Toronto Board of Health Meeting 33: Student Nutrition, Supervised Consumption Sites, and Nursing Workforce

Toronto Board of Health meeting 33 focused on expanding student nutrition programs to all public schools by the 2026-27 school year, the June 13 closure of two supervised consumption sites, Toronto Public Health's nursing recruitment and retention strategy, updates to HIV-related community health funding, and food safety planning for special events. The meeting also opened with remarks about Pride Month and Toronto's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Topics Discussed

1. STUDENT NUTRITION: universal access expansion and accountability questions

Board members reviewed plans to complete the final phase of student nutrition expansion so that universal access across public school communities would be in place by the 2026-27 school year. Staff said phase 4 would add 78 new student nutrition programs.

Members pressed staff on how the program is being measured. Councillor Lily Cheng asked, "what metrics are currently being tracked as this many money money is allocated? Are we tracking number of students fed, types of food being fed? What kind of leftovers are are resulting from the program?" Councillor Alejandra Bravo also warned that need-based tools can miss students outside designated low-income areas, saying, "Poverty is not only there's no boundaries or borders for poverty," and noting that some children in higher-income neighbourhoods still arrive at school with inadequate lunches.

Board members also discussed cultural relevance in food choices and the burden on volunteers. Councillor Neethan Shan asked whether there was "a concern of the heavy dependence on parent volunteers to execute this program," citing reports from parents distributing thousands of food items a day.

2. SUPERVISED CONSUMPTION SITES: June 13 closures

Toronto Public Health said two supervised consumption sites, Fred Victor and Moss Park, are scheduled to close on June 13 because of provincial funding changes. Members discussed what that could mean for overdose response, public drug use and pressure on other services.

Councillor Paula Fletcher said, "To say that I am concerned about the impacts on our communities is an understatement." Dr. Murdy added that "there was 485 non-fatal suspected opioid overdoses calls to paramedics in April of this year," calling it the highest monthly total since 2021.

Staff said fewer low-barrier sites could increase pressure on hospitals, outreach teams and other harm reduction services.

3. PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING: recruitment, retention and compensation concerns

Toronto Public Health presented its nursing workforce strategy. Staff said the division had 585 nurses and related staff in 2025, including 376 public health nurses and 94 registered practical nurses, and noted that about 16% of public health nurses are eligible to retire within five years.

Compensation was a major issue in deputations and board questions. Arlene Diaz said, "However, the most important one right now in this age of inflation is salary competitiveness." Another nurse told the board, "Can you believe after 23 years of working at the city of Toronto as a public health nurse, I couldn't even qualify for a mortgage to buy another home?" Marne Moody said Toronto's wages lag behind other jurisdictions: "Currently, Waterlue andChadam are being paid $8 more an hourthan our senior PHNS."

Board members also discussed the limits of the board's authority in labour negotiations. Councillor Josh Matlow said, "The board does not have the power to unilaterally intervene in that respect," because compensation is determined through the city's collective bargaining process. Councillor Lily Cheng moved for future reporting to include nurse-to-population comparisons and 10-year staffing trend data.

4. TORONTO URBAN HEALTH FUND: HIV funding and pilot model changes

The board received an update on the Toronto Urban Health Fund, including continued funding for 21 approved HIV prevention projects and a pilot agreement with the Ontario HIV Treatment Network to support the Toronto to Zero initiative.

Staff said the pilot model is intended to reduce administrative burden on smaller organizations. One staff member said "the length of application the amount of reporting back by funded organizations for the amount of money that they were receiving was a significant burden." Director Mador said the new approach allows community partners to participate "without having to have each of them apply for that funding individually."

Members discussed how outcomes from the pilot should be tracked before the city moves to a broader basket-funding model expected in 2028.

5. FOOD SAFETY AND PUBLIC HEALTH COMMUNICATION: event planning, Pride and FIFA

Toronto Public Health discussed food safety oversight for special events and a food safety management plan tool that could eventually be integrated into event permitting on city property. Staff said the division has about 72 inspectors covering more than 18,000 food premises as well as special events.

At the opening of the meeting, Mayor Olivia Chow said Toronto Public Health is "working hard to ensure that everyone can stay safe and healthy while enjoying the events" tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. She also referenced a sexual health campaign featuring "six limited edition soccer inspired condom designs" connected to the tournament. The meeting also included remarks marking Pride Month.

Motions

• Motion 1 - Measurement Metrics — Carried. Future nursing workforce updates will include measurable indicators on recruitment, retention, vacancies, turnover, and staff engagement, with a follow-up expected in Q2 2027.
• Motion 2 - Comparative Analysis — Carried. Future staff retention updates will include public health nurse-to-population comparisons and 10-year trend data on nursing and specialist staffing.
• Motion 3 - Provincial Funding Request — Carried in amended form. The board agreed to request increased Ontario Ministry of Health support for Toronto Public Health to reflect population growth and negotiated wage increases.
• Accountability Motion for New Pilot Programs (HL 33.3) — Approved. Staff were directed to report on outcomes and lessons learned from new pilot funding approaches ahead of the 2028 funding cycle.

Attendees

• Chris Moise (Chair)
• Lily Cheng
• Anthony Perruzza
• Jamaal Myers
• Alejandra Bravo
• Michael Thompson