On December 1, 2024, The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) and the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit (HNHU) received approval from the Ministry of Health to merge into a single organization, effective January 1, 2025. The new entity, Grand Erie Public Health, will serve the County of Brant, the City of Brantford, Haldimand County, and Norfolk County.
This process began following the Ministry of Health’s August 2023 announcement offering one-time funding, resources, and support for local public health agency mergers by January 1, 2025. BCHU, HNHU, as well as Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) began exploring potential alignments and options.
Ministry of Health Releases Regarding Public Health Mergers
December 2, 2024 – Ontario Continuing to Build a More Connected and Convenient Health Care System
October 2023 – Outcomes and Objectives to Support Voluntary Mergers
Ministry Resources
October 30, 2023 – Strengthening Public Health – Planning Materials and Next Steps – Memo
August 22, 2023 – Ontario Investing in a Stronger Public Health Sector – Slide Deck