Supporting Our Local Businesses

New programs to encourage #ShopLocal and engage Whitby businesses

The Town of Whitby is taking further action to support local businesses as provincial COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift. Some of the key actions being taken include:

#ShopLocal in lieu of payment for parking tickets issued during the pandemic

Starting today, the Town is encouraging those who have unpaid parking tickets issued during the pandemic to shop at local, independent restaurants and stores to have their ticket cancelled. How it works: any person with an unpaid parking ticket that was received between March 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021 can have their parking ticket cancelled if they provide proof of purchase (a receipt) from a Whitby restaurant or business in an amount equal to or greater than the set fine. The Town will be sending a letter directly to residents who qualify for this program. For a listing of Whitby businesses that are open right now, visit whitby.ca/whatsopen.

To submit a request for the cancellation of a parking ticket, residents can email a copy of their ticket and a valid restaurant/business receipt to parking@whitby.ca. Town staff will respond via email to provide confirmation that the receipt has been received and qualifies to be cancelled.

Free rapid COVID-19 testing for local businesses

Any small and medium-sized businesses with 150 employees or less are now welcome to submit a request to access COVID-19 rapid antigen screening tests for their employees. The goal of the program – being offered in partnership with the Whitby Chamber of Commerce – is to identify asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic cases of COVID-19 in the workplace and help stop the spread of the virus. Eligible businesses can pre-order their testing kits from the Whitby Chamber of Commerce today by clicking here.

Extended expedited approval of outdoor patios

The Town is continuing to help make it easier for local businesses to expand or reopen outdoor patios by waiving application fees and extending the expedited approval and permitting process. The goal: to support local businesses in their ongoing business operations and provide residents with opportunities to enjoy local establishments safely outdoors during the summer months. For more information on outdoor patios, businesses can contact clerks@whitby.ca or visit whitby.ca/patios.

We’re developing a new five-year Economic Development Strategy and want to hear from you

Continuing to support and retain local businesses is a priority for the Town. That’s why the Town is developing a new five-year Economic Development Strategy to continue to build a strong and sustainable economy – and we want to hear from you! Complete a survey between now and Wednesday, June 23 to help inform the creation of the new strategy. Visit connectwhitby.ca/Economic-Development-Strategy to have your say.

More Information

For more information on how the Town is supporting local business during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit whitby.ca/businessresources.

For media inquiries, please contact:

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