What's happening at Council? |
You can check out details of the latest decisions and discussions at Whitby Council in the monthly Council Highlights. The June 2025 Council Highlights include:
Council Highlights are published following every regular Whitby Council meeting. |
Coffee with Mayor Roy dates for Summer 2025 -- and introducing Meet-Up with Mayor Roy! |
Coffee with Mayor Roy is back for Summer 2025! I introduced this initiative in 2023 as a way for residents to connect with me in a casual setting at local coffee shops. Drop by to ask questions, share feedback…or just chat! New this summer, I’m so excited to expand on this concept by introducing Meet-Ups with Mayor Roy! Details here: Coffee With Mayor Roy
Meet-Ups with Mayor Roy
Tip Top Creamery, 2 Roebuck St. and Grass Park
Boardwalk Burgers, 3050 Garden St. Unit 106 |
Whitby moves to election of regional councillors by ward – check out my op-ed column |
Whitby Council recently voted to change the way the town’s four regional councillors are elected, from the current at-large system, to election by ward. This change brings Whitby in line with Oshawa, Ajax, Clarington, Pickering and the majority of other medium to large municipalities in the GTA. It will also provide more direct accountability for residents and make it easier for new people to run for Council. To learn more, read the Town of Whitby’s media release and my open letter to the community. You can also check out my op-ed column on this issue on durhamregion.com |
Whitby's new Home Sweet Home Festival is July 26! |
Introducing a new signature event is one of the 62 action items in Whitby’s Community Strategic Plan, and we’re delivering on that this summer with the introduction of the new Home Sweet Home Festival! Join us July 26 in Downtown Whitby for live entertainment, food, vendors, interactive activities, trolly rides – even an Adventure Zone with a 300-foot zipline! Visit whitby.ca/en/play/home-sweet-home-festival.aspx to learn more. See you there! |
Three unique Downtown Whitby Businesses to explore this summer |
I recently had the opportunity to check out three businesses that highlight the diversity and uniqueness of the stores in Downtown Whitby. In addition to carrying amazing products, these stores take their space beyond retail and create community hubs by offering events, classes and social gatherings.
Visit whitbybia.org for a full list of downtown businesses and information about upcoming events including movie nights, food tours and the Summer Art Series! |
Summer eats -- Whitby's food trucks and burger joints |
While you’re out and about in Whitby this summer, be sure to explore some of our town’s amazing food trucks and burger spots. Perfect summer eats whether you’re a local foodie, a visitor or just looking for a new lunch hour destination.
817 Dundas St. W., Whitby
1540 Dundas St. E., Whitby
900 Brock St. N., Whitby
3050 Garden St., Unit 106, Whitby
605 Brock St. N., Unit 3, Whitby
150 Taunton Rd. W., Whitby
1801 Dundas St. E., Whitby
419 Dundas St. E., Whitby Menu includes: Burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, onion rings, deep fried pickles
411 Garden St., Whitby (Canadian Tire Whitby North) Menu includes: Tacos, enchiladas, burritos, flautas, nachos
10 Taunton Road East, Whitby Menu includes: Fries, burgers, chicken, sandwiches
Victoria Fields, Whitby Menu includes: Smoked brisket, pulled pork, mac and cheese, sausages, ribs, burgers, poutine
Water Street, near the Pump House Menu includes: Fries, poutine, hot dogs, chicken fingers, sausages
To learn more about food trucks across Durham, visit: https://www.durham.ca/en/tourism/news/the-best-food-trucks-in-durham-to-crush-your-cravings.aspx |
Update on how Whitby is navigating tariffs |
The Town of Whitby is continuing its work to mitigate the impact of tariffs in our community. Local businesses were surveyed in May to gather information that will help us better understand the impact of tariffs, including how Town procurement policies can support purchasing local. The Mayor’s Tariff Task Force continues to mee regularly. Task force members include representatives from the Whitby Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Whitby BIA, non-profit organizations and industry sectors affected by tariffs. The task force met with Whitby MP Ryan Turnbull and Whitby MPP Lorne Coe in late June to discuss current provincial and federal efforts, including funding opportunities for business from the federal and provincial governments. More information is available at More information for residents and businesses is available at whitby.ca/en/work/navigating-tariffs.aspx |
Check in on Whitby's Community Strategic Plan progress |
As we move through this term of Council, more and more of the 62 action items in Whitby’s 2023-2026 Community Strategic Plan are coming to life. This plan was one of my main priorities when I ran for mayor – before this, Whitby hadn’t had a strategic plan in over 20 years! A few recent examples of action items underway or complete include:
This is #YourPlaninAction Visit connectwhitby.ca/CommunityPlan to learn more. |
Update on physician recruitment efforts |
One of the 62 action items in Whitby’s Community Strategic Plan is “Work with partners to increase access to family physicians” – and I’m thrilled to share that we’re making excellent progress. Work started in 2023 when Council approved a pilot partnership between the Town of Whitby and the Oshawa Clinic Group to attract family physicians to the new Whitby Health Centre. The pilot program established a $500,000 incentive fund, equally shared between the Town and the Oshawa Clinic Group, to recruit up to 10 family physicians. Each physician is eligible for a $50,000 incentive, with both partners contributing $5,000 annually per physician for a five-year term. The Whitby Health Centre opened in June 2024, and to date, two family physicians have been recruited! We recently expanded the incentive program to include all interested health clinics in Whitby. Town staff have visited 16 clinics to share information about the program and several are interested in participating. To further support residents in connecting with a family doctor, a list of nine clinics in Whitby with patient openings has been published at Whitby.ca/FamilyDoctors |
