February 2026 Board of Health Meeting - Minutes

Meeting Date
February 2026 Board of Health Meeting
Meeting Document Type
Minutes

Board Members Present:

Renaldo Agostino, Dr. Mark Awuku, Joe Bachetti, Dr. Jennifer Bondy, Frazier Fathers, Angelo Marignani, Jennifer Nugent, Rob Shepley

Board Member Regrets:

Fred Francis, Dr. Sardar Khan, Hilda MacDonald, Robert Maich, Michael Prue, Jennifer Yee

Administration Present:

Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, Dr. Ken Blanchette, Michael Horrobin, Kristy McBeth, Eric Nadalin, Dorothea Service, Dan Sibley, Emily Durance (recorder)

Board Chair

Joe Bachetti

QUORUM: Confirmed

  1. Call to Order     
    Board of Health Chair, Joe Bachetti, called the meeting to order at 3:15 pm.
    1. Land Acknowledgement – Read by Board Chair, J. Bachetti
    2. Quorum – Confirmed at 3:15 pm
    3. Declaration of Conflict of Interest – none
      Code of Conduct/Confidentiality Annual Attestation
  2. Welcome to New Board of Health Members: Mr. Frazier Fathers & Ms. Jennifer Nugent
  3. Board of Health 2026 Elections
    Dr. Ken Blanchette advised that the annual Board Elections will take place today for the position of Board Chair, Vice-Chair and Treasurer.

    Nominations for Chair
    Dr. Blanchette asked if there were any nominations for the position of Chair for the Board of Health. One nomination was put forward for Board member Joe Bachetti by Rob Shepley. J. Bachetti stands and accepted the nomination for the position of Chair.

    K. Blanchette asked for further nominations from the floor. Given that there were no further nominations, nominations for the position of Chair were closed.   J. Bachetti accepted the nomination, was appointed Chair by acclamation. K. Blanchette passed the chair duties to J. Bachetti.

    Nomination for Vice-Chair
    Chair J. Bachetti opened the floor for nominations for the position of Board of Health Vice-Chair. One nomination was put forward for Board member Angelo Marignani by Frazier Fathers.  A. Marignani stands and accepted the nomination of Vice-Chair.  J. Bachetti asked for further nominations from the floor.  Given that there were no further nominations, nominations for the position of Vice-Chair were closed. A. Marignani, having accepted the nomination, was appointed Vice-Chair by acclamation.

    Nominations for Treasurer
    Chair J. Bachetti opened the floor for nominations for the position of Board of Health Treasurer. One nomination was put forward for Board member Dr. Awuku. Dr. Awuku stands and accepted the nomination of Treasurer. J. Bachetti asked for further nominations from the floor. Given there were no further nominations, nominations for the position of Treasurer were closed. Dr. Awuku, having accepted the nomination, was appointed Treasurer by acclamation.

