More family physicians, parks, and community partnerships to support those in need part of the action items already underway

Mayor Elizabeth Roy has released the following statement sharing the first annual update on the key actions completed in Whitby’s new Community Strategic Plan:

“It’s been less than one year since the launch of Whitby’s new Community Strategic Plan and I am incredibly pleased with the progress that has been made so far.

The plan was developed based on significant community feedback and we are delivering on the priorities that matter most to our residents.

The fact that more than 90 per cent of the plan’s 62 action items are either underway or complete is a testament to the hard work of Council, Town staff, and community partners. These actions include:

• A new program with the Oshawa Clinic Group to recruit and retain ten new family physicians to the West Whitby Health Centre. The facility is expected to open this spring and a wait list is now open for patient enrolment.
• A new partnership between Feed the Need in Durham and the Town to create a market model food bank. The food bank is expected to open this spring at Iroquois Park Sports Centre.
• The continued construction of the future Whitby Sports Complex. The foundation has now been poured and frame for the walls are being put up.
• Support for new tourism opportunities. In 2023, these included the new Town Brewery pop up at the historic waterfront Pump House building, new Culture Pop Up Series (including Sunset Tango), and Second Annual Whitby Food Guide to promote local food establishments.
• $2.6 million in funding applied for and received to support enhancements along the Waterfront Trail.

Collectively, these actions move us closer to achieving the vision for Whitby captured in the Community Strategic Plan – naturally beautiful green spaces, a vibrant waterfront, thriving downtowns, a safe community, and an exceptional place to live, work, and explore.

I look forward to continuing to report back on the progress made over the next three years.”

Quick Facts

• In 2023, 8,500+ people visited the Connect Whitby project page and over 3,000 completed online surveys, with 75+ people taking part in virtual and in-person engagement sessions to help inform the CSP.
• Residents highlighted the Whitby waterfront, healthcare, green spaces, community safety, economic growth, and the desire to address social needs, like homelessness, as some of their top priorities.
• The Plan includes four pillars, 13 objectives and 62 action items to achieve this Community Vision.

More Information

Read the full 2023 Community Strategic Plan Progress Update, visit connectwhitby.ca/CommunityPlan to learn more and subscribe to the project, or subscribe to the Town’s news feed to receive all Town news.

For media inquiries, contact:

Erin Mikaluk
Manager, Communications and Creative Services, Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.314.6913
Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca

Jillian Follert
Public Affairs Coordinator, Office of the Mayor, Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.387.9101
Email: follertj@whitby.ca