Item - 2025.HL25.5

The Board of Health:

1. Requested the Medical Officer of Health review the feasibility of creating an independent website for Toronto Public Health, separate from the City of Toronto’s corporate website, and report back to the September Board of Health through the 2026 budget process.

As the largest public health unit in the country, Toronto Public Health should be a leader in all areas, including health communication. Currently, Toronto Public Health communicates with residents through a number of digital and print channels, but does not have a website independent from the City of Toronto’s corporate website whereas other large public health units in Ontario, such as Ottawa Public Health, already utilize independent websites.

I believe that to eff ectively communicate with the public about how they can protect their health – a key objective in the Toronto Public Health Strategic Plan – Toronto Public Health should consider developing their own website. This would help residents better navigate public health resources and learn about Toronto Public Health initiatives.