Update: SEPH says Almonte office services to remain unchanged after staffing concerns raised
Staffing reductions at the Southeast Public Health Unit’s Almonte office are drawing scrutiny from community members, including Mississippi Mills Mayor Christa Lowry, who says the situation appeared to contradict earlier assurances about rural service changes.
Earlier this week, Lowry sought clarification from SEPH after learning that a significant number of staff at the Almonte office have reportedly accepted exit packages; however, public health officials insist that current services will remain despite these changes.
In a public statement on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, Lowry told the community she received information from what she described as “credible sources” indicating that roughly 60 per cent of staff members at the Almonte office are no longer with the health unit after being offered exit packages. She also shared that although the Almonte branch is technically open, she’s learned that remaining staff have been directed to work from Smiths Falls.
Lowry said those actions appear to contradict a Feb.17 media release from SEPH stating that further implementation of its Rural Services Delivery Strategy — including branch office closures — had been paused until the board approves a new strategic plan.
“Directing staff away from the Almonte office and offering retirement packages that reduces experienced, local staff does not reflect a pause,” Lowry said in her statement.
“My position has been consistent,” Lowry continued. “I support the modernization of public health delivery, but it must be done with care, transparency, and a commitment to equity for rural communities.”
Lowry said she has contacted the board chair to request clarification on how the recent decisions align with the board’s stated direction, what steps will be taken to address any impacts, and how public confidence in rural health service delivery will be restored. She has not yet provided any further clarification.
On March 3, SEPH responded to questions posted by both Lowry and Lanarkist.
In an update shared with residents on Tuesday, March 3, Lowry said the chair of the Southeast Public Health board Nathan Townend followed up with her by phone and email after she questioned whether recent staffing redeployments contradicted the board’s earlier decision to pause all rural service changes and office closures until a strategic plan is approved.
According to Lowry, Townend acknowledged that recent changes in Almonte could “understandably appear” to conflict with that direction; however, he maintained that the redeployments are part of program harmonization related to the merger of local health units and do not represent a reduction in services.
In a separate statement to Lanarkist, SEPH said it “remains fully committed to the health and well-being of our rural communities,” noting that many of its services remain inherently local and community-based.
“The Almonte office remains open and there is no change to hours of operation … or staffing levels for in-person public health services provided there,” the health unit said. They added that co-location of staff in main offices supports collaboration, team building and capacity to deliver services across the southeast region.
Lowry added in her update that when staff are not scheduled in Almonte, they report to Smiths Falls to support outreach teams across the region, but that this does not alter the services currently offered in the community.
Lowry said the board chair also directly addressed a concern voiced by residents — that the Almonte office may be reduced in practice even if it remains open in name. She noted the chair clarified that this is not happening and that any future discussions about services or space use would only occur after the strategic plan is complete and with meaningful community consultation.
“That experience significantly damaged trust, and residents are right to remain vigilant,” Lowry said, adding that clear communication will be essential as public health modernization efforts continue.