Green Quarterly - October 2026 Updates

Whitby manufacturer, North American Steel was the inaugural recipient of Whitby’s Industrial Energy Challenge, a pilot program that helps industrial businesses invest in and implement energy-efficiency projects that reduce natural gas consumption and support the Town’s commitment to sustainability. The $25,000 grant provided with support from Enbridge Gas will go towards installing air curtains on the company’s dry-off oven, helping to reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and improve operational efficiency. Read the full story and learn more about how Whitby is supporting local businesses in reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency. View the full article.  

This fall, the Town of Whitby continued to invest in a greener, more resilient community through three community tree planting initiatives that will add more than 1,400 native trees and shrubs to Whitby's urban forest. 

In celebration of National Forest Week, the Town partnered with LEAF (Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests) to host a community tree planting event at Fallingbrook Park. The event brought together 89 volunteers and members of the Town's Forestry team to plant 500 native trees and shrubs, helping to enhance biodiversity, improve local habitat, and strengthen climate resilience. 

The Town also supported two Little Forests projects in partnership with Little Forests Durham, CLOCA, and the Rotary Clubs of Whitby. On October 3, volunteers planted 300 native trees and shrubs at Windsor Bay Park, and on October 17, community members came together at Whitby Central Park to plant an additional 600 native trees and shrubs as part of the Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program (SNAP). Once established, these dense Miyawaki-style forests will help store carbon, improve air quality, increase biodiversity, manage stormwater, and create valuable wildlife habitat. 

Thank you to all volunteers and community partners who helped make these events a success. Keep an eye out for future stewardship and maintenance events to help these new forests thrive for years to come. 

The Fieldgate Sports Complex is one of Canada's first net-zero carbon multi-sport recreation complexes and represents a significant milestone in Whitby's sustainability journey, becoming the Town's first building to achieve Tier 3 of the Whitby Green Standard. Opened on September 12, 2026, the Fieldgate Sports Complex uses 58 geothermal wells to heat and cool the facility efficiently year-round, houses 688 solar panels to generate renewable electricity on site and a backup generator capable of supporting critical building systems during power outages – making it a resilient community hub that is designed to support the community when it is needed the most. These features are just some of the many sustainability features included in the design of the Fieldgate Sports Complex. To learn more about the Fieldgate Sports Complex, visit connectwhitby.ca/SportsComplex. 

This fall, the Town of Whitby launched Whitby Watt Wars, a four-month energy conservation challenge that encourages friendly competition among municipal facilities to reduce energy use, improve operational efficiency, and support Whitby's climate goals. Through simple actions such as turning off lights and equipment when not in use, identifying energy-saving opportunities, and promoting conservation-minded behaviours, staff are working together to reduce energy waste across Town facilities. 

Residents can join the challenge too. Whether you're visiting a Town facility or looking to reduce energy use at home, small actions can make a big difference. Consider turning off unused lights and electronics, adjusting your thermostat, upgrading to energy-efficient equipment, or exploring available rebates and incentives for home energy improvements. 

Learn more about energy-saving programs, rebates, and incentives available to Whitby residents and businesses. A special thank you to Elexicon Energy for sponsoring the Whitby Watt Wars challenge.

Looking to plant trees or shrubs in your backyard, front yard or larger residential, commercial or institutional property? LEAF offers a subsidized tree planting program that provides options for a wide range of spaces, including full-service planting, expert guidance for DIY planting and solutions for multi-unit and commercial properties.  Learn more about the LEAF program. 

Durham Region residents can apply for a Local Improvement Charge (LIC) loan of up to $125,000 to increase energy efficiency and comfort of the home at a low-interest rate of 2%. Learn more about the Durham Greener Homes Loan.  

The Energy Affordability Program from Save on Energy helps eligible Ontario households reduce energy use and lower monthly bills by offering free energy-saving upgrades. The program has two support options depending on income and needs:  

Curious about rooftop solar? Read about Whitby residents Bruce and Karen Elliott, who used The Atmospheric Fund's Home Solar Accelerator program to install solar panels on their home. Their story offers practical insights into the process, costs, and benefits of generating clean energy at home. The Home Solar Accelerator provides free, independent support to help homeowners explore solar and battery storage options.