News Releases

Health Department releases first of seven reports on local health impacts of climate change

Whitby, Ontario - Climate change is affecting the safety, health and quality of life of all people in Durham Region, including the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and other Indigenous Peoples with whom we share these lands. To help learn, prepare and act against hazards associated with climate change, Durham Region Health Department has completed the first report in a special series entitled, Climate Change and Health in Durham Region, available at durham.ca/ClimateAndHealth.

The first...

Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Ajax and Pickering

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region Health Department has received notification that adult mosquitoes in Ajax and Pickering have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). There have now been five mosquito batches in Durham Region that have tested positive for WNV this season including, three in Oshawa and one each in Ajax and Pickering.

The current batches of positive mosquitoes were collected from the Health Department’s mosquito trap sites located in Ajax and Pickering. The Health Department sets...

Durham Region welcomes significant health care investment from Province of Ontario

Whitby, Ontario – The following statement is being issued on behalf of John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham:

“This morning, the provincial government announced its support for the multi-phase redevelopment of Lakeridge Health’s hospital campuses in Bowmanville, Oshawa, Ajax and Pickering, including the building of a new, state-of-the-art hospital facility in Whitby. These investments will have immeasurable positive impact on the health of...

Region of Durham celebrates Emancipation Day

Whitby, Ontario – The following statement is being issued on behalf of John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham:

“On August 1, Durham Region will recognize Emancipation Day with an exciting community celebration at Esplanade Park in Pickering. This event is an opportunity to celebrate our region’s rich diversity, learn more about emancipation and recognize its legacy.

August 1 holds significance as the day slavery was abolished in Canada in...

Blue-green algae found in water samples tested from Lake Scugog

Whitby, Ontario - Durham Region Health Department has been advised by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks that a water sample collected on July 15 from Lake Scugog, near Platten Island, indicates the presence of blue-green algae in the area.

In the summer months, as weather conditions vary, there may be more occurrences of blue-green algae throughout Lake Scugog and other bodies of surface water in Durham Region. While there is currently no evidence of blue-green algae...