Mayor's Monthly Newsletter - March 2023

Hello, Whitby! My monthly newsletter aims to keep residents informed about what’s happening in our town and encourage more engagement and communication. I’m always open to hearing your feedback, email mayor@whitby.ca or call 905-430-4300 ext. 2203 to connect with me.

--Elizabeth Roy

What's happening at council?

Council recently approved Whitby’s 2023 budget. Did you know more than 3,500 people gave their feedback during the public engagement process? This is my 17th budget with Whitby Council – every year the process is both interesting and challenging. This year, council presented 21 changes to the proposed budget, based on feedback from residents. The approved budget increase will result in a 5.8 per cent Town increase, or an estimated two per cent increase on the overall residential bill for Town services. The 2023 budget focuses on maintaining essential services while planning for growth. Capital investments for 2023 include playground and accessibility improvements at seven parks, environmental sustainability investments to reduce the Town’s greenhouse gas emissions, a traffic calming strategy to make residential streets safer, new and improved multi-use path and cycling connections, 11 kilometres of road resurfacing and continued investment in downtown revitalization. The approved 2023 budget is available online at connectwhitby.ca/budget

A huge thank you!

Thank you so much to all the residents that participated in my first ever telephone town hall on Feb. 2. More than 3,300 people were on the line to ask questions ranging from health care needs to snow clearing. I also want to thank Town of Whitby CAO Matt Gaskell and Lakeridge Health CEO Cynthia Davis for joining me on the call to help provide information.

Hospital update

Ontario MPPs returned to the legislature on Feb. 21 and the Province will be tabling its 2023 budget sometime in March. Whitby council is waiting and watching to see if a $3 million planning grant for Lakeridge Health will be included in the budget. This is grant needed for the planning process for a new hospital in Whitby to move forward. Whitby Council members continue to advocate to our MPPs to ensure this funding is delivered. Check out my recent column on durhamregion.com to learn more about the critically important hospital issue.

We're proud of these Whitby Community Builders!

On March 4, the Abilities Centre in Whitby will hold its first annual AC Accessibility Awards. Congratulations to all the local people and organizations being recognized for making our community more accessible and inclusive! This event will also be the official unveiling of Jim Flaherty Street. Council recently approved a request from the Abilities Centre to rename Gordon Street, north of Victoria Street, to Jim Flaherty Street, in honour of the pivotal role Flaherty played in championing the Abilities Centre.

Bravo to Whitby Courthouse Theatre for celebrating a return to a full season of shows with an amazing production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” in February. Congratulations to all the volunteers who spent time making this show happen – community theatre is so important to the arts scene in Whitby!

Three cheers for Durham College for raising $10 million through its “Building for Skills” fundraising campaign. The funds will support a 60,000 square foot addition to DC’s Whitby campus. Once completed, the expansion will allow 750 more students to study skilled trades and professions each year.

Whitby Business Spotlight: Osaka Food Market

Mochi donut balls

Osaka Food Market opened in October 2022 at 20 Broadleaf Avenue. The business is owned by husband-and-wife team Dan and Maki Fujiwara. They met while Dan was living in Japan – after moving to Durham, they noticed a lack of place to find Japanese products and takeout food beyond sushi. Osaka Food Market carries Japanese grocery staples and offers a menu of hot food items and baked goods including Japanese fried chicken; dense and chewy Oishi Mochi Donut balls, yakisoba, onigiri, Takoyaki, shrimp tempura and Supermoon Cheesecakes. Check out osakafoodmarket.com for more information.

Did you know...

…Whitby has a radical history?

William Lyon Mackenzie was a central figure in Canada’s pre-Confederation politics and is well known for leading an unsuccessful revolt against the Canadian government in 1837. Whitby was part of his riding and, according to the Canadian Encyclopedia, Mackenzie held so many pre-rebellion meetings in the town square that it became known as “radical corners.”

Coming up in March

There’s still time to give your feedback on Whitby’s new Community Strategic Plan. We want to know what your priorities are! A survey is open until March 12 at connectwhitby.ca/communitystrategic plan

Nominations close March 10 for the Mayor’s Senior Volunteer Award. Each year, the mayor recognizes a senior who has made an outstanding contribution through community involvement. If you know someone 55+ who fits this description, nomination forms are available at the Whitby 55+ Centre and the Brooklin Community Centre as well as online at whitby.ca/msva

Registration for the Town of Whitby’s 2023 summer camps opens March 8 at 9 a.m. for Whitby residents. There are lots of camps to choose from – like junior firefighter camp, skateboard and scooter camp and multi sport camp. Did you know, about 500 children were registered in the Town’s summer camps and playground program in 2022? For more information, visit whitby.ca/en/play/camps.aspx

New this term, Whitby councillors will be hosting in-person ward town hall meetings. This is a great opportunity to meet your councillors, ask questions, share feedback and hear updates on what’s happening in your ward! The West Ward Town Hall takes place March 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. in council chambers, 575 Rossland Rd. E., with Councillor Matt Cardwell and Councillor Maleeha Shahid. Put it in your calendar and plan to be there!

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