Green Quarterly - October 2025 Updates

Explore our new webpage that shares current incentives and rebate programs offered by the Federal and Provincial governments, utility companies, Durham Region, and the Town of Whitby. Whether you’re upgrading insulation, installing energy-efficient equipment, or making larger sustainability improvements, these programs can help reduce upfront costs and support long-term savings. Learn more.

Durham Greener Homes has expanded its services with a new weather-ready home element. In addition to energy efficiency support, Durham residents can now access a free weather-ready home assessment, along with practical resources and expert support, to prepare for flooding, windstorms, and extreme heat or cold. Learn more about how this new offering will help you stay comfortable, efficient, and ready for changing weather all year round. Get started with a free weather-ready assessment today. 

In 2025, the Town of Whitby proudly marks its fourth year participating in the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, reaffirming our commitment to protecting monarch butterflies and other pollinators. This year, we committed to five actions across three key areas. In communications and convening, we’re encouraging residents to plant monarch gardens. Under programs and demonstration gardens, we’re supporting native plant giveaways, invasive species removal, and installing educational signage. Through systems change, we’re working to increase native plant requirements in the Town’s landscaping ordinances and promote the use of milkweed. We encourage residents, schools, businesses and community groups to join us in creating and protecting pollinator habitats across our community.

As the days grow shorter and the markets fill with ripe apples, pears, beets, carrots, tomatoes, and squash, it's the perfect time to revisit the age-old tradition of jarring food. Many of us remember our parents or grandparents spending crisp autumn weekends canning the season’s bounty—lining shelves with jars of vibrant preserves, tangy pickles, and rich tomato sauce. This practice not only reduced waste but also kept local flavors alive through the winter. Today, jarring is making a comeback as a sustainable and nostalgic way to enjoy fresh produce all year long.

Looking to add beauty and support local wildlife in your Whitby yard this fall? Through our partnership with LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests), you can choose from over 30 native shrub species to brighten your outdoor space and create valuable habitat for pollinators and birds.

LEAF also offers themed shrub bundles, including butterfly, edible, native bee, privacy, shade, small yard and songbird, so there’s something for every space and need. Best of all, each bundle gives you four shrubs for the price of three. All shrubs come with mulch and care resources, and you can choose either full-service planting or convenient to-your-door delivery.

Invest in your yard and community with LEAF. Apply today and turn your yard into a thriving fall oasis. Learn more.

Get your home ready for winter and save on energy costs with the Enbridge Home Winterproofing Program. This free program helps eligible Enbridge Gas customers improve their home’s energy efficiency through upgrades like insulation and draft proofing. Designed for income-qualifying households, the program not only reduces heating bills but also increases year-round comfort.

You can sign up for cold-weather alerts from Durham Region. If temperatures reach -15˚C or colder, and/or a windchill of -20˚C or colder, you will be notified to help you take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family. Stay informed and safe this winter by signing up for Cold Weather Alerts.

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Location: 5000 Cochrane St, Whitby, ON 

Description: Join Little Forests Durham for a fun day of tree planting at the Heber Down Conservation Area. You'll be helping plant 600 native trees and shrubs, spreading mulch, and watering the plants. This is a great opportunity to get outdoors, connect with nature and make a positive impact on the environment. No experience necessary and all ages are welcome. 

Registration required. 

Date: October 20 to 26, 2025

Description: The third week of October is recognized as Waste Reduction Week in Canada. Daily themes include construction, textiles, electronics, plastics and more. Discover daily tips, resources, and ways to get involved by visiting Circular Economy Month.

Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Time: 4 to 5 p.m.

Location: Whitby Public Library, Brooklin Branch - Program Room (8 Vipond Road, Brooklin, ON)

Description: Join the Brooklin Branch and Regional Municipality of Durham for this family-friendly workshop where participants will dive into the world of waste management. Learn about the importance of responsible waste management through a variety of activities including a topic-specific story, hands-on activities including waste sorting, and identifying ways that they can participate in responsible waste management. Register online, in person or by calling any location.

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Whitby Public Library, Central Library, Meeting Room 1 (405 Dundas Street West, Whitby)

Description: Have a broken or damaged item? Need to mend a rip in your favourite piece of clothing? Pop by and learn how with a local expert. Registration required. 

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Whitby Public Library, Central Library (405 Dundas Street West, Whitby)

Description: Recycle those "non-recyclable" items by dropping them off at the Central Library (one day only). Accepted items: Brita filters, printer ink cartridges, toothbrushes, disposable razors, used pens, markers and highlighters. Brought to you by the Rotary Club of Whitby. Learn more. 

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby

Description: Join us for the annual Durham Climate Roundtable Fall Forum - a dynamic event exploring how we can communicate about climate change in ways that are accessible, empowering, and rooted in community. Hear from our keynote speaker and expert panel as they tackle the challenges of climate change disinformation and misinformation and discover practical tools for meaningful conversations. Test drive an electric vehicle through Plug 'N Drive or hop on one of Durham Region Transit's electric buses. Connect with inspiring organizations at the exhibitor fair, expand your network, and be part of the movement toward a more sustainable future in Durham. Admission is free - save your seat by registering today.