City's top doctor is stepping down

De Villa lauded for calm leadership during pandemic - despite the job's personal toll

- DAVID RIDER

Dr. Eileen de Villa, the city's public health chief, became a familiar face during COVID-19 briefings.

Dr. Eileen de Villa, the physician who calmly led Toronto through the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies, is leaving her post at the end of this year.

De Villa, 55, announced her departure in a video released Tuesday in which she said that, after leading Toronto Public Health since 2017, she's ready to move on to a new challenge.

"It has been a remarkable time these past eight years... We have navigated significant challenges," including the pandemic, a dramatic cut in provincial funding that was reversed after a pressure campaign, the deadly drug toxicity crisis and the mental health crisis, de Villa said.

Leaving the high-profile job on Dec. 31 is "not a decision I took lightly," de Villa said, adding she reached it after several months of heartfelt discussion with family members.

"I'm ready to embark on the next chapter of my professional life and to spend more time with family," she said, adding that she will continue working hard until the end of the year with her "incredible and strong team." She expects the Toronto Public Health board to soon announce steps to replace her and a transition plan.

"To the people of Toronto, thank you for your support over these years and for everything we've done together," de Villa said. "I'm incredibly grateful."

Her departure announcement comes days after Toronto fire Chief Matthew Pegg-who, with de Villa, former mayor John Tory and former public health chair Joe Cressy, led the city's pandemic response announced he is leaving his post on Oct. 4.