News Releases

Durham Region residents 70-plus now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine

Whitby, Ontario - Durham Region Health Department is expanding eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to residents who are 70 years and older, or those who will be turning 70 in 2021. Appointments for the 70-plus eligibility group will begin at 1 p.m. on March 29. To book an appointment, visit www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment. Residents who need assistance to book an appointment can call 1-888-444-5113. In addition to residents 70 and older, the Health Department will continue to provide vaccinations...

Chair Henry’s statement on the provincial government’s investment in long-term care

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

“For many years now, long-term care homes across Durham Region have been experiencing capacity pressures, which the pandemic served to further strain. As of March 23, there were 3,328 individuals on the first choice wait list for admission to long-term care in Durham Region. Unfortunately, the average annual placement is only 923 beds per year in Durham Region.

That is why...

Regional Chair Henry on the Provincial 2021 budget

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 March 24, the Government of Ontario shared its 2021 Ontario Budget.

I was pleased to see support for several of Durham Region’s key priorities, such as COVID-19 relief and recovery, public transit, broadband, long-term care, and small business support—among others.

Of particular note, I was thrilled to see an additional $4.5 million...

Health Department declares COVID-19 outbreak at Supercuts in Pickering

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region Health Department has declared a COVID-19 outbreak at Supercuts, 570 Kingston Road, Pickering. Anyone who received service at this location between March 18 and 21 is being advised of a potential high-risk of exposure to COVID-19. All patrons who attended Supercuts during this time-period must self-isolate for 14 days from the last day they were at this location and seek COVID-19 testing as soon as possible.

To arrange for testing at one of the Durham Region COVID-19...

Corporate Climate Action Plan endorsed by Regional Council

Whitby, Ontario – Regional Council has unanimously endorsed the Corporate Climate Action Plan and approved targets to reduce corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 100 per cent by 2045.

In 2020, Regional Council declared a climate emergency. This plan provides the framework required for Durham Region to reduce GHG emissions associated with Regional corporate operations. While the Region’s corporate emissions make up roughly three per cent of Durham Region’s total emissions, through municipal...