More Funds Needed for City’s Bed Bug Issue

The Toronto Public Health board is asking the provincial government to provide funding to deal with the city’s ongoing bed bug issues.

Without provincial funding, the city won’t be able to sustain the current level of bed bug services after March 31, when the one-time $1.2 million funding from the Government of Ontario runs out, according to Dr. David McKeown, the Toronto Medical Officer of Health.

In a report submitted to the Toronto Public Health board, McKeown says that the bed bug infestations have the most severe impact on the city’s vulnerable population, including the frail elderly, people with mental and physical challenges, and low income individuals and families.

Since these individuals typically lack financial capability for proper treatment and prevention, they also often suffer from recurring infestations.

The city’s bed bug response team currently consists of 10 staff members, including three public health nurses, six public health inspectors, and one manager.

In addition to the provincial funding, the service also received a one-time municipal funding of $87,000 in 2011.