Mayor's 2024 Year-in-Review Newsletter

In 2024, I continued to build on open and transparent communication from my office. Highlights included:

• Expanding the availability of my monthly newsletter to include an email subscription option through Constant Contact. In 2024 I saw a 62 per cent increase in newsletter subscribers

• Increasing the number of Coffee with Mayor Roy events that took place in summer 2024 and introducing a series of new Talk Budget with Mayor Roy events in Fall 2024

• Hosting my first Facebook Live event

• Continuing to publish a monthly op-ed column on durhamregion.com sharing information on key issues impacting Whitby

• Introducing a new feature in my newsletter and on my social media channels called “Because You Asked.” Each month I tackle a different topic that residents are asking about, providing in-depth information, facts, and resources.

Hosting regular roundtables with key stakeholder groups has been one of my top priorities for this term in office. Each roundtable is an opportunity to hear firsthand about key issues facing our town, work together on solutions, and provide valuable networking opportunities. The number of roundtables increased in 2024 and included:

• January 2024 Foodbank Roundtable
• May 2024: Downtowns and Lifestyle Roundtable
• May 2024: Faith Groups Roundtable
• July 2024: Not-for-profit Organization Roundtable
• October 2024: Community Safety Roundtable
• November 2024: Community Supports Roundtable (combining food banks and faith groups)

• The number of businesses registered in the Town of Whitby grew significantly this year – from 3,493 to 3,904. That’s an increase of 411 businesses
• New businesses that opened in 2024 include Portobello Road, Chica’s Chicken, Beertown, Dymon Storage, DermaScience Medical Spa, Ristich Law, Whitby Compounding Pharmacy and more. In 2025, the Town will continue to focus on attracting and supporting new businesses

• The Town organized Local Business Week in June 2024. Town staff, Council members, and representatives from external partner organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce met with local businesses to gain insight into the current business environment in Whitby. In total, 230 businesses were surveyed, representing 3,477 employees -- results showed Whitby received a 4.2 out of 5 rating as a place to do business

• Major investments in Whitby in 2024 included the 154,000-square-foot Whitby Health Centre in West Whitby and the 279,000-square-foot Mazda Distribution Centre on Ashburn Road in North Whitby

• Through the Business Retention and Expansion Program, staff were able to support the retention of Mitch Insurance and 4Sight Utilities by providing site-selection support to keep these businesses and hundreds of jobs in Whitby

• An online Home-based Business Toolkit was created featuring information on zoning by-laws, permitted uses, economic development programs, local marketplaces, and co-working spaces. Information cards are in development and will be distributed to over a dozen community organizations and post-secondary institutions

• The Town of Whitby partnered with the Whitby Chamber of Commerce, Durham Region Unemployed Help Centre, and MP Ryan Turnbull’s office to host the 2024 Whitby Job Fair in September. An estimated 500 job seekers attended

• In 2024, Lakeridge Health secured a long-awaited planning grant for a new hospital in Whitby. The Town launched a bold community advocacy campaign in February 2024 and more than 4,000 residents signed the call-to-action letter or shared a personal story about why a new hospital matters to them. On August 1, Premier Ford and Health Minister Jones officially announced a hospital will be built in Whitby, confirming provincial commitment to the planning grant required to move the project forward. Securing the required land and fundraising will be key next steps. The Town is currently working to finalize an agreement for land disposition from the Ministry of Transportation for land located at Lake Ridge Road and Winchester Road
• This year also saw the official opening of the new Whitby Health Centre, Canada’s largest private multidisciplinary medical group practice. The 154,000-square-foot centre in West Whitby is home to more than 80 physicians and offers urgent care as well as non-acute services such as cardiology, physiotherapy, fertility treatment, and audiology

• In November we celebrated the groundbreaking for Hospice Whitby – Roger Anderson House, a 10-bed hospice that will bring much-needed end-of-life care to our community. The event was the culmination of an eight-year journey, driven by the dedication of volunteers and supporters and made possible by the incredible generosity of donors. There is currently one eight-bed hospice in Port Perry serving all of Durham when data shows our region needs at least 37 hospice beds. I have been involved with this project from the beginning and I’m incredibly pleased with this milestone.

