northumberland County, Hiawatha First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Alderville First Nation, Peterborough County and the City of Peterborough.

The merger will be supported through an investment of $10.1 million from the Province of Ontario (announced on Monday, December 2) to support both the merger directly, catch-up activities, and service improvements to strengthen public health for this region.

“This is an important milestone bringing both public health units together to form one new organization,” said David Marshall, Board Chair for the HKPR District Health Unit. “Our dedicated and now combined employees of more than 300 public health professionals will continue to work with our communities, partners and stakeholders to protect and promote health and prevent disease within our combined areas to keep our residents healthy.”

In August 2023, the Ministry of Health announced plans to strengthen the public health sector by offering one-time funding, resources and supports to local public health agencies that voluntarily merged by January 1, 2025.  In response to the announcement, the HKPR District Health Unit and PPH Boards of Health engaged the consulting firm Sense and Nous to conduct a feasibility study on a potential merger. Both Boards then voted to move forward with the merger process in February 2024 and a voluntary merger proposal and budget was submitted to the Ministry of Health on April 2, 2024. The new Board of Health will meet for the first time in the new year. The Ministry of Health has assured the public health unit that the government commits to 100 per cent provincial funding support for this merger with no fiscal impacts to municipalities and First Nations as a result of this merger, and in principle also commit to funding eligible merger expenses in subsequent years.

Membership of the new Board of Health will include 9 municipal representatives (two from the County of Northumberland, two from the City of Kawartha Lakes, one from the County of Haliburton, two from the County of Peterborough, and two from the City of Peterborough). In addition, the new Board of Health intends to have section 50 representation as currently exists (one member from Curve Lake First Nation and one from Hiawatha First Nation). The new Board of Health will also include provincial appointees, as outlined in the Health Protection and Promotion Act, and these members are yet to be confirmed.

“Peterborough residents became more familiar with public health’s role and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the health unit in our community has served us for over 135 years with a wide-reaching scope beyond infectious diseases,” said Councillor Joy Lachica, Board Chair for Peterborough Public Health. “With our friends at HKPR and the generous funding investment by the province, we will sustain and grow public health services for our residents.”

A new organizational structure and leadership team for the merged public health unit will be announced at a later time. Both current public health units will remain operational, with no immediate impact on programs and services provided to the public. A new identity and brand will be launched in early 2025.

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 important work of public health across the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County, Hiawatha First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Alderville First Nation, Peterborough County and the City of Peterborough.

Further communication will be released once the new health unit launches its official business name and new logo.

Additional Quotes

• “The province has made a commitment to the people of Ontario to strengthen the public health sector. The merger of Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health will combine over 300 dedicated staff to increase public health capacity and improve program delivery to our communities. The significant investment from the province will provide assistance for our local health units to merge smoothly and continue their quality service for all residents in Haliburton, Kawartha, Northumberland and Peterborough.” David Piccini, Member of Provincial Parliament, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

• “The merging of HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health will streamline operations and enhance their ability to deliver comprehensive and efficient services. This integration will allow for the expansion of programs and ensure health initiatives will reach more people, fostering healthier communities across our region.” Laurie Scott, Member of Provincial Parliament, Haliburton – Kawartha Lakes – Brock

• “This merger is fantastic news for the entire region. It will create a health unit that is large enough to allow for succession planning for every staff position, create opportunities for mentorship, professional growth and provide exceptional healthcare results for the area. I want to thank everyone involved in this voluntary merger and look forward to working closely with both Dr. Piggott and Dr. Bocking.” Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament, Peterborough – Kawartha

• “This is excellent news that the provincial government has approved the investment and the PPH Board of Health has resolved to merge. The efficiencies and improvements to public health delivery will be important for residents of the County of Peterborough and full Geography.” PPH Board of Health Vice Chair and Deputy Mayor Ron Black (County of Peterborough, Selwyn Township)

• “Public health affects us all and is important to the health of our communities. I am looking forward to seeing the new organization grow to more capably and equitably serve Indigenous peoples and all residents in the new region.” Councilor Kathryn Wilson (Hiawatha First Nation)

• “The merger of these two health units makes sense. Because of their proximity and the similar rural environment, they face common issues and experiences. No doubt, these experiences are resolved differently than how they might be in larger urban health units with the high population density yet relatively small geographical size. The merger will allow currently suggested but not mandated services to remain active and regular services to remain less interrupted, even when an emergency such as COVID hits unexpectedly.” Mayor John Logel (Alnwick Haldimand Township)

Media Contacts:

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

About the Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides important public health programs and services to residents in Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes. Our dedicated team of public health professionals, led by our Medical Officer of Health, promote healthy living, protect against disease, and prevent illness and injury. We work with health care providers and community partners to address emerging health issues, service gaps and social inequities to support residents in being well and reaching their full potential. Our values of trust, engagement, accountability, and leadership guide what we do every day. Learn more at www.hkpr.on.ca.

About Peterborough Public Health

Peterborough Public health serves residents throughout the City and County of Peterborough, as well as Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, and offer a wide range of programs and services ranging from healthy eating workshops, poverty reduction initiatives to controlling infectious disease outbreaks, water safety and oral health and sexual health clinic services. Public Health is shaped by our social, economic and physical environments, as well as by our personal choices. Through community programs and by developing better health policies, Peterborough Public Health works to improve the living conditions of those in need for the benefit of all. Learn more at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca

YouTube Stream Available for Media and Members of the Public

Media and the community members are advised that a special Board of Health meeting will take place in person on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. This meeting will be live streamed on YouTube for the community and members of the media at www.youtube.com/@PtboPublicHealth/streams

To access the board package and teleconference information, please visit: www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/about-us/meetings/.

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