Council Highlights - April 2025

Council highlights gives an overview of important decisions, discussions, and agenda items from Whitby Council meetings. The goal is to give residents a snapshot of the meetings. More information, including Council meeting minutes, can be found at whitby.ca/CouncilCalendar

Council approves changes to strengthen procurement in support of Canadian and local businesses

On April 28, Whitby Council approved amendments to the Town’s Purchasing By-law that are designed to restrict American businesses from accessing Town of Whitby procurements. The updates prioritize the purchase of goods and services from Canadian suppliers whenever possible by restricting U.S. businesses from being awarded Town contracts. The changes build on the Town’s actions taken to combat tariffs and protect the local economy. The changes are based on similar restrictions developed by the Province of Ontario and will be in effect until March 31, 2026, or earlier if the Provincial Procurement Restriction Policy is rescinded.

Council approves temporary tariff relief program for industrial developments

Council has approved a temporary program to help industrial development applicants with the impact of U.S. tariffs. In March, Council directed Town staff to review the development charges policy framework in co-ordination with other Durham municipalities and propose a temporary installment program to support industrial development starts that may otherwise be delayed by tariffs. The temporary program gives applicants the option to defer the payment of Town development charges that are normally collected at the time of building permit issuance, by paying in six equal installments: first payment at time of occupancy and the next five annual payments by the occupancy anniversary date. The Town’s program is similar to the industrial development charges deferral program implemented by the Region of Durham. A Town staff report says the deferral of applicable development charges combined with payment by installment “may provide necessary financial relief from tariffs” – such as increased cash flow” and encourage the timely development of non-residential projects in Whitby.

Council asks for staff report on electing regional councillors by ward

Council has approved a motion directing Town staff to report back before the summer recess with considerations on electing Whitby’s four regional councillors by ward versus the current at-large method. The motion notes that the report should include “an environmental scan of other municipalities, the pros and cons of each structure, and considerations regarding making a potential change to Council’s composition in accordance with the Municipal Act prior to the 2026 municipal election.”

Public engagement set to start on future on Luther Vipond Memorial Arena

Council has directed Town staff to retain a consultant to begin a community engagement process to gather feedback on the future of Luther Vipond Memorial Arena in Brooklin. The arena is currently used mainly during ice season, providing about 80 hours of ice time per week for skating, hockey, and ringette. These activities will be relocated to other locations when the Whitby Sports Complex opens with new twin pad arenas, offering more modern and accessible amenities. The Luther Vipond Memorial Arena floor is also occasionally used for lacrosse and rented for events on approximately 10 days per year including Durham Farm Connections, the Brooklin Spring Fair, and an annual cricket event. Community engagement is expected to take place in June, including community meetings, surveys, and focus groups with stakeholder organizations. Staff will bring options back to Council in late 2025.

Update on Community Development Fund grants awarded in 2024

A new report received for information by Council outlines fundraising and grants for the Town’s two community development funds in 2024. The Mayor’s Community Development Fund (MCDF) is financed by the Mayor and Council’s Golf Tournament and Mayor’s Gala and provides lead grants up to $25,000 and community grants up to $5,000 to support programs and initiatives that benefit Whitby. In 2024, 21 lead grant applications were received, and five were awarded, totalling $100,000. As well, 73 community grant applications were received with 50 approved for a cumulative value of $136,045. The 2024 lead grant recipients include Alzheimer Society of Durham Region, Durham Children’s Aid Foundation, Lakeridge Health Foundation, Wounded Warriors Canada, and the Whitby Professional Firefighters Association. In 2024, the Performing Arts Community Development Fund awarded eleven grants totalling $42,706. Recipients included Durham Youth Orchestra, Beech Street Theatre Company, Downtown Whitby BIA, and Durham Showcase Festival.

Changes to Whitby’s 2025 Canada Day event

A new memorandum to Council provides an update on plans for the Town’s 2025 Canada Day celebration. Instead of hosting a daytime event at Victoria Fields followed by fireworks, the Town will host a significantly larger fireworks show in 2025. Due to ongoing harbour remediation work, the Town is not able to host a daytime event plus fireworks at Victoria Fields. This year, Victoria Fields will be used along with a portion of the boat ramp parking lot to present a fireworks show lasting over 20 minutes – the largest in Durham Region. Residents and visitors will be able to find a viewing location anywhere along the waterfront with the best locations on the soccer field. Food trucks and roaming entertainment will be available at Victoria Fields starting at dusk to enhance the space.