Hotel and Conference Centre Attraction Program

Aerial view of Whitby's pier on Lake Ontario

Supporting Strategic Hotel Investment in Whitby

The Town of Whitby has launched the Hotel and Conference Centre Attraction Program to support the timely development of new hotel accommodations that advance Whitby’s economic development, tourism, and business attraction objectives. 

This time‑limited program offers development charge deferrals to eligible hotel projects that demonstrate strong market alignment, site readiness, and the ability to proceed quickly. 

Program Overview

Whitby has identified a clear market opportunity for additional hotel accommodations, including a hotel with integrated conference facilities and a stand‑alone hotel. These developments are intended to address unmet demand, support business and visitor activity, and strengthen Whitby’s role as a destination for meetings, events, and overnight stays. 

Through the Hotel and Conference Centre Attraction Program, the Town is offering a targeted incentive to help reduce upfront financial barriers and encourage investment in shovel‑ready hotel developments. 

The program is limited to two eligible projects: 

  • One hotel with an integrated conference centre 

  • One stand‑alone hotel

Approvals are granted on a first‑approved basis, subject to meeting all program eligibility requirements. 

For the full program overview, participation agreement, and eligibility requirements, please review the Hotel and Conference Centre Attraction Program staff report.

Available Incentives

Eligible projects approved under the program may receive: 

  • Deferral of the Town of Whitby’s portion of development charges (from building permit issuance to occupancy) 

  • No interest charged on deferred Town development charges for the first 24 months following building permit issuance 

  • A clear, transparent application and review process administered by the Town’s Economic Development team 

This program is designed to support developments that are ready to proceed and align with Whitby’s long‑term economic priorities. 

Eligible Development Opportunities

  • Full‑service hotel with integrated conference and banquet facilities 

  • Approximately 150 guestrooms 

  • Approximately 11,000 sq. ft. of conference/meeting space 

  • Strategically located near major highways, employment areas, and transit

  • Branded hotel accommodation 

  • Approximately 100 guestrooms 

  • Strategically located near major highways and employment areas 

Detailed minimum criteria for each opportunity are outlined in the application form and supporting materials.

Application Form

A standardized application form will be available as part of the program's launch. 

Application opens: 

  • April 27, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.  

Applications will be reviewed to confirm eligibility, readiness, and alignment with the program objectives. Once two projects are approved—one per opportunity—the program will close. 

Supporting Resources

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the following resources before applying: 

Whitby’s Hotel Opportunities Brochure provides an overview of Whitby’s hotel investment opportunities, market positioning, and key locations. 

In 2025, the Town of Whitby completed a Hotel Feasibility Study. The study provides a market analysis identifying demand, performance potential, and development opportunities for hotel projects in Whitby. For a copy of the study, please email Invest Whitby - invest@whitby.ca.

Staff Report CAO 14-26 outlines the rationale, policy alignment, and implementation considerations for the Hotel and Conference Centre Attraction Program. The report provides a background analysis, program objectives, and recommended actions to support hotel investment aligned with the Town’s economic development, tourism, and business attraction priorities. 

Contact 

For questions about the program or application process, please contact: 

Economic Development (Invest Whitby) – Town of Whitby 
invest@whitby.ca 
905.430.4312

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