    Motion:       That the nominations for the positions of Chair, Vice-Chair, and Treasurer stand.
    Moved by: Rob Shepley
    Seconded by: Frazier Fathers
    CARRIED
  4. Approval of Agenda
    Motion:       That the agenda be approved as presented.
    Moved by: Frazier Fathers
    Seconded by: Dr. Mark Awuku
    CARRIED
  5. Approval of Minutes: November 20, 2025
    Motion:       That the minutes be approved.
    Moved by: Rob Shepley
    Seconded by: Renaldo Agostino
    CARRIED
  6. Medical Officer of Health Update (Dr. Mehdi Aloosh)
      Dr. Mehdi Aloosh provided an update on respiratory season trends, including influenza A activity and heightened COVID-19 hospitalizations in Windsor-Essex County.
      Socioeconomic factors, including food insecurity, continue to impact community health outcomes.
      Dr. Aloosh highlighted the importance of the public receiving the vaccines that are available to them.
  7. Consent Agenda
    1. Information Reports (for information)
      1. Communications Reports:
        1. November 2025
        2. December 2025
        3. January 2026
      2. Approved Finance & Audit Committee Meeting Minutes – September 8, 2025
      3. Q4 Board of Health Effectiveness Survey Summary
      4. Annual 2025 Operational Plan (ASP) Report
      5. ISPA Enforcement Update
      6. School Board Absenteeism Collaboration
      7. Food Inspection Dashboard Usage Update
      8. IAW Housing Inspection Updates
      9. 2022-2025 Strategic Plan – Final Progress Report
      10. 2026-2030 Strategic Plan Implementation
        Motion:       That the Consent Agenda be approved as presented.
        Moved by: A. Marignani
        Seconded by: F. Francis
        CARRIED
    2. Information Reports (for approval) - none
  8. Correspondence
    1. Huron Perth Public Health – Letter of Support: Coordination of Provincial and Federal Dental Programs (for information)
    2. Middlesex-London Health Unit – Monitoring Food Affordability and Implications for Public Policy and Action (2025) Board Report & Infographic
      Motion:       That the above Correspondence be received.
      Moved by: F. Francis
      Seconded by: Dr. S. Khan
      CARRIED
  9. Business Arising
    1. Food Handler Training and Windsor-Essex County Food Premises (Kristy McBeth)
        Kristy McBeth presented on food handler training and compliance
        Compliance rates remain high at 99.8%, demonstrating that food premises are effectively meeting provincial requirements. Increasing the number of trained food handlers on site reduces the risk of foodborne illness and strengthens overall food safety practices. To further enhance compliance and public safety, municipalities are encouraged to consider adopting a by-law requiring at least 10% of staff on each shift to hold valid food handler certification. This represents an opportunity to advance consistency and elevate food safety standards across our region.
      Volunteers with student nutrition programs complete their own training and certification. This certification does to transfer as official certified food handler training provided through a public health unit in Ontario. The WECHU plans to work with our local school boards on opportunities to provide students food handler training as part of the curriculum.
      The food handler certification course is accessible online and can be completed at a participant’s own cadence.
      PROPOSED MOTION
      Whereas, food premises owners/operators are required to have at least one certified food handler on-site during all operating hours as set out in the O. Reg. 493/17
      Whereas, safe food handling practices is necessary to prevent foodborne illnesses and protect the health of the public; and 
      Whereas, it is recognized that food handler training, and certification increases food safety knowledge and promotes improved food handling practices; and 
      Whereas, local data indicates that enforcement of O. Reg. 493/17 in food premises within WEC has resulted in increased compliance with certified food handler requirements; and
      Now therefore be it resolved that the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health recommends that all WEC municipalities consider developing or updating by-law requirements for the licensing of food premise operators to include a requirement for the ongoing maintenance of 10% (at minimum) staff food handling certification rate during all hours of operation
      Motion:     That the above resolution be approved.
      Moved by:  Rob Shepley
      Seconded by: Angelo Marignani
      CARRIED
    2. WECHU Beach Water Forecast Program 2025 Summary (Jenny Tan)
        Jenny Tan presented the 2025 Beach Water Forecast Program summary, outlining limitations to the current routine sampling program and the advantages of predictive modelling.
        Four participating beaches collected turbidity and temperature data using WECHU-provided tools, submitting results through an online survey that generated low, moderate, or high-risk predictions.
        A season-end evaluation – consisting of stakeholder and beach-user surveys along with statistical validation – compared predicted risk levels with actual E. coli results. Of fifty-five test samples, twenty-one showed optimal validity (predictive/actual matched), thirty moderate, and 4 low, with 93% overall accuracy.
        Municipalities will receive the 2025 findings and be invited to join/re-join the 2026 program.
        WECHU will continue refining the model to enhance accuracy and reliability.
        A copy of the full evaluation report was included as part of the board package.
        Participation was optional, and staffing and resource limitations were the primary barriers for municipalities. Given the program’s positive outcomes, we will continue to encourage municipalities to take part.
