The chair of Toronto’s Board of Health says he received Dr. Eileen de Villa’s letter of resignation with “mixed emotions.”

Chris Moise says he’s had the privilege of working closely with Dr. de Villa and is deeply grateful for her unwavering support, guidance and willingness to collaborate.

He also says he’s excited for the opportunities that await her and is hopeful Dr. de Villa will help in the process of choosing her successor.

Dr. de Villa led Toronto through the COVID-19 pandemic as a calm confident voice of reason. She is highly respected and well liked.

“It has been a remarkable time, these past 8 years. We have really come through quite the remarkable journey,” said Dr. de Villa, wearing one of her signature scarves in a video message posted to social media.

Now 55, she announced she will be concluding her duties on December 31st.

As for what the future brings, Dr. de Villa says she’s ready to embark on the next chapter of her professional life and to spend more time with her family.

Dr. de Villa is an Adjunct Professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto and is married with three children.