News Releases

Health Department begins 2023 West Nile virus surveillance activities

Whitby, Ontario - Durham Region Health Department has started West Nile virus surveillance and control activities for the season.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on the blood of birds that carry the virus. The disease is not passed from person to person or from bird to person. Since 2001, West Nile virus has been found in birds, mosquitoes, horses and humans in Ontario. In 2022,...

Rabies Awareness Month: Health Department reminds pet owners that rabies vaccination is mandatory

Whitby, Ontario - May is Rabies Awareness Month and Durham Region Health Department is reminding the public that the rabies vaccination is mandatory for pets, while stressing the importance of keeping everyone, including children, away from wild animals. Rabies is a preventable disease which is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.

"A key component of rabies prevention and control is responsible pet ownership, including rabies vaccination for all dogs and cats over three...

Business Count returns to Durham Region

Whitby, Ontario – As part of an annual Region project to gather employment statistics and build a stronger local economy, businesses in Durham Region should expect a knock on their door this spring/summer. The Regional Municipality of Durham, Planning and Economic Development Department, is conducting a Business Count to gather statistics from local businesses about their operations.

Between May and August, the Region’s Business Count team is scheduled to visit all business establishments in...

Durham Region celebrates Asian Heritage Month

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:

“Today marks the beginning of Asian Heritage Month—a time to recognize and reflect on the significant contributions that Asian communities have made, and continue to make, to Canadian history, heritage and identity.

Throughout this month, we will celebrate the positive impact and achievements of Asian Canadians to the region; and we...

2023 Transportation Tomorrow Survey underway in Durham Region

Whitby, Ontario – The Regional Municipality of Durham, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO), Metrolinx, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), and other participating municipalities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH), have launched the 2023 Transportation Tomorrow Survey (TTS).

The TTS is a voluntary survey that captures information about trips made by residents during a typical weekday. The Region thanks residents who completed the survey in the fall. Those who have...