Kemptville Health Unit fight takes shocking turn as board pauses closure plan

Officials from North Grenville and Edwardsburgh–Cardinal say the fast-growing region depends on the office for child and family health services, immunizations, inspections, disease control and rural well testing

North Grenville officials say a proposed shutdown of the Kemptville Health Unit office could disrupt services for thousands of residents, but the plan is now on hold after a Southeast Health Unit Board meeting on November 26. 

Mayor Nancy Peckford said United Counties representative Mayor Robin Jones secured a pause on the closure and a commitment to collect more information before any decision is made.

The board will review the rationale for closing the Kemptville office and other satellite locations, and it will set clearer criteria and consultation steps for any future changes. Peckford thanked local leaders and residents for speaking out and urged the community to keep sharing concerns.

Officials from North Grenville and Edwardsburgh–Cardinal say the fast-growing region depends on the office for child and family health services, immunizations, inspections, disease control and rural well testing. 

They argue the proposal lacked consultation and could reduce access to essential care. Municipal leaders are asking the board to release its data and work with local governments on alternatives.