        There are a number of beaches that are not recognized as public beaches; the provincial beach water testing program is limited to ‘public beaches’ only.
  10.  Resolutions/Recommendation Reports (for approval)
    1. Digital Dependence Support and Prevention in School Aged Children (Kristy McBeth)
        Technology plays an increasingly important role in daily life, and our work focuses on supports and prevention for school-aged children.
        We aim to delay use and promote healthy habits through community efforts, including integrating discussions about technology into well-baby visits and routine health-care appointments.
        This is a broad children’s health issue that requires involvement from families, schools, and community partners. It is an extension of the work the WECHU is already doing.
        Several countries are shifting attention away from screen time to social media content. Board member, Renaldo Agostino, asked if there is a reason why the focus of this resolution is on screen time specifically. Kristy McBeth responded that this may be an opportunity to return to the board with a recommendation report specific to social media.
        In school settings, our focus is on identifying signs of overuse.
        We will also explore whether information can be included in discharge packages at local birthing centres.
      PROPOSED MOTION
      Whereas, nearly all children in Canada are exposed to screens by the age of 2, and limiting technology at a young age is important as early screens use can impact language and cognitive development as well as social emotional health; and
      Whereas, locally in Windsor-Essex County, 82% of youth in grades 7 to 12 report spending 3 hours or more a day on screens; displacing important health behaviours like being active, adequate sleep, outdoor play, and in-person social interactions; and
      Whereas, promoting digital literacy is essential in mitigating negative social, emotional, developmental, and overall health effects of technology use; and
      Whereas, parents, caregivers, and educators play a critical role in modeling positive technology habits and supporting digital literacy; and
      Whereas, addressing problematic technology use requires a comprehensive, community-driven approach involving collaboration between childcare centers, schools, families, healthcare providers, and policymakers to create supportive environments and interventions; and
      Now therefore be it resolved that the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health encourages community partners working with pre-school and school aged children to collaborate on the co-development of strategies that help build healthy technology habits and manage digital use; and
      FURTHER THAT, the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health will lead collaborative efforts with schools, childcare centres, and community partners to provide consistent messaging and strategies to reduce problematic technology use and its effects on emotional regulation, mental health, sleep, physical activity, and relationships; and
      FURTHER THAT, the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health calls on local healthcare providers to integrate conversations about technology use and its effects on development and well-being into well-baby visits and annual checkups; and
      FURTHER THAT, the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health recommends that healthcare providers and community organizations provide parents/caregivers tools and resources to identify signs of problematic technology use and guidance on how to seek appropriate support.
      Motion:    That the above resolution be approved as presented.
      Moved by:  Angelo Marignani
      Seconded by: Jennifer Nugent
      CARRIED
    2. Premise Licensing for WEC Municipalities (Kristy McBeth)
        This joint resolution from the Environmental Health (EH) and Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction Department (SUPHR) addresses the lack of consistent licensing and registration systems across Windsor-Essex County.
        Kristy McBeth stated that without municipal standardized processes, the Health Unit is often not notified when a new premise opens, limiting its ability to ensure compliance before operations begin. 
        Similar challenges exist for tobacco and vaping retailers; only the City of Windsor maintains a tobacconist registry. A broader licensing or registry framework would allow the WECHU to identify new establishments early and support compliance from the outset.
        Board members noted that while licensing can introduce complexities, a registry offers a practical tool for operators seeking to open in compliance. 
        Registered food premises receive a risk categorization that determines the number of inspections mandated throughout the year, with additional visits conducted based on complaints. 
        Renaldo Agostino noted that recommendations would apply only to businesses requiring a license in municipalities where licensing frameworks exist; WECHU has no jurisdiction over unlicensed operators. 
        Frazier Fathers suggested that municipalities could also enhance communication with the WECHU through building permit processes, and the Health Unit indicated openness to this approach.
      PROPOSED MOTION
      Whereas, the WECHU has a mandate under the  Ontario Regulation 493/17 for Food Premises, Ontario Regulation 136/18 for Personal Service Settings, and Ontario Regulation 268/18 for Smoke-Free Ontario to inspect these premises; and
      Whereas,improper food handling, preparation, and storage practices at food premises are among the most common contributing factors to foodborne illness caused by pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Norovirus; and
