The Renfrew County and District Health Unit announced today (March 19) that it would not be seeking provincial approval and funding to merge with North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.
In a joint press release, the boards announced the news, reporting that on March 18, the Board of Health for RCDHU met and turned down a resolution for the voluntary merger.
“This decision follows a vote in favour of merger from the Board of Health for North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit,” reads the press release.
“The Board of Health is committed to prioritizing the health of Renfrew County and District residents. After careful consideration and a full assessment of the risks and benefits of a potential merger, the board of health for RCDHU concluded that the interests of the residents of Renfrew County and District are best served by maintaining status quo, and not pursuing a merger at this time,” said Joanne King, chair of the RCDHU Board of Health. “Even though a merger was not approved by the board, we are very appreciative of the collaboration with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit Board of Health throughout this process.”
This decision was made in response to the Ministry of Health’s 2023 initiative to support public health units that decide to pursue mergers with other health units.
Both boards of health participated in a merger feasibility study to explore benefits, risks, and local impacts of potential mergers.
The Board of Health for RCDHU also considered the feasibility of potential mergers with neighbouring Eastern Ontario Health Unit and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, with involved Boards of Health deciding not to pursue this option further.
“The RCDHU Board of Health thanks the boards of health for the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, Eastern Ontario Health Unit, and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit for the goodwill and collaboration that they have shown to us throughout this process,” said King.
RCDHU serves a population of 107,522 spread across a vast geographical expanse of approximately 15,000 square kilometers.
(Sherry Haaima)