• The Town of Whitby has partnered with the Oshawa Clinic Group on physician recruitment efforts for the Whitby Health Centre. Through the program, up to 10 family physicians will be provided with incentives over a five-year term, the funding for which will be equally shared between the Town and the Oshawa Clinic Group. Each physician will have an anticipated 1,000 patients by the third year – which means 10,000 additional Whitby residents with a family doctor. This is incredibly important because we know there are an estimated 230,000 Durham residents without a family doctor. Some existing doctors at the Whitby Health Centre have also taken on Whitby residents from the waiting list as patients

• The Region of Durham has approved a location in Whitby at 632 Dundas St. W. for a new paramedic station, which will help serve our Town’s growing population

• 2024 marked the second year for the Queen’s-Lakeridge Health MD Family Physician training program, a unique program based in Durham Region that is training 20 new medical students each year

• 2024 saw record-breaking event attendance with more than 85,000 residents and visitors attending over 75 events hosted by the Town and community event organizers – including National Indigenous People’s Day, Canada Day, and the award-winning Brooklin Harvest Festival. These events were supported by more than 250 event volunteers
• Council adopted a new Public Art Policy in January 2024 and Town staff completed a public art inventory. Two new public art pieces were installed in 2024 --“The Hive,” a tree carving using a century-old black walnut tree is located across from the Centennial Building, and the “Dancing in the Light” and “Welcome Home” are Indigenous murals located in Rotary Park. The Town also worked with Brookfield Residential to promote a new mural honouring Molly the Fire Dog on the side of the Station No. 3 condos in Downtown Whitby

• Culture pop-up events were expanded in 2024 with five events taking place from June to October including Bollywood on the Pier, Greek Summer Night, Sunset Tango, En Plein Air Painting Event, and the Unravel for Change knitting event with over 1,050 people attending in total

• The third edition of the Whitby Food Guide was released in 2024, showcasing over 100 local businesses. New food tours were introduced including walking tours in Downtown Whitby and Downtown Brooklin, and a “hop on, hop off” trolley tour. Close to 500 people attended the tours, which featured a total of 42 businesses. To date, there have been over 2,800 views of the Food Guide online

• Council approved a new Municipal Accommodation Tax in 2024, and it took effect in July. This four per cent tax on hotels and motels will bring in revenue to support tourism initiatives and tourism marketing. The new tax brought in $159,631 to the Town of Whitby as of November

• Follow the Town’s @explorewhitby Instagram page to learn more about the many things to see, do, and explore in the community

• Construction continued on the new Whitby Sports Complex. Environmental sustainability initiatives incorporated into the facility’s design will make it the first Zero Carbon building and LEED Gold facility in Canada to include a twin pad arena, gymnasium, and aquatics facility. The 13-acre outdoor park neighbouring the facility is planned to include pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts; a multi-purpose sports field; a playground; as well as a skatepark and pump track. Subscribe for ongoing updates at connectwhitby.ca/SportsComplex
• Construction began on a new pedestrian bridge, boardwalk, and the widening of 600+ meters of asphalt along the Waterfront Trail to enhance accessibility. This project is partially funded through a $2.6 million Federal Active Transportation Grant. In addition, two new sections of trail were started in 2024 connecting Rossland Road to Bonacord Avenue and Taunton Road to Deer Ridge Crescent. These are expected to open in 2025.

• After extensive public consultation, Whitby’s new Parks and Recreation Master Plan was approved by Council in 2024 providing a roadmap for the development of parks and recreation infrastructure and services for 10 years

• Several park projects were completed in 2024, including renovations at Grass Park, a new cricket pitch at Jeffery Park, a new playground surface at Oceanpearl Park, and upgraded pickleball courts at Des Newman WhitBEE Park and Cullen Central Park

• In 2024, the Town increased the number of registered programs and drop-in activities for youth and older adults, such as pickleball, swim lessons, fitness classes, inline skating, recreational skating, and shinny hockey

• $24.9 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund to support the construction of 656 new housing units over the next three years. $2.5 million has been allocated to support high-density residential and mixed-use residential developments in Downtown Whitby with the first development application approved in November 2024

• $25 million from the federal Green and Inclusive Buildings Program to support construction of the new Whitby Sports Complex

• $5.4 million from Ontario’s Building Faster Fund to continue investing in infrastructure that enables housing and supports community growth

• $200,000 from the FedDev Ontario Tourism Growth Program to support the transformation and activation of waterfront lands around James Rowe House and Shirley Scott Park. The project includes a new seasonal visitor’s centre, accessible dock for kayaks and paddle boards, Muskoka chairs, picnic tables, public art, a bike rack/repair stand, and year-round decorative lighting

• $91,000 from the FedDev Ontario My Main Street Community Activator Grant to further enhance the Roebuck Street placemaking project including a new ‘Field to Fork’ mural, new bike racks, concrete foosball table, cornhole boards, seating, and lighting throughout Grass Park

• $2.6 million from the Federal Active Transportation Grant to support a new pedestrian bridge, boardwalk, and the widening of 600+ meters of asphalt along the Waterfront Trail

