News Releases

Region of Durham response to reporting on main entrance revolving door system

Whitby, Ontario – Today (July 21), it was reported to a Toronto-based radio station that the cost of replacing the main entrance revolving door system at Durham Regional Headquarters cost property taxpayers upward of $1 million. This information requires clarification.

We are required to ensure Regional facilities are safe and in good working order for staff and visitors. The building’s existing sliding door system was reaching the end of its 20-year life expectancy. The doors were a constant...

Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Oshawa

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region Health Department has received notification that adult mosquitoes in Oshawa have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNv) disease. With this latest positive result, there have now been two mosquito batches in Durham Region that have tested positive for the virus this season; the first was in Clarington earlier in July.

The current batch of positive mosquitoes was collected from Health Department mosquito trap sites located in Oshawa. The Health Department sets...

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

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region Health Department has issued a Blue-Green Algae Advisory for the eastern shore of Lake Scugog near William’s Point Rd in Caesarea, following test results from a water sample collected on July 9 by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. The water sample confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in the area.

During summer months, changing weather conditions can lead to increased occurrences of blue-green algae in Lake Scugog and other...

Beware of water treatment sales tactics in the Durham and South Oshawa area

Whitby, Ontario – The Region of Durham reminds residents that the Region does not sell or endorse water filters or water treatment equipment, after being contacted by residents inquiring about door-to-door salespersons who want to test the water or install water filtering systems. In the past, residents have also received phone calls from salespersons who want access to their home to test the water or inspect the water service.

The Region of Durham supplies safe drinking water and is currently...

Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus disease in Durham Region

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region Health Department has received notification that adult mosquitoes in Clarington have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNv) disease. This is the first batch of mosquito in Durham Region to test positive for WNv disease this season.

The positive batch of mosquitoes was collected from one of the Health Department’s mosquito trap sites located in Clarington. Every week between June and September, the Health Department sets mosquito traps across the region and...