Lakelands Public Health introduces vision and funding plan to council

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: A new era of public health collaboration is taking shape, across the region, as Lakelands Public Health introduced its brand, vision, and 2026 budget plan, during a presentation to City of Kawartha Lakes council, on Tuesday, October 21st.

Led by, Medical Officer of Health and CEO, Dr. Thomas Piggott, the newly formed organization brings together the former Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge, and Peterborough public health units under one banner. Lakelands Public Health will serve more than 336,000 residents, across eight jurisdictions, including Alderville, Curve Lake, and Hiawatha First Nations.

“Lakelands Public Health represents a renewed commitment to health equity, collaboration, and community connection,” said Dr. Piggott. “By coming together, we can modernize our systems, share expertise, and build a stronger foundation for public health services, across the region.”

The organization’s new circular logo, developed through consultation with Indigenous partners, symbolizes the interconnectedness of health and community. Liz Stone, Chair of the Indigenous Health Advisory Circle, explained, the design reflects the Anishinaabe teaching of Mino Bimaadiziwin, the Good Life. “The circle represents wholeness, as it relates to health: spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical,” Ms. Stone said. “The colours acknowledge the importance of Water and Earth, as well as the Sun and Moon at the centre.”

Dr. Piggott outlined a five-year funding harmonization plan, designed to address the financial and capacity challenges, faced by the legacy health units, prior to the merger. The City of Kawartha Lakes’ 2026 contribution is projected at $2.67 million, a five percent increase or about $33.70 per resident. Across the region, the overall budget is expected to rise by 3.7 percent, with much of that increase attributed to salaries, benefits, and modernization efforts.

“Without the merger, both organizations were in financially unsustainable positions,” Dr. Piggott told councillors. “This harmonized model ensures stability and allows us to meet provincial standards, while continuing to serve residents effectively.”

The presentation also highlighted local health equity challenges, in the City of Kawartha Lakes, including food insecurity, housing costs, and poverty. One example showed a young mother earning $1,509 a month, while paying an average rent of $1,689 and $455 for food which would leave her with a deficit, before other expenses are even considered. “These figures tell a story about the realities many families face in our community,” Dr. Piggott said. “Public health has a vital role in addressing these root causes, through partnerships, policy, and prevention.”

Council members thanked Dr. Piggott for his presentation and emphasized the importance of collaboration between municipalities and public health. “It’s encouraging to see a unified approach which considers the broader picture, especially the social and economic factors impacting health outcomes,” said Mayor Doug Elmslie.

Lakelands Public Health is currently developing a new strategic plan which will guide its work through 2026 and beyond. Community engagement will play a key role in shaping that plan, and residents are invited to share their input, through an online survey, available at LakelandsPH.ca.