• In October, Whitby Council formally supported the Ontario Big City Mayors “Solve the Crisis” campaign, which calls on the provincial and federal governments to act immediately on the homelessness and mental health crisis happening on Ontario’s streets. Requests include investing in 24/7 community hubs or crisis centres to relieve pressure on emergency departments and first responders and asking the province to appoint a responsible ministry and minister with the appropriate funding and powers to address the full spectrum of housing needs as well as mental health, addictions and wrap-around supports. Learn more at solvethecrisis.ca

• In November, Whitby Council endorsed a series of motions calling on the federal government to provide more funding and supports to help municipalities address various pressing issues including overburdened food banks, intimate partner violence, and the needs of asylum seekers

• Whitby Council continues to advocate for tolls on Hwy. 407 East to be reduced or removed from Brock Road in Pickering to Highway 35/115 as a way to boost economic development, improve travel times for residents and visitors and alleviate traffic impacts in Durham Region

• Advocacy is also continuing to enhance public transit routes in Whitby. We’re working with Durham Region Transit to expand bus routes in areas including Garden Street, Des Newman Boulevard, the Queens Common neighbourhood, and the employment areas on South Blair Street

• The Town applied for and received support through the My Main Street Community Activator to continue to revitalize Roebuck Street in Downtown Brooklin. Improvements to the outdoor gathering space include lighting, new bike racking, seating, and a “Field to Fork” mural by local artist Chrrie

• A study is underway for the redesign of Brock Street from Highway 401 to the CP Railway Bridge and public engagement took place in 2024. The study will assess the current street conditions (road, sidewalks, on-street parking, trees, etc.) and obtain public feedback on what types of changes the community would like to see to create a more pedestrian friendly street that is accessible for all ages, respects the cultural heritage in Downtown Whitby and creates opportunities for sustainable design. Final recommendations from the study will come forward in 2025 with construction anticipated to start on the Brock Street Corridor in 2027

• The Downtown Whitby BIA hosted many events that brought foot traffic to the downtown and highlighted local businesses including the 6^th annual Downtown Whitby Christmas Market -- which saw record attendance levels -- as well as Breakfast with Santa, holiday workshops, the first annual Downtown Whitby Trick-or-Treat event, summer movie nights, the Summer Art Series, late night shopping and more. I also partnered with the BIA in November to organize Operation Cozy Toes, a highly successful campaign that saw hundreds of pairs of socks collected to support those in our community experiencing homelessness

• Brookfield Residential completed construction on Station No. 3, a six-storey, mixed-use condominium at the corner of Brock and Colborne Streets. The project is the biggest development to come to Downtown Whitby in more than 30 years and is expected to have a significant impact on ongoing downtown revitalization work

• The Town continues to implement traffic calming measures in various locations to create a slower, safer community. In 2025, a new Traffic Calming Policy will be created and brought forward for Council approval. The new policy will aim to provide a clear and defined process for determining streets for traffic calming, including how the Town will engage residents in the decision-making process. Three stakeholder workshops will take place from November 2024 to January 2025 and public consultation is planned for March 2025.

• In fall 2024 the Town introduced changes to parking enforcement as a way of improving safety in school zones. The new Administrative Penalty System or “AMPS” allows parking tickets to be served by mail after a violation is observed by a municipal law enforcement officer, similar to automated speed enforcement notices. License Plate Recognition technology is being used for school zone enforcement, freeing up officers to enforce parking at multiple schools. The new system also introduced higher penalties for repeat offenders.

• In October, I hosted my second annual Community Safety Roundtable, bringing together representatives from the Town of Whitby, Durham Regional Police Service, and local school boards to discuss school zone safety, speeding, and other key safety issues.

• The Town of Whitby and Feed the Need in Durham partnered to open The Market at Iroquois Park Sports Centre – a new market-style community food bank. The store-like setting allows clients to pick their own items, which creates a more accessible, dignified and equitable experience. The idea for this innovative partnership was developed at one of my roundtable events with local foodbank providers

• Whitby Council unanimously supported the donation of two plots of Town-owned land to Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area. Habitat will use this land to build approximately 40 affordable housing units near the intersection of Hickory Street South and Dunlop Street East

• The Mayor’s Community Development Fund provided funding to many organizations that support Whitby’s most vulnerable residents including over $30,000 in funding for food security initiatives in 2024

• Following the opening of the Region of Durham’s new homeless shelter at 1635 Dundas in March 2024, the Town of Whitby participates on the Community Liaison Committee

Whitby was in the headlines many times in 2024 for the Town’s advocacy, success stories, and accomplishments. Here are just a few examples:

‘I hope they have a bed for mom.’ Town of Whitby launches campaign to pressure province on long-promised hospital

CTV News

Feb. 7, 2024

https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/i-hope-they-have-a-bed-for-mom-town-of-whitby-launches-campaign-to-pressure-province-on-long-promised-hospital-1.6760369

‘We’re going to build a new Whitby hospital’: Premier Doug Ford’s stunning announcement in Oshawa ends years of waiting for Durham residents

Durhamregion.com

Aug. 1, 2024

https://www.durhamregion.com/news/were-going-to-build-a-new-whitby-hospital-premier-doug-fords-stunning-announcement-in-oshawa/article_32ca7181-3525-5445-9686-f0dd8b56a880.html

Doug Ford said he wouldn’t be ‘bullied’ by this Ontario mayor. So how did she get her way?

