Lakelands Public Health is the new official name of the unified health unit formed by the merger of Peterborough Public Health and the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, the organization announced on Thursday (September 11), also unveiling a new logo, website, and social media channels.
The two largest health units in the Kawarthas region became a single legal entity on January 1, following votes by the boards of health for both health units in December 2024 in support of a voluntary merger.
While the legal name of the merged health unit was announced as the Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit, the merged health unit said at the time it would be developing a new name and brand identity over the next “several months.”
Lakelands Public Health said the new name and brand identity is an important step and the transformation “reflects a unified vision for advancing public health across the City of Kawartha Lakes, City and County of Peterborough, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County, while honouring the legacy and strengths of both organizations,” according to a media release.
“This is more than a new name and logo,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, CEO and medical officer of health of Lakelands Public Health.
“It’s a commitment to building a healthier future together for generations to come. By bringing our teams, expertise, and resources under one identity, we’re better equipped to meet the evolving needs of our communities.”
VIDEO: Lakelands Public Health Brand Launch
The new brand identity includes a “refreshed” visual design and logo that is inspired by the regions and communities it serves, the health unit said.
The circular sun and moon form connects land and water, representing the continuous nature of public health and the interconnectedness of mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
The rising sun and its reflection in the water conveys optimism and well-being and represents the individual at the heart of community and care.
The health unit’s communications services manager Ashley Ann Beaulac shared with kawarthaNOW her thoughts about the significance in the merger process of having a new name.
“When two health units come together, it’s about more than just combining operations — it’s about creating a stronger, unified organization,” Beaulac said.
“A new name provides clarity for the public, so they know exactly who to turn to for trusted information and services. It also gives our staff a shared identity, helping everyone feel part of one team with a common purpose. This fresh start allows us to build on our strengths, tell a new story together, and focus on serving our communities with even greater impact.”
Lakelands Public Health said residents will continue to have access to the wide range of public health programs and services on which they rely, from immunizations and infectious disease prevention to health promotion, environmental health, and emergency preparedness, with the health unit’s offices remaining in Peterborough, Port Hope, Lindsay, and Haliburton.
Lakelands Public Health said the merger will also enhance coordination and strengthen partnerships across the region.
“Our communities deserve a strong, unified public health system that responds to local priorities while preparing for future challenges,” said board of health chair Ron Black in a statement. “This new identity reflects who we are today and the collective impact we will have moving forward.”
Liz Stone, chair of the Indigenous Health Advisory Circle, said the new name and brand identity was created in consultation with Indigenous partners “with respect to inclusivity and equality and touches on many important concepts.
“The circle represents wholeness as it relates to health, spiritual, mental, emotional and physical, or ‘Mino Bimaadiziwin – Good Life’, while the colours acknowledge the importance of water and earth, as well as the sun and moon in the centre,” Stone said.
The full transition to the new name and brand idenity will be phased in over the coming months, with updates to signs, online platforms, and program materials.
For more information about Lakelands Public Health, visit www.lakelandsph.ca.
The previous website for the HKPR District Health Unit at www.hkpr.on.ca is already redirecting to the new website. According to a notice posted on the Peterborough Public Health website at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca, it will remain available while information is migrated to the new website “to ensure continued acccess to important resources and information.”
