Green Quarterly – July 2026 Updates

What’s Happening This Quarter: July – September 2026

Phragmites, Garlic Mustard and Wild Parsnip — Oh My! Survey results are helping shape Whitby’s first Invasive Species Management Strategy 

From June 15 to July 6, Whitby gathered input from the community to help shape its first  Invasive Species Management Strategy to help protect and manage municipal lands. In addition to the survey, over the summer, the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) will be doing fieldwork. Community feedback tied with fieldwork will help develop a plan to protect biodiversity, reduce long-term costs, and maintain healthy natural areas. The strategy will be presented to Council in early 2027.  

Whitby Earth Month Recap 

To celebrate Earth Month, events throughout April supported Whitby’s sustainability and climate action efforts through waste reduction and tree planting. At the LEAF Spring Community Tree Planting at Fallingbrook Park, 145 community members came together to plant 500 trees.  

Helping Durham Homeowners Be More Energy Efficient: Energy and Electric Vehicle (EV) Expo 

Over 200 attendees and residents came out to Durham Region’s first ever Home Energy and EV Expo on May 2. Participants had the chance to speak to contractors, electric vehicle (EV) experts, and municipalities to learn how to improve their homes’ energy efficiency, explore rebates, and test drive different EVs.  

If you missed the event but are considering purchasing an EV, check out the Electric Vehicle Affordability Program (EVAP), which offers incentives of up to $5,000 for battery electric and fuel-cell vehicles. You can also explore the SWTCH Home Charging Program, which may provide incentives for home EV charging. 

Supporting Natural Gas Reduction through Whitby’s Industrial Energy Challenge 

In partnership with Enbridge Gas, Whitby launched its Industrial Energy Challenge, a pilot program to support the industrial sector in adopting projects that reduce the use of natural gas. The successful applicant will be offered a one-time, non-repayable grant of $25,000 towards the purchase of technology or equipment or retrofits that reduce natural gas in production processes.    

Moving Whitby’s Climate Emergency Resilience Plan (CERP) Forward: Sustainable Neighbourhoods Action Program (SNAP) & Cooling Kits  

Climate action is taking shape in West Lynde, with projects that support residents during extreme heat and improve access to fresh, affordable food. Through Whitby’s Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program (SNAP), the community is helping develop an Action Plan to guide future sustainability improvements. Recent progress includes a cooling kit pilot for residents without air conditioning and the launch of a Mobile Food Market, both aimed at building a healthier, more resilient neighbourhood.