Toronto Star

Aug. 10, 2024

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/doug-ford-said-he-wouldn-t-be-bullied-by-this-ontario-mayor-so-how-did/article_8a846b96-55b7-11ef-9476-9f5fe4a72a0f.html

'I am thrilled the Whitby Health Centre is now open:' Mayor Elizabeth Roy welcomes 4-storey clinic with 57 physicians, urgent care clinic, and more

Durhamregion.com

Nov. 6, 2024

https://www.durhamregion.com/news/i-am-thrilled-the-whitby-health-centre-is-now-open-mayor-elizabeth-roy-welcomes-4/article_6351805f-6aa2-58cd-ace8-bc6e4acdab94.html

Waterfront beer garden pop-up open for business Thursday at Whitby’s historic Pump House

InSauga.com

May 13, 2024

https://durham.insauga.com/waterfront-beer-garden-pop-up-open-for-business-thursday-at-whitbys-historic-pump-house/

Whitby scores funding for its new green and inclusive sports complex

ReNew Canada

March 6, 2024

https://www.renewcanada.net/whitby-scores-funding-for-its-new-green-and-inclusive-sports-complex/

• Continued work with the Ministry of Transportation on the land disposition process for the new hospital in Whitby as well as next steps for the hospital fundraising campaign
• Completion of the main building construction for the Whitby Sports Complex as well as park construction, and building commissioning

• Continued focus on economic development along the Hwy. 407 corridor

• A new signature event in Downtown Whitby in July 2025. The Home Sweet Home Festival will showcase Whitby’s food, culture, art, and music and take place in collaboration with many different community groups

• New public art will be installed along Thickson Road, and Indigenous public art will be installed as part of the Whitby Sports Complex. A Call for Artists will be launched in 2025 in support of two new public art projects in local parks

• Continued work to acquire land at Des Newman Boulevard and Rossland Road to support construction of a new fire hall to service West Whitby and increase fire and emergency response coverage across the community. Funding is included in the 2025 Budget for the design and construction of the new Fire Hall and to phase-in the cost of 20 additional firefighters to support it

• The Town’s Urban Forestry Master Plan is on track to be presented to Council for approval in 2025

• Park improvements planned for 2025 include work at Rotary Centennial Park, Whitburn Park, Oceanpearl Park, and Folkstone Park

• The Town’s Economic Development team will continue to implement the 2022 - 2026 Economic Development Strategy. The focus in 2025 will be an Intelligent City Strategy and Action Plan, programming to support the green economy and agri-business, and expanded support for tech-based businesses and the 1855 Whitby technology accelerator.

• A hotel/banquet centre feasibility study will be completed in early 2025 and Town staff will begin marketing the study to potential developers and user groups

• An internal budgetary operational review will take place in 2025 with the goal of finding increased savings and efficiencies

• Continued expansion of Coffee with Mayor Roy events in Summer 2025 and continued expansion of mayor’s roundtable events with community stakeholders
• Work will begin on adaptive re-use of Historic James Rowe House located at the Whitby waterfront
• A recommended Comprehensive Zoning By-law will come forward for Council approval in 2025. The new By-law will update Whitby’s three current Zoning By-laws and combine them into one easy-to-read document. This initiative aims to streamline the planning process and enhance community engagement in shaping Whitby’s growth

• Phased roll-out of Service Whitby will begin, creating a more centralized, modern means of delivering customer service. By integrating people, processes, and technology, Service Whitby will create a seamless experience and offer residents more flexible options to connect with Town services
• A tear-off tourism map highlighting Whitby’s key destinations, tourism attractions, and businesses will be available for visitors and residents visiting facilities and for use at sports tourism events. Large-size versions will be placed along Whitby’s waterfront, Downtown Whitby, and Downtown Brooklin. An online version and the use of QR codes will complement the printed version of the map
• Introduction of a self-guided brewery tour developed in consultation with local breweries to highlight the craft beer scene in Whitby

• Development of a new multi-year Downtown Action Plan in 2025

• The proposed concept design for the redesign of Brock Street from Highway 401 to the CP Railway will be brought forward for Council approval in 2025