Lakelands Public Health marks its first year of operations following the historic merger of the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health on January 1, 2025, with the launch of the Annual Report.
The merger brought together people, programs, systems, and services to create a unified public health organization dedicated to improving and protecting the health of communities across the region. Throughout 2025, Lakelands Public Health focused on building a strong foundation while continuing to deliver essential public health programs and respond to emerging community needs.
“Mergers — and changes of any kind — are never easy, but they are sometimes necessary,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer of Lakelands Public Health. “Our first year has gone better than I could have expected because of the leadership of our Board of Health, support from the Provincial Government, and, most importantly, the dedication of our staff who have embraced the opportunity to build Lakelands Public Health for generations to come.”
During its first year, Lakelands Public Health worked to harmonize policies and procedures, strengthen internal operations, modernize digital systems, and foster a shared organizational culture rooted in integrity, respect, service excellence, equity, and community partnership. Staff across all divisions demonstrated resilience, collaboration, and innovation while maintaining continuity of service for residents.
The Board of Health, led by Chair Ron Black and Vice Chair Cecil Ryall, played an important role in guiding the newly merged organization with a collaborative “Lakelands first” approach.
“This first annual report marks an important milestone for our new organization,” said Chair Ron Black, Board of Health Chair for Lakelands Public Health, and Deputy Mayor for Selwyn Township. “Following the merger, our focus has been on the important work of harmonization, aligning systems, and strong, steady leadership through change while keeping the needs of residents and communities at the centre of every decision. This report reflects not only what we have accomplished in our first year, but the commitment we share to protecting and promoting health across the region.”
The organization also received significant support from the Provincial Government, including investments to support the merger, address program capacity challenges, and make upgrades to buildings and information technology infrastructure.
Community partnerships remained central to the organization’s success in 2025. Guided by a spirit of collaboration and advocacy, Lakelands Public Health worked with municipalities, healthcare providers, schools, Indigenous communities, social service agencies, and community organizations to strengthen local responses to complex health challenges and advance shared priorities across the region.
Looking ahead, Lakelands Public Health remains focused on continuous improvement, innovation, and excellence in delivering impactful public health services that improve the health and well-being of all residents across the region.
Additional Highlights
1. Lakelands Public Health oversees approximately 336,865 people, 20 Municipalities and three First Nation Communities.
2. 147,278 vaccines distributed to health care professionals
3. 8,466 students received dental screening
4. 2,936 naloxone kits distributed
5. 443 families supported by home visit programs
6. 224 outbreaks managed
Visit LakelandsPH.ca/Reports to read the full 2025 Annual Report.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
