2026 Population Health Assessment
We are excited to be releasing Southern Health-Santé Sud’s 2026 Population Health Assessment. This report, formerly known as Community Health Assessment, helps us understand the health challenges and strengths of the people that live in Southern Health-Santé Sud.
The Population Health Assessment, published approximately every five years, informs Southern Health-Santé Sud’s strategic and operational planning but also enables community-wide collaborative actions. Some high-level findings include:
Fastest Growing Population & Its Impacts
At almost 238,000 residents in 2025, Southern Health-Santé Sud’s diverse population has increased by 12% since 2020, the highest 5-year percentage growth in the province. Looking forward, this momentum is expected to continue with an anticipated 19% increase by 2035, the largest projected growth in the province.
Population growth comes with a higher number of residents dying, living with chronic diseases, and experiencing some health events compared to previous time periods. Even when percentages or rates seem statistically stable, the higher number of people navigating these health experiences likely translates into added pressure to services in the community and health care system that support Southern Health-Santé Sud residents.
Variations and Health Inequities within the Region
The advantages of good health and the burden of poor health are not shared equally among us. Many of these differences can be explained by the conditions in which we are born, grow up, play, work, and live, as well as how we are treated. These differences often stem from unfair and avoidable conditions. Gaps still exist in different geographical and income areas within the region. The report explores some of the underlying conditions that contribute to these differences. More needs to be done to address the root causes of these inequities and the actions needed go beyond the health care system.
The 2026 Population Health Assessment has so much more information about the health status, determinants of health, and health system use of the people who live within the region. We invite you to read the full report . An Executive Summary is also available in English and French. Stay tuned for more highlights of the report!