Frequently Asked Questions

What is HKPR CheckINspection?

HKPR CheckINspection is the name of the program and website that makes it easier for you to see results of public health inspections for businesses in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes. The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit maintains and updates all information. Under HKPR CheckINspection:

Results from inspections of businesses are posted online.
A sign must be hung in all businesses showing the result of their most recent inspection.
Restaurants and food premises must have at least one certified food handler on site when open/operating.

What businesses have their inspection reports listed on the HKPR CheckINspection website?

There are three main types listed:

Places that prepare and serve food, including restaurants, cafeterias, grocery stores, banquet halls, catering kitchens, retirement homes/long-term care facilities, hospitals and other food businesses. (Please note: places of worship and special/private events are not included in the list of food establishments covered by the new inspection reporting system)
Beauty and body art businesses like tattoo parlours, nail salons, hair salons, barber shops, body piercing studios
Recreational water facilities like public pools, spas/hot tubs, spray/splash pads and wading pools.

Businesses that do not fall into the three categories listed above are not affected by the new inspection disclosure rules.

What are the benefits of HKPR CheckINspection?

Inspection reports for local businesses can easily be found/searched online.
You can make more safe and informed choices when selecting a service or business in the area.

What information is posted on HKPR CheckINspection website?

Business names, locations, types of operation, and dates/results of inspections are provided here. A searchable database also allows you to more easily find businesses. Information from inspection visits is regularly updated, and will include key findings, compliance results and any corrective actions taken.

All inspection reports for a business (going forward from January 1, 2018) will be listed and stay online for two years. If a business is sold, inspection reports from the previous owner will not appear online.

What if I can't find inspection information for a specific business?

A business is new and has not yet had an inspection visit.
The business has not received a routine inspection from a Public Health Inspector in the past two years.
The business does not fall under the new inspection disclosure rules, so is not listed here.

If you can't find a business, call the Health Unit for more information.

What do Public Health Inspectors look for during an inspection visit?

Public Health Inspectors check for any health and safety problems or violations. They also make sure businesses follow all provincial laws and health regulations. They also offer advice/direction to the business to fix potential problems. Here are some specific examples of Public Health Inspectors look for:

In restaurants/food establishments, they ensure staff wash hands between tasks, watch that food is being cooked at the right temperature, and check for cleanliness and maintenance of floors, walls, ceilings, equipment, and other surfaces.
For beauty and body art businesses, they check that all instruments or jewellery used to pierce the skin are properly sterilized, reusable instruments are cleaned and disinfected, and items like scalpels and needles are safely disposed.
At recreational water facilities, they look for water clarity and temperature, check for proper water chemistry as required by the regulation, and ensure all required signage and emergency equipment are present and in good working order.

How often are businesses inspected?

Food businesses are inspected based on their level of risk. High-risk businesses (like a full-service restaurant) are inspected once every four months. Medium-risk businesses (e.g. donut shop) are inspected once every six months. Low-risk businesses (like convenience stores) are inspected once per year.
Beauty and body art businesses are inspected at least once per year.
Indoor public pools and hot tubs are inspected once every three months. Outdoor public pools and spas are inspected twice per year. Spray/splash pads, water slides and wading pools are checked once per year.

Additional inspections will be made of businesses based on public complaints.

Are businesses given advance warning of inspection visits?

No. Most inspections are unscheduled and done without warning.

What happens if serious problems are found during an inspection?

Public Health Inspectors want to work with businesses to ensure all rules are followed, and the public's health is protected. However, if serious health hazards are found, inspectors have the legal power (under Section 13 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act) to fix problems. They can write tickets, issue compliance orders, or completely shut down a business. Businesses will stay closed until all health hazards are fixed or removed. They will also have to post a 'Closed' sign in their door or window. The results of the inspection will also be posted online.

Are businesses required to post signs in their windows or doors showing results from their most recent inspection visit?

Yes. All businesses affected by the new inspection disclosure rules must hang a sign in a visible location that people can see at the front. The sign is provided by the Public Health Inspector after every inspection visit. Signs will either say: 'Pass' or 'Closed' depending on results for the most recent inspection visit. (PLEASE NOTE: Signs will be provided to businesses at their first inspection visit after July 1, 2018. Once a business has received a sign, it must post the sign in a prominent location. If a business does not have a sign posted, the Health Unit has not yet provided one and will do so at the next inspection visit later in the year.)

What if I have health concerns about a business and want to register a complaint?

Call the HKPR District Health Unit toll-free at 1-866-888-4577 and speak to a Public Health Inspector.

Where can I get more information?

Contact the HKPR District Health Unit to learn more. Call 1-866-888-4577, email info@hkpr.on.ca, or visit www.hkpr.on.ca