On Feb. 7, I was pleased to launch a new Town of Whitby community advocacy campaign that highlights the urgent need for a new hospital in Durham. January 2024 marked two years since an independent, expert panel suggested a site in Whitby as the preferred location for a new hospital -- and we're still waiting for action from the Province to move this project forward. On Feb. 15, Premier Doug Ford commented on CKDO Radio that "there's going to be a Whitby hospital." This is encouraging, but we need to keep up the momentum until we see action. I encourage all Durham residents to visit whitby.ca/NewHospital to sign our call to action letter or share why a new hospital is important to you. All messages will be sent directly to the Premier.  So far, the community response has been phenomenal, with more than 2,000 responses received!

Whitby’s 2024 Budget was approved by Council on Feb. 15. It will result in a 4.4 per cent Town budget increase, which works out to a 1.5 per cent residential bill increase.

The budget focuses on maintaining the Town’s essential service delivery, reducing Whitby’s environmental footprint, and modernizing municipal systems and processes to better support the community, while planning for growth.

The $175 million operating budget will support continued delivery of programs and services such as fire services, waste collection, maintenance of roads, parks and trails, recreation services, and libraries

The $84 million capital budget includes playground and accessibility improvements at Vipond Park, Sato Park, and College Downs Park; a new cricket pitch at Jeffery Park, a renovated basketball court at Baycliffe Park, splashpad surface replacement at Cachet Park, and playground surface replacement at Oceanpearl Park.

Other capital investments include continued construction of the Whitby Sports Complex; a new Waterfront Trail at Corbett Creek, and new multi-use path and cycling connections.

Thank you to the many residents who took the time to provide feedback on the budget by using our Citizen Budget tool, or communicating with members of Council.

Visit connectwhitby.ca/budget to learn more. 

On Feb. 22, I had the privilege of attending Whitby’s annual Celebrating Youth Awards. This year, 17 outstanding youth from our community were recognized. A huge congratulations to: Aditdi Senthil Kumar, Anisha Sharma, Asa Nichols, Bhavinishri Lingasamy, Bradley Sullivan, Caleb Nwogu, Caleb Wylie, Hannah Crockford, Holly Sword, Ibukun Odebode, Joseph Lappano, Kaitlyn Holla, McKenna Otter, Rishi Sriskanthan, Sohile Farah, Sophie Chai, and Yasmin Borjak. Whitby is proud of you!

Did you know that I love to do coffee chats with local groups and organizations? Non-profits, service clubs, faith groups, social groups, and everything in between! Email scheduling@whitby.ca if you’re interested in hosting a “Coffee with the Mayor” event.  Looking forward to some great chats!

I was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Sandy Air, a former Whitby Dunlops player and member of the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame. Sandy played with the Dunlops for six years from 1954 to 1960, culminating with two Allan Cups and one World Championship. The 1958 Whitby Dunlops team was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. The Dunlops are an important part of Whitby’s sports heritage and an inspiration to generations of local hockey players. 

I’m hosting my first Facebook Live Town Hall on March 6 from 7 to 8 p.m. with special guest Police Chief Peter Moreira. Join us live to ask a question and hear updates on key community issues. We’re also inviting the community to submit questions in advance until March 3. Click here to access the event page and form to submit questions. I hope you’ll tune in!

This is our monthly shout-out 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, let the mayor’s office know! Email Jillian Follert at follertj@whitby.ca

• Way to go, Juveria Zaheer! The Whitby resident earned a spot in the Jeopardy Tournament of Champions after winning the game show’s Champions Wild Card tournament and the $100,000 prize. It was wonderful to meet Juveria at a recent Jeopardy viewing party in Whitby, I can’t wait to see her compete in the Tournament of Champions. 

• A big shout out to the Whitby Library which -- in partnership with other Durham libraries and Durham Children’s Aid Society – recently won two awards at the Ontario Library Association Super Conference for leadership and collaboration on Drag Queen Storytime.

• Congratulations to Cordelia Clarke Julien, chair of the Lakeridge Health Board of Trustees, who has been recognized as one of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women for 2024. She joins an esteemed list of women from all walks of life who have made valuable contributions to Canadian society. 

Located in Downtown Whitby, Frame By Design, has been a pillar of the neighbourhood for more than 20 years. Husband and wife team Giovanni and Jennifer purchased the business in April 2022, motivated by a mutual love of fine art and workmanship.

“I think Downtown Whitby is a cool, walkable area and there’s a lot of potential for businesses to be successful,” Jennifer says of the decision to take over a downtown business. “It’s nice to see new businesses opening. I’m excited to see the downtown continue to improve; it’s clear that it’s trending upward.”

Expert staff are key to the success of any specialty shop and Frame By Design is no exception. Whether it’s framing diplomas, certificates, photos, and art, or more unique requests like a golf ball and scorecard celebrating a hole-in-one, the team is up to the challenge. Frame By Design also specializes in framing hockey jerseys, some of which you can find on display at Iroquois Park Sports Centre and local sports bars.

The store makes preservation a focus of its framing work, using high-quality, acid-free materials and conservation glass that improve clarity and protect against UV damage.

In addition to framing, Frame By Design provides expert photo and poster printing services, and offers in-stock frames and works of art for sale.

Visit framebydesign.net for more information or drop by the store at 116 Brock St. S.

Do you love to garden? Are you interested in seeing more food production in your local community? The Town of Whitby is looking for feedback on a community garden proposed to be built beside the Whitby Civic Recreation Complex at 555 Rossland Rd. E. Whitby residents would work together to plant, maintain, and harvest the garden, providing fresh, healthy food and helping to address food insecurity in the area. The garden would also be used for educational and youth-focused planting events.

Visit Connect Whitby by Wednesday, March 13 to complete a survey and share your feedback on the proposed plan and community garden design elements.

For more information, visit connectwhitby.ca/crc-community-garden

• Students in Durham are on March Break from March 8 to 15. Looking for ways to keep the kids busy? The Town of Whitby is offering a March Break leisure swim schedule, or check out the Whitby Public Library Spring Program Guide for March Break activities. You can also visit one of the many amazing family entertainment destinations our town has to offer, or check out our trails and conservation areas!
• Ramadan begins on March 10. Wishing a peaceful month to all those who are observing
• Registration for Town of Whitby spring programs opens online and in-person on March 6 for Whitby residents and March 13 for non-residents. If you’re already thinking about summer camps, the Town’s Summer Camp Wish List opens March 20, and registration opens April 3 for residents and April 10 for non-residents. Click here for details.
• Chag Purim Sameach to all those celebrating Purim on March 23 and 24, wishing you a wonderful celebration with family and friends
• Happy Easter on Sunday, March 31! There are family-friendly Easter activities happening in Whitby and throughout Durham. Check out the second annual Norris and Nash Whitby Shores Easter Egg Hunt on March 23; a Sp-Egg-Tacular Easter Egg Hunt at Pingles Farm on March 23, 24, 29, 30, and 31; and Dinner with the Easter Bunny on March 24 at Boston Pizza Bowmanville.