News Releases

Long-term care residents receive second dose of COVID-19 vaccine

Whitby, Ontario – The Region of Durham has reached an important milestone in the fight against COVID-19. As of February 7, all eligible long-term care residents across Durham Region have received their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Lakeridge Health and Durham Region Health Department worked diligently to prioritize vaccinations for high-risk populations in Durham, after the provincial government announced a short-term disruption in supply on January 16.

Residents at Regionally owned...

Statement on Black History Month from John Henry, Regional Chair and Elaine Baxter-Trahair, CAO

The following statement is being issued on behalf of John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO, and Elaine Baxter-Trahair, Chief Administrative Officer:

“We are sorry.

As part of Durham Region’s Black History Month initiatives, an internal challenge activity for Durham Region staff was a mistake. It has caused harm to our Black employees and community—damaging the inclusive culture that we are trying to build. We take responsibility and we are committed to doing better.

Historically, Durham Region has celebrated...

Chair Henry welcomes $15 billion federal investment in public transit

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

“Earlier today, the Government of Canada announced a significant investment of $15 billion in public transit over the span of eight years beginning in 2026. This is a major increase in permanent federal transit funding.

This is also great news for Durham Region—both Durham Region Transit and our transit-oriented development initiatives. I look forward to learning more about...

Durham Region launches mobile COVID-19 testing clinic

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region Transit (DRT) and Region of Durham Paramedic Services (RDPS) are working together; doing their part in the fight against COVID-19. Thorough collaboration, and a dedication to the health and safety of our community members, the team has launched an innovative mobile COVID-19 testing clinic.

Since the start of the pandemic, RDPS have been providing testing at various locations in Durham Region. With physical testing space becoming harder to obtain, and the weather turning...

Durham Region supports unsheltered residents amidst pandemic

Whitby, Ontario –The Regional Municipality of Durham continues to support unsheltered residents amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and remains committed to ending chronic homelessness in Durham Region.

To stay safe and warm this winter, unsheltered residents may access housing-focused shelter programs located throughout the region. Housing-focused shelter programs aim to end homelessness by providing temporary accommodation, while helping find permanent housing. In addition, outreach hubs are available...