Public health inspector holding a clipboard during an inspection.

Public Health Inspections and Investigations

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The Health Department inspects and investigates public facilities including:

We provide inspection services and approvals for private sewage systems. This is outlined under the Ontario Building Code. We do this in seven of the eight Durham Region municipalities.

Check&GO! disclosure program

The Check&GO! disclosure program consists of both on-site and online postings of health inspection results, confirmed infection prevention and control (IPAC) lapses, complaints, legal activities, including convictions of inspected facilities to help Durham Region residents make informed decisions and protect their health.

Check health inspection and legal activity results

The Health Department also offers training programs for food handlers and operators of public pools and spas.

Learn more about Durham Region Health Department enforcement activities

Durham Region Health Department is required by the Ontario Ministry of Health to conduct inspections and investigations for the following facilities:

Restaurants and food stores
Public swimming pools, spas, splash pads and water slide receiving basins
Hair, nail and tanning salons, spas, piercing and tattoo parlours
Child care centres
Small drinking water systems
Recreational camps

Public health inspectors and tobacco enforcement officers also enforce the following legislation:

Health Protection and Promotion Act
Food Premises Regulation
Healthy Menu Choices Act and Regulation
Public Pools Regulation
Small Drinking Water Systems Regulation
Early Years Act
Personal Service Settings Regulation
Skin Cancer Prevention Act
Rabies Immunization Regulation
Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017
Smoking and Vaping By-law
Recreation Camp Regulation
Building Code (Part 8) related to sewage systems

If an owner or operator fails to comply with any of these Acts or Regulations, they are subject to legal prosecution which may include tickets, summons, orders or advisories.

To view health inspections and legal action for inspected facilities visit durham.ca/checkandgo and select the applicable program area to view detailed information.