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Peterborough city council has approved a plan to make the city’s physician recruitment pilot program a permanent initiative starting in 2026, citing growing concern over access to family doctors.
A city staff report warns that more than 13,000 residents could be left without primary care if aging physicians retire without replacements.
Since the pilot began, six new Family Health Organization doctors have joined the community, along with one physician from the U.K. and three serving the vulnerable sector at the Community Health Centre.
The permanent program will continue offering financial incentives, expand international recruitment through the Eastern Ontario Physician Recruitment Alliance, and refine the city’s “Whole of Village” approach to attract and retain family doctors.
Council says the program will ensure a coordinated effort with local partners, including the Peterborough Ontario Health Team and Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
(Written by: Jordan Mercier)
