News Releases

Health Department reports more adult mosquitoes that have tested positive for West Nile virus

Whitby, Ontario - Durham Region Health Department has received notification of more adult mosquitoes that have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The positive batch of mosquitoes was collected from one of the Health Department’s mosquito trap sites located in Ajax. Positive confirmation was received on August 19. These are the first mosquitoes in Ajax to test positive for WNV this season. Mosquitoes identified with WNV have also been identified in Clarington and Oshawa so far this season.

The...

Durham Region appoints new Commissioner of Works

Whitby, Ont. – The Region of Durham is pleased to announce the appointment of John Presta, P. Eng. MPA, to the position of Commissioner of the Works Department for The Regional Municipality of Durham. Presta assumed the role on July 25.

Presta takes on the role of Commissioner of Works after 18 years as Director of Environmental Services with the Region’s Works Department where he has been responsible for several operational functions, including:

• The operation, planning and design of the Region’s...

Shining a spotlight on the work of public health inspectors

Health Department joins national campaign to promote important role of PHIs in the community

Whitby, Ontario - Durham Region Health Department is highlighting the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors’ national awareness campaign to help increase understanding of and acknowledge the vital work of all public health inspectors (PHI) in Durham region, across Ontario and Canada.

The role of a public health inspector encompasses many diverse areas to help protect the health and well-being...

Regional Chair Henry on acknowledging Emancipation Day

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:

“It is with great honour that I acknowledge August 1 as Emancipation Day. It marks the day when the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect, ending the slavery of people of African descent in Canada.

While the abolition of slavery may have ended physical enslavement, it did not prevent or protect Black people from continued exploitation...

COVID-19 vaccine available for children six-months to under five-years old

Second booster doses also available for immunocompromised youth 12 to 17-years old

Whitby, Ontario - In line with the recent announcement from the province, Durham Region Health Department will be offering paediatric Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine for children six-months to under five-years old. Appointments for this age group will be held at local immunization clinics. Bookings will be available starting at 8 a.m. on July 28. To book an appointment, visit durham.ca/VaccineAppointment....