Why Whitby

The Whitby Advantage is made up of several different factors that have led countless businesses and entrepreneurs to achieve success in our community. Whitby has a diverse and growing pool of talented people, a superior quality of life and direct access to major markets.

Whitby is also one of Canada's fastest growing communities, and we are committed to enhancing and developing our infrastructure, facilities and services to promote sustainable economic growth. From the creation of the 1855 Whitby – Technology Accelerator, to the expansion of future employment areas, Whitby is well positioned for future growth.

Learn more about the Whitby Advantage by viewing our video.

Demographics and statistics

Contact us for more information on Whitby-specific demographics information and economic trends to help support your investment decisions.

The Town is currently a member of the World Council on City Data (WCCD) global network of like-minded cities, having achieved its ISO 37120 Platinum certification! This accomplishment represents Whitby's stature as a global city that is committed to data.

Superior quality of life

Whitby residents enjoy a beautiful waterfront and an award-winning 420-slip marina. We feature two vibrant downtowns located in Whitby and Brooklin, as well as an entertainment hub that has attracted high-profile companies, such as iFly, Playdium, Sky Zone, Flying Squirrel and Laser Quest.

You'll never have a shortage of things to do or become involved in, with state-of-the-art facilities, a wide variety of recreation programs, leagues and sports, beautiful parks and trails, and a rich arts and culture scene.

Access to major markets

Located in the eastern Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Whitby is the geographic centre and heart of Durham Region. Whitby provides access to more than 13 million customers within an hour's drive and an additional 135 million customers within a day's drive.

Our businesses benefit from easy access to three 400-series highways (Highways 401, 407 and 412), full GO Train service into Toronto and major markets, and we are 45-minutes away from Pearson International Airport.

A growing, educated and skilled community

Whitby's population is quickly growing. Our current population (137,000) is expected to grow to 193,000 by 2031. Durham Region's overall population is expected to increase from 650,000 to nearly one million by 2031.

By the same year in our community, Brooklin is expected to see growth of around 25,000 people, West Whitby of around 20,000 people and Port Whitby Marina of around 12,000 people.

Post-secondary institutions

Our businesses benefit from major research projects, co-op student placements and easy talent recruitment with direct access to three post-secondary institutions in the area, and over 30 institutions within an hour's drive.

Our region's top schools include:

Labour force

Our skilled and growing labour force allows businesses to draw talent, diverse skill-sets and expertise locally. Our labour force is expected to grow from its current number of 80,000 to 112,000 by 2031. Compared to other Ontario municipalities, Whitby's labour force is very educated, with 68% of our working-age population having college, university or apprenticeship level education.

Our labour force is particularly skilled in:

Architecture, engineering and related fields
Business management and public administration
Health care and related fields

Key sectors

Whitby's key business sectors include:

Advanced manufacturing
Clean technology
Information and communications technology (ICT)
Logistics and distribution
Professional and technical services

Major employers

Our top private employers and international companies include:

Thriving innovation ecosystem

We partner and collaborate with other support organizations in the innovation and technology fields. This region-wide innovation ecosystem provides entrepreneurs and innovators with the necessary tools and resources to develop and commercialize their technologies.

1855 Whitby

A strategic initiative developed by the Town and the CEO of 360insights, 1855 Whitby was created to fill an innovation gap in our business support ecosystem.

1855 Whitby's vision is to provide support for established high-potential tech and innovation companies to accelerate growth and land within the community. It also aims to expand the innovation district in downtown Whitby. .

Spark Centre

Spark Centre is an industry-led non-profit organization that provides technology incubator services for new ventures. The centre provides innovators, technology based businesses and researchers with space, services and programs to help them develop a minimal viable product with a distinct competitive advantage.

Ontario Power Generation X-Lab

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) X-Lab is an innovation accelerator, with the mandate to create minimum viable products that improve the overall reliability and safety of OPG nuclear stations. With the motto of "Innovation Velocity," OPG X-Lab drives a culture of innovation by adopting and nurturing local innovators to support opportunities with OPG nuclear operations.

Whitby success stories

Check out our video series featuring three successful businesses leaders' testimonials of conducting business in Whitby.

geekspeak Commerce

"We've been here for 11 - 12 years. The Town is very excited about the opportunity that innovation can bring in terms of employment and improvement of quality of life." - Isaac Wanzama, Founder and Senior Strategist, geekspeak Commerce

Mitchell & Whale Insurance Broker

"Whitby really had a nice demographic for the team that we wanted to build. We felt we were able to hold this location as a draw for people who don't want to commute anymore." - Adam Mitchell, President, Mitchell & Whale Insurance Brokers

Real Tech Inc.

"We export all over the globe. Our products are in 53 countries. We have a ready ability to ship our products anywhere they need to go from right here in Whitby." - Jodi Glover, CEO, Real Tech Inc.