      Whereas, personal service settings offering invasive procedures can present risks of infection and transmission of bloodborne pathogens when proper infection prevention and control practices are not consistently followed; and
      Whereas, nicotine poses a significant threat to the physical and mental health of youth by interfering with brain development and worsening symptoms of anxiety and depression; and
      Whereas, indirect inventory collection methods such as complaints from the public and incidental observations to identify new premises in WEC is not a comprehensive strategy to ensure inspections are timely and complete. 
      Now therefore be it resolved that the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health recommends local municipalities adopt licensing frameworks that require inspections to be conducted at food premises, personal service settings, and tobacco and vapour retailers prior to operation.
      Motion:    That the above resolution be approved.
      Moved by:  Angelo Marignani
      Seconded by: Frazier Fathers
      CARRIED
    3. Windsor-Essex County Tuberculosis Strategy (Dr. Mehdi Aloosh)
      This resolution outlines key recommendations to the Provincial and Federal governments aimed at reducing tuberculosis exposure and transmission.
      The WECHU continues to collaborate with healthcare partners to strengthen diagnosis and follow-up processes. Ongoing challenges remain in the areas of patient isolation, timely diagnosis, and treatment.
      PROPOSED MOTION
      Whereas, Ontario Boards of Health provide management for active TB cases and their contacts, following the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O., 1990, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) Ontario Public Health Standards 2021 (or as current), MOHLTC Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Protocol 2025 (or as current), MOHLTC Infectious Diseases Protocol 2023(or as current), and Canadian Tuberculosis Standards 8th Edition (or as current); and
      Whereas, Ontario Boards of Health facilitate timely diagnosis and access to TB medication at no cost to the patient; however, timely intervention often occurs only after transmission has already occurred within the community and congregate settings; and
      Whereas, undiagnosed or untreated TB contributes to ongoing transmission, severe illness, and death, while early detection and appropriate management are essential to preventing active disease and protecting community health; and
      Whereas, timely and accurate diagnosis of TB requires access to specialized infectious disease expertise to support clinical assessment, interpretation of diagnostic testing, initiation of appropriate treatment regimens, and management of complex or drug-resistant cases; and
      Whereas, adequate funding for isolation support is critical to ensuring timely treatment adherence, infection control, and prevention of further transmission, particularly among individuals facing socioeconomic barriers; and
      Whereas, stigma surrounding TB continues to deter individuals from seeking care, completing treatment, and engaging in public health follow-up, further exacerbating inequities and disease spread.
      Now therefore be it resolved that the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health advocate for enhanced and sustainable provincial funding to support isolation housing, income replacement, and wraparound supports for individuals (including social work and psychosocial supports) for individuals undergoing TB treatment and isolation;
      FURTHER THAT, the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health urges the Federal Government to increase investments in the development of improved diagnostic tools, short and more effective treatment regimens, and vaccine research to prevent TB progression and transmission, both in Canada and globally; 
      FURTHER THAT, the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health requests the Province of Ontario to cover the cost of interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) under OHIP to ensure equitable access to high specificity diagnostic testing; 
      FURTHER THAT, the Province of Ontario works with Ontario Health to recruit and retain additional infectious disease specialist support (including pediatric expertise) to strengthen regional response capacity and/or have equitable access to specialized clinical guidance, treatment coordination, and infection control expertise in Windsor and Essex County (WEC); 
      FURTHER THAT, the Windsor-Essex County Board of Health encourages the Province of Ontario to develop and fund comprehensive, culturally safe anti-stigma and awareness campaigns, along with community-based strategies to promote early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and public trust.
      Motion:    That the above resolution be approved as presented.
      Moved by: Frazier Fathers
      Seconded by: Rob Shepley
      CARRIED
    4. Governance Committee Proposal (Dr. Ken Blanchette)
        Proposal for the establishment of a governance committee is being brought forward as best practice.
        The proposed composition of the committee includes the Board Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer and one additional board member.
        Rob Shepley indicated that he was interested in obtaining a role on the Governance Committee Proposal. There were no other nominations.
  11. New Business
    1. Municipal Investment in School Food, Examples and Opportunities (Kristy McBeth)
      This information report follows a resolution on Windsor and Essex County School Food Programs presented to the board at the November 2025 meeting. 
      The report will be shared with municipal partners and the CAO group to emphasize the importance of this work. 
