The Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee advises Council on the elimination of barriers for the diverse population of our community. It helps foster a greater understanding of ethno-cultural matters within the town through community partnerships. View committee meeting dates, agendas and minutes.

Roles and responsibilities

The committee is also responsible for:

• Taking steps to involve diverse groups in the committee's activities
• Advise staff on policy development to promote awareness of ethno-cultural relations and diversity matters
• Advise on public engagement strategies for Whitby residents with the focus of ensuring discussion and public feedback on current diversity issues
• Provide consultation, research, recommendations and reports on matters of diversity, inclusivity and equity within the town

Terms of Reference

Board and Advisory Committee Terms of References can be found here.

Committee members

Membership consists of one member of Council, seven citizen appointments and two Youth Council liaisons:

• Councillor Elizabeth Roy (Mayor's designate)
• Kim Evans (staff liaison)
• Mallory Dawson (Whitby Public Library Representative)
• Mayline Brown 
• Cheryl Frayne
• Brianna Nelson (vice-chair)
• Catherine Philogene (chair)
• Ayse Yuksel

This year, due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the Town’s annual in-person bus tour for new residents is being replaced with a virtual tour. Through the tour, newcomers will be introduced to their Town, local government and in some cases their new country.

“More than 20 destinations are included in the new virtual tour, including cultural locations and community gathering places which typically play an important role in the Town and bring diverse groups together,” says Kim Evans, Whitby’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (DIAC) Staff Liaison and Supervisor, 55+ Recreation Services.

Visitors to the tour can click on the interactive map and go behind-the-scenes to learn about the history of each building and how it serves the community today. Destinations include Fire Headquarters, The Abilities Centre, Port Whitby Marina, Downtown Brooklin, Station Gallery and more! Each local landmark includes a video, created and narrated by Town youth.

Take Tour of Whitby