Mayor's Monthly Newsletter - April 2026

You can check out details of the latest decisions and discussions at Whitby Council in the monthly Council Highlights.

The March 2026 Council Highlights include:

• Whitby Council urges province to repair municipal-provincial funding model
• Whitby to review Responsible Pet Ownership By-Law in the context of recent dog attack in Oshawa
• Town staff directed to report back on development of a program to help attract a hotel/conference centre to Whitby
• New Inclusive Futures program aims to remove barriers to employment and foster inclusion for people with disabilities

Council Highlights are published following every regular Council meeting.

My third annual Women Who Inspire event took place March 26 at Trafalgar Castle School, bringing over 200 local women together for a morning of networking and empowerment. 

This year’s event featured a panel discussion with some truly inspiring women sharing their stories and advice – thank you to Melanie Pringle, Diandra Persaud, Vicki Deighton, and Cadence Grace for fantastic conversation.

Thank you as well to the sponsors who supported this year’s event including presenting sponsor Trafalgar Castle School, décor sponsor Maude Interiors, platinum event sponsor Thermea Spa Village, inspirational event sponsor Enbridge Gas, and supporting event sponsors 360 Insights, Gus Brown Buick GMC, and Gus Brown Hyundai.

Thank you as well to Thermea Spa Village, Brand Ambition, Artistry, Lavish, Graziella Fine Jewellery, the Sharpest Plate, Hush Life and ERC Optometry for generously donating prizes, and Teal Designs Ink for providing event T-shirts and swag for the panelists.

When women come together, incredible things happen!

As part of Whitby’s ongoing efforts to boost tourism and highlight our amazing local food and drink. Residents and visitors can explore Whitby’s five local breweries, collect a stamp at each one and submit a photo of their completed passport be entered to win a prize pack. 

Passports can be picked up at 5 Paddles Brewing, Banter & Co., Farm & Founder, Little Beasts, or Town Brewery. Learn more at https://www.whitby.ca/brewpass

I recently attended the launch of a new Durham Region HART (Homelessness and Addiction recovery Treatment) Hub, which will be located in Whitby. This investment is part of the province’s almost $550 million investment to open 28 HART Hubs across Ontario to improve access to recovery and treatment services for people facing housing instability, mental health and substance use challenges.

HART Hubs connect people to a range of treatment and recovery services such as primary care, mental health services, addictions care, social services and employment support.

Durham Community Health Centre will serve as the lead agency for the Whitby HART Hub, working in collaboration with partner organizations including the Region of Durham, GraceWins Peer Support, Victim Services of Durham Region and Lakeridge Health.

Services will be offered at the Durham Community Health Centre Oshawa site until the permanent Whitby HART Hub site hub opens.

A second HART Hub in Durham Region located in Oshawa in collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association Durham is expected to open in spring 2026. Learn more at https://www.durhamchc.ca/hart-hub/

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Whitby’s 55+ Recreation Centre! On Feb. 27, I was delighted to join the community to kick-off a year of celebrations and help unveil a beautiful new commemorative mural in the upstairs activity room. Painted by local artist Meaghan Claire Kehoe, the mural depicts the centre’s year-round programs and the diverse ways members stay active and connected. The mural also subtly honours the legacy of Elsie Myette, a long-time volunteer who contributed 27 years to Whitby 55+ Recreation.

Established in 1976 as the Whitby Seniors Activity Centre, the facility opened with 105 members and was governed by a volunteer board. As membership grew, the Town introduced dedicated staff to support program delivery and administration, with governance eventually transitioning to the Town. In 1996, the centre underwent a significant expansion, increasing to 16,000 square feet and introducing evening programming. At that time, membership had grown to more than 2,500 people.

In 2019, the Whitby Seniors Activity Centre name was updated to the Whitby 55+ Recreation Centre. Today, the centre has more than 4,000 members and delivers over 850 programs annually, supported by 150 volunteers, seven full-time staff and multiple part-time staff, including a 10-member 55+ Recreation Advisory Committee.

50th anniversary events will take place throughout the year include:

 ·  A monthly Gold Anniversary e-newsletter highlighting anniversary-related activities and programs

· A 1976 Spotify playlist featuring music that was popular at the time the Centre opened

·   Monthly feature recognizing members who are actively engaged and passionate about centre activities

·  Monthly self-care calendar promoting simple and accessible ways for members to stay active and support well-being

·  April volunteer appreciation event with the theme “Past, Present and Future”

This monthly feature highlights fascinating people, places, and events from Whitby’s past, courtesy of local history buff Wade Szilagyi. He is the founder of the 24,000-member Vintage Whitby Facebook group and has supported heritage projects for the Town of Whitby as well as the Whitby and Brooklin Legion branches.

Whitby has proudly celebrated its identity over the years with an official flower -- the marigold -- along with a town crest and even an official song. But did you know Whitby once had an official cake?

In 1984, Whitby introduced the Marigold Cake to the community. The cake was the creation of chef Frank Amann Jr. of the former Café Vienna. Its name paid tribute to the era when Whitby was affectionately known as “The Home of the Marigold,” a nod to the town’s strong horticultural roots and civic pride.

According to Chef Amann, the recipe took six weeks to perfect. The result was a distinctive dessert made with a natural whipping cream base, containing very little sugar and offering a subtle hint of apricot flavour. The recipe was considered top secret at the time, adding a touch of mystery and marketing appeal to Whitby’s newest culinary symbol.

