In a media release issued this week, the Boards of Health for Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) and the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit announced they would not seek provincial approval and
funding to voluntarily merge. On March 18th, the Board of Health for RCDHU met and turned down a resolution for a voluntary merger with North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.
This decision follows a vote in favour of merger from the Board of Health for North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. Proposing a potential merger to the Ministry of Health requires Board of Health agreement from both merging health units; as such, a voluntary merger proposal will not be submitted to the Ministry of Health and further exploration of voluntary mergers will end.
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 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,” states 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.”
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,” states Joanne King, Chair of the RCDHU Board of Health.
RCDHU Communications(2024,Mar.19) Board of Health Decides Against Voluntary Merger [media release