      Renaldo Agostino noted that some areas of the city face higher levels of risk. He asked if funding will be positioned to support those areas at a greater risk. Kristy McBeth responded that municipalities can target funding using an equity-based approach, citing Toronto’s health equity framework as an example.
      Motion:    That the above information be received by the Board.
      Moved by: Renaldo Agostino
      Seconded by: Angelo Marignani
      CARRIED
    2. Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) Inspections and Enforcement 2025
      The WECHU enforces the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) to protect residents, particularly youth, from tobacco and vapour products. Activities include routine inspections of all tobacco and vape retailers, compliance checks in prohibited areas (such as parks, recreational facilities, etc.) and a youth test-shopper program.
      In 2023, survey data obtained through the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) showed that 17.1% of local students in grades 7-12 reported vaping in the past 12 months. Early exposure is linked to increased dependence, impaired brain development, and heightened anxiety and depression.
      In 2025, the WECHU strengthened surveillance and enforcement through enhanced inspection practices, conducting adult test shopping activities (with a focus on Specialty Vape Shops), and by strengthening partnerships and communication with several key agencies (Canada Border Service Agency, Health Canada, and Ministry of Finance).
      2025 tobacco inspection activities statistics 
      Board member Renaldo Agostino asked how the penalty is determined. The Ministry of Health sets the penalty for offenders that is based on the offense and the vendors history of non-compliance.
      Board member Rob Shepley asked how the sale of nicotine pouches is enforced. The WECHU previously passed a resolution asking for local, provincial, and federal restrictions to be put in place on the advertisement and sale of nicotine pouches. Prior to that resolution, these types of products were widely available in convenience stores; however, Health Canada has since banned their sale in convenience stores, restricting distribution to pharmacies only. Nicotine pouches do not fall under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. Any concerns or violations related to these products would be referred to Health Canada for potential enforcement.
      The WECHU continues to collaborate with local police services and conducts joint inspections as required.
      Motion:       That the above information be received by the Board. 
      Moved by: Angelo Marignani
      Seconded by: Rob Shepley
      CARRIED
    3. CEO Update (Dr. Ken Blanchette)
      As a result of feedback received by the Board, Emily Durance has been working to move the board from the current system to a new online board platform. The new platform, BoardEffect, will help streamline the process of receiving the board packages and provide efficiencies with access to board material review and attendance tracking. There will be training offered on how to use the software.
    4. Board Chair Update (Joe Bachetti)
      Board Chair, Joe Bachetti, reminded the Board members of the upcoming Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa) alPHa Winter Symposium. The workshop is offered virtually and registration closes February 6th. If Board members are interested in taking part, they can reach out to Emily Durance.
  12. In-Camera Meeting (Closed session in accordance with Section 239 of the Municipal Act)
    1. Motion to Resolve into Closed Session
      That the Board of Health resolve to move into closed session pursuant to Sections 239(2)(k), 239(2)(h), 239(2)(d) and 239(2)(f) of the Municipal Act, 2001 to consider:
      (a) Facility Renewal – proposed plan/position/instructions for negotiations with a third party and related contractual matters (s.239(2)(k));
      (b) Capital funding – information supplied in confidence (s.239(2)(h));
      (c) CUPE negotiations – labour relations / employee negotiations (s.239(2)(d)); and
      (d) as applicable, advice subject to solicitor-client privilege related to the foregoing (s.239(2)(f)).
    2. In-Camera Agenda: as circulated
    3. Return to Open Session
    4. Motion to Rise and Report
      The Board moved in-camera at 4:48 p.m.
      The Board moved out of in-camera at 4:55 p.m.
  13. Next Meeting: At the Call of the Chair, or Thursday, March 12, 2026
  14. Adjournment
    Motion: That the meeting session be adjourned.   
    Moved by: Dr. Mark Awuku
    Seconded by:  Frazier Fathers
    CARRIED
    The open meeting session adjourned at 4:47 pm

RECORDING SECRETARY: E. Durance

SUBMITTED BY: K. Blanchette

APPROVED BY



List of links present in page
  1. https://www.wechu.org/board-health-meeting-agendas-and-minutes/february-2026-board-health-meeting-minutes
  2. https://www.wechu.org/board-meetings/february-2026-board-health-meeting
  3. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/170493
  4. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/180136
  5. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/180268
  6. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90h07
  7. http://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-public-health-standards-requirements-programs-services-and-accountability
  8. https://www.ontario.ca/files/2025-01/moh-tuberculosis-prevention-control-protocol-en-2025-01-06.pdf
  9. https://files.ontario.ca/moh-infectious-disease-protocol-en-2023.pdf
  10. https://www.linksmedicus.com/news/canadian-tuberculosis-standards-8th-edition/
  11. https://www.wechu.org/board-health-meeting-agendas-and-minutes/november-2025-board-health-meeting-windsor-and-essex
  12. https://www.wechu.org/board-health-meeting-agendas-and-minutes/january-2024-board-health-meeting-local-provincial-and