The local public health unit is going to be amalgamated with three other units to form a the largest single public health unit in the province.
Chuck Ferguson, spokesperson for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health said that the medical officers of health were briefed on Friday of the changes, which were shared with staff Monday.
"Staff have learned today that there will be a new larger health unit made up of the Region of Waterloo, Region of Peel, Halton Region and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health," Ferguson said.
"That would make it the largest public health unit in the province and one of the fastest growing, with its proximity to Toronto."
Ferguson said it's too early to know any specifics of the amalgamation and how it might affect services or staffing.
"We also know that while we're going to be much bigger, key public health services will continue to be delivered locally.
"The administration of public health is changing, but we will still have a local presence."
WDGPH employs just over 200 people and is responsible for vaccinations, nutrition programs, communicable diseases, restaurant inspections and awareness campaigns.
"Any changes I could talk about would be speculative," Ferguson said.
The province will be in discussion with the affected health units over the summer and new legislation would have to be passed before the changes could take place, Ferguson said.
There are currently 35 public health units in Ontario.
"There's still some process to go before we know any exact picture."
Ferguson said the 2019 budget has been set and he doesn't expect any changes to that.
He said the changes aren't likely to happen overnight.
"These are four distinct health units, an urban and rural mix, so I think there will be quite a bit of discussion and planning," Ferguson said.
Hayley Chazan, spokesperson for Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Christine Elliott, said in an email that the details are still being worked out.
“While the government will bring forward proposals, the specific boundaries of the new regional health units will be finalized in consultation with municipalities through technical working groups, which we expect to launch shortly," Chazan said.
"In the meantime, we are in direct contact with all public health units to provide information about our modernization plan and to answer questions. Through these technical working groups, we will also work with our municipal partners to design governance and delivery models that protect and preserve the voice of all municipalities. In doing so, we will ensure that public health investments better meet the needs of local communities.”
Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner said he was concerned with the move,
"This reported merger raises concerns of whether Mississauga and Brampton are appropriate partners for Guelph, Wellington and Waterloo. Public health needs in the Guelph region are different than those in the GTA," Schreiner said.
"I am worried the government is plowing ahead with a centralization plan without consideration for local decision making or how these changes affect people’s health in our region
"Tunnel vision for immediate savings cannot put local service delivery at risk.”