Enjoy a beautifully painted street piano at Whitby’s waterfront this summer |
I’m excited to share that a beautifully painted street piano is now available at the Whitby waterfront for passers by to play. Earlier this year, the Town of Whitby put out a call for young artists to apply to paint the piano, based on the theme “What Makes Whitby Home? What Does Whitby Mean to You?” Youth artist Jasmine from Jazzmatazz Creative Arts was selected and did an amazing job turning the piano into a work of art. Be sure to check it out when you’re at the waterfront this summer! |
Have your say on Whitby's 2026-28 Budget |
The Town recently kicked off public engagement on its 2026-28 Budget. Phase 1 wrapped up at the end of June. Phase 2 runs from July 14 to Aug. 1 and gives residents the opportunity to use an interactive tool to rank and prioritize potential capital projects. Additional opportunities to share feedback on the proposed budget will be available later this year. Share your feedback and subscribe for updates at connectwhitby.ca/Budget |
We’re proud of these Whitby Community Builders |
This is my monthly shoutout to those who make Whitby proud. If you know a person, group, or organization that has accomplished something noteworthy or is helping to make Whitby a better place, email follertj@whitby.ca
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Because You Asked: Dog Parks |
Because You Asked is an opportunity to provide helpful context and information about issues the community is asking about. Got a question? Email Jillian Follert at follertj@whitby.ca The Town of Whitby currently offers two dedicated off-leash dog parks -- one at Heber Down Conservation Area and one at the north end of Jeffery Street, just north of Victoria Street West. Compared to neighbouring municipalities such as Oshawa, Pickering, Richmond Hill, Markham, and Vaughan, Whitby offers more dog parks per capita. A public survey conducted as part of the development of the 2024 Parks and Recreation Master Plan found that one-third of residents regularly walk dogs, and 48 per cent of respondents support further investment in off-leash dog parks. Whitby’s existing off-leash parks primarily serve the northern and southern parts of the community, leaving a gap in central Whitby. As a result, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan recommends exploring opportunities for a new off-leash area between Taunton Road and Dundas Street. Proposed site selection criteria based on best practices from other municipalities include:
The Town’s Community Services team plans to begin work in late 2025 to search for a location for a new off-leash park location in Central Whitby. Following this review, the Town will engage the community to gather feedback on preferred locations, amenities, materials, and design principles for both new and existing off-leash dog parks. A report will be presented to Council in 2026 with a recommendations. To ensure a safe and respectful experience for all users, dog owners and handlers are reminded of the following rules when visiting Whitby's off-leash dog parks:
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Making a Difference: Spay Neuter Initiatives Association |
Making a Difference is my monthly spotlight on local not-for-profit organizations, which are such a critical part of our community. To suggest a not-for-profit to feature, email Jillian Follert at follertj@whitby.ca Spay Neuter Initiative Association is dedicated to promoting responsible pet guardianship and reducing the overpopulation of cats and dogs in Durham Region through accessible and affordable spay and neutering services. This work is made possible by the generous support of donors. In April 2024, the organization launched a new program called SNIP, offering accessible, low-cost spay/neuter services in Durham. The program started with six Durham veterinarians offering generously discounted rates for spay and neuter surgeries and has grown to include nine. The goal for 2025 is to assist 150+ Durham Region families obtain spay/neuter services for their pets. Residents can help by making a monetary donation or purchasing onesies and collars for cats and dogs to wear after their surgery through |
Whitby Business Spotlight: Crave Donuts |
Crave Doughnuts has become a local favourite thanks to its one-of-a-kind, handcrafted doughnuts and strong ties to the community. Crave was founded by doughnut lovers Nicole Morais and Jeremy Black in 2018 and was originally located in a rented bakery space in Ajax. In the early days, they were making between 1,000 and 1,500 doughnuts a week, driven by word-of-mouth buzz and an outpouring of community support that they describe as “extremely humbling.” In 2019, Nicole and Jeremy opened their first brick-and-mortar location in Whitby at 102 Lupin Dr. It didn’t take long to become a local hit, with daily sell-outs and lines out the door. That momentum continued, and in 2023, Crave expanded to a second location in Oshawa. Celebrating five years in Whitby this past fall, one of the things that sets Crave apart is a focus on quality. Every doughnut is made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, with dough, glazes, custards, and creams all made in-house. The menu includes customer favourites like the Crème Brûlée and Honey Cruller doughnuts, alongside a rotating selection of seasonal flavours as well as vegan options. Crave Doughnuts supports several community initiatives such as the Ability Centre’s Thrive program, an annual Pride fundraiser for LGBTQ+ charities, and Cohen’s Hot Chocolate Stand, which raises money for SickKids. To learn more, visit cravedoughnuts.com or find the on Instagram @crave.doughnuts |
Coming up in July |
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How to subscribe and August newsletter sneak peek |
Did you know there are two ways to subscribe to my monthly newsletter? Go to whitby.ca/subscribe to receive an email notification each month when the newsletter is published on whitby.ca -- or click here to subscribe via Constant Contact and get the newsletter right to your inbox. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming up in my August newsletter:
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