Public health relaunches Check Before You Choose website

GUELPH – Want to know how a restaurant or nail salon did on their public health inspection before making a reservation?

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) has relaunched its Check Before You Choose website, featuring a mobile-friendly map of establishments with inspection reports, any lapses, follow-up inspections and/or tickets issued.

“You will get a summary of inspections so you can make informed decisions,” said Phil Wong, manager of environmental health, as he presented his report to the board of health on Feb. 7.

WDGPH is obliged to inspect a number of settings to ensure the products and services provided are safe for the public.

They include restaurants, food premises and food trucks, personal service settings, recreational camps, farmers markets and special events, public swimming pools, tobacconists and specialty vape shops, housing for international workers, and licensed childcare centres.

The website features a map with all the inspected locations pinned to it. It’s easy to scroll over a pin and then dive into the information available.

Because pools and wading pools are inspected by public health, Wong suggested the website might be a good way for parents to explore local swimming pools – where they are and whether you want to go.

Wong said in total, the website includes 2,600 facilities and 15,000 inspection reports available for viewing.

“We’re trying to be transparent,” he said.

The website also allows people to check long-term care and retirement homes for outbreaks. And it’s an easy way to report a concern or submit a complaint.

For more information visit checkbeforeyouchoose.ca.