The Whitby 55+ Recreation Centre is getting retrofitted to be more energy efficient, thanks to a $798,486 investment from the Government of Canada. The funding will be used to upgrade the building with new air handling units, rooftop condensers, hot water tanks, and make building automation system upgrades. The retrofits are expected to cut energy use by 40.2% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 18 tonnes annually. This is equivalent to removing approximately four cars from the road each year. This supports the Town’s Net-Zero Carbon goals and its ongoing commitment to environmental leadership. Learn more.

The Corbett Creek Waterfront Trail is getting upgrades focused on accessibility and sustainability. A new 150-metre boardwalk and an 80-metre pedestrian bridge were installed this past spring to enhance connectivity and access. Work is also being completed to widen the asphalt trail from 3 to 4 metres to better support all users. Native trees, shrubs, and seed mix are being planted to boost local biodiversity. The revitalized trail is expected to reopen by mid-summer. 

The Town recently installed new solar-powered trash compactors on Roebuck Street in Brooklin, two for waste and one for recycling. The compactors can hold more than five times the waste of non-compacting bins, reducing collection frequency by up to 80%. They transmit real-time information wirelessly to a cloud-based monitoring and data analytics platform, which notifies collection services when the units are ready to be emptied. 

Did you know: intense heat can lead to dehydration and an increased risk of heat-related illnesses?

As we continue to enjoy the summer months, climate change is making weather increasingly unpredictable. Already this season, we've seen extreme heat warnings and hotter, drier conditions. In preparation for this year's summer season, visit our Climate Change and Extreme Weather webpage to learn tips on how you can prepare and make the most of the summer months while protecting yourself and your loved ones.

Did you know the Town is recognized as a Tree Cities of the World? This international program celebrates cities and towns that demonstrate a strong commitment to managing and celebrating their urban tree canopy. We’ve proudly held this designation for six years, and we remain dedicated to protecting, enhancing, and growing our urban forest.

Bee City Canada

The Town is proud to be recognized as the 10^th Bee City in Canada! Through this designation, we’re taking meaningful action to protect and promote pollinators across our community. Initiatives include celebrating Pollinator Week, removing invasive species, and handing out native plants and seed packets to support pollinator-friendly habitats.  

Get Flood Ready - Durham Region

Are you flood ready? Flood Ready Durham is a great tool and resource to help you prepare for flooding. From understanding what flooding is, to identifying flood risks, locating floodplains, and learning how to protect your family and home, this is a resource you won’t want to miss. Learn more and get flood ready today. 

Time: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Description: Residents in Whitby can place unwanted items in good condition—clearly marked FREE—on their curb for anyone to pick up. At the end of the Giveaway Day, residents return unclaimed items to their home. Learn more. 

Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: Whitby Civic Recreation Complex Parking Lot (555 Rossland Rd E, Whitby)

Description: Come out for a chance to test drive two electric vehicles and speak with Plug'n Drive EV ambassadors. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the environmental and financial benefits of going electric—no pressure, no registration, just information and fun!

World Clean Up Day 

Date: September 20, 2025

Description: A global movement dedicated to cleaning up our communities and protecting the environment. Every year, millions of volunteers come together to collect litter and raise awareness about the impact waste has on our planet. This year, you can make a difference too! Join the effort by scheduling a cleanup in your neighbourhood through Whitby’s Anti-Litter Cleanup Program. 

Save the Date

Building Climate Resilience at Home and in the Garden

Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Brooklin Community Centre and Library, Craft Room (8 Vipond Road, Brooklin, ON)

Description: Learn how to prepare your home and yard for extreme weather. A representative from Durham Region will introduce the new Weather-Ready Durham Greener Homes program. Then, a representative from Landscape Ontario Durham Chapter will share landscaping strategies to help protect your property from extreme weather. Stay tuned for registration details. 

LEAF Tree Tour

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025

Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location: Rosedale Park (265 Rosedale Dr., Whitby, ON)

Description: Join us for a guided tree identification tour in Whitby’s Rosedale Park! Discover the beauty and environmental benefits of trees as we highlight different species and teach you how to identify them on your own. 

This guided tour will also explore the vital role trees and green spaces play in combating climate change, while enhancing our appreciation for the diversity of trees in our communities. Stay tuned for registration details. 

LEAF Community Fall Tree & Shrub Planting

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025

Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Rosedale Park (265 Rosedale Dr., Whitby, ON)

Description: Help grow the urban forest in Whitby! Plant native trees and shrubs at our family-friendly event in Rosedale Park. The event is held rain or shine, so be sure to wear appropriate clothing. Participants are asked to bring a water bottle, gardening gloves, and a lot of energy! Stay tuned for registration later this summer.