The ceremonial first slice of Whitby’s official cake was cut by Mayor Bob Attersley, marking the occasion as a true community celebration. Joining him were Frank Amann Sr. and Chef Frank Amann Jr., the creative force behind the cake.

It’s a delightful reminder that local history isn’t only found in buildings and milestones—it can also be found in the kitchen. Do you remember Whitby’s official cake?

Construction on the future Fieldgate Sports Complex has reached major milestones, with work now moving into the finishing phase across much of the facility. The project team has completed major structural work and is now focused on interior finishes.

Progress includes:

• Roofing and stonework: complete, including the installation of hundreds of solar panels supporting the Town’s LEED Gold and Zero Carbon Building goals
• Arenas: 90 per cent complete, including radiant heating built directly into the seating; rink boards and painting targeted for completion in May
• Exterior panels: 80 per cent complete, with full completion expected in March
• Multi-purpose Gymnasium: 80 per cent complete, with drywall and painting underway; flooring installation set to begin in March
• Lobby: 70 per cent complete, including accessibility ramp installation; drywall and painting underway, with flooring expected to be complete in May
• Aquatics area: Durham’s largest pool is 65 per cent complete, with waterproofing underway and tile work set to begin in March

Earlier this year, the Town invited representatives from Whitby’s hockey, court, and swim sport organizations inside the facility for a first look at the space. Their reactions -- and excitement -- will be featured in a series of short videos. Watch the first video here and keep an eye out for more videos to be rolled out across the Town’s social media channels in the coming weeks.

Did you know you can add beauty and privacy to your yard, while supporting local wildlife and enjoying edible fruit? Through the Town of Whitby’s partnership with LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests), residents can choose from a wide selection of native shrubs that support both people and nature.

All shrubs come with mulch and care resources, with the option for full-service planting or convenient to-your-door delivery.

LEAF also offers themed bundles, featuring four shrubs for the price of three. Themes include Butterfly, Edible, Native Bee, Privacy, Shade, Small Yard and Songbird. Apply today to turn your yard into a thriving oasis with native shrubs at https://www.yourleaf.org/shrubs-cedars-and-pawpaws.

This is my monthly shoutout to those who make Whitby proud. If you know a person, group, or organization that has accomplished something noteworthy or is helping to make Whitby a better place, email follertj@whitby.ca

• Congratulations to Bella Notte Ristorante on making Open Table's 2026 list of the Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in Canada! This cozy spot is a favourite for Whitby locals and visitors alike. See the full list here: https://www.opentable.ca/.../top.../top-100-romantic/
• Shout out to the amazing Whitby team representing Ontario at the Canadian Masters Curling Championships in Grande Prairie, Alberta from April 6 to 11. Whitby is cheering you on, Mary Chilvers, Colleen Madonia, Kristin Turcotte, Christine Loube, and Deb McPhadden!
• Kudos to the winners of the 2026 Durham Region Chess Tournament! Ayaan Mehta won in the U12 category, and Riaan Ganguly was the runner up. Arijeet Sahu won in the U18 category and Allen George was the runner up. Thank you to the players and organizers for building this intellectual sport that encourages patience, focus, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.

What started as a passion project has grown into a thriving business dedicated to developing the next generation of hockey talent and fostering a love of the game.

Swift Hockey Swift offers top-quality hockey training, equipment, and programs for players of all ages and skill levels. Programs range from beginner skating lessons to elite-level skill development, ensuring that every player has the opportunity to reach their full potential in an environment where they feel encouraged to push their limits and celebrate their progress.

Since opening, Swift Hockey has built a reputation for excellence in player development, working with hundreds of athletes each year. Experienced coaching staff bring decades of combined hockey experience, including former competitive players and certified instructors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge. Countless players advance through the programs, from timid first-time skaters to confident athletes competing at rep and AAA levels.

Swift Hockey regularly sponsors local minor hockey teams, offers subsidized training programs for families in need, and partners with schools and community organizations to make hockey more accessible. Through fundraising initiatives and community partnerships, the company strives to ensure financial barriers never stand between a young player and their hockey dreams.

As Swift Hockey grows, the mission remains unchanged: to develop skilled, confident hockey players while building character and fostering lifelong friendships through sport. Learn more at https://swifthockey.com/

Alto is a new, high-speed rail network that will connect, Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, Trois-Rivières and Québec City through about 1,000 km of dedicated, mainly electrified tracks. With speeds reaching 300 km/h or more, the network will support economic growth by shortening travel times, enhancing connectivity between people and communities, creating job opportunities and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Once completed, the network will boost the economy with a projected annual GDP uplift of 1.1 per cent for Canada. The project is expected to generate 51,000 jobs during construction and thousands more during operation and bring in $800 million in tourism revenue annually.

Alto is currently in the development and pre-construction phase of the project with Cadence, its private developer partner. This phase is expected to last about four years.

A public consultation phase is currently underway -- the public and various stakeholders, including Indigenous communities are invited to learn more about the project and share feedback.

Field studies are also underway and will help establish baseline data on fish and habitat, surface water quality, noise and vibration levels, and terrestrial ecology. 

Following the public consultation, the first segment of the project will be submitted for an environmental impact assessment that looks at technical constraints, environmental issues, social acceptability, and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Construction will start once approval has been obtained from the federal government. The network will be built using a phased approach -- first segment will be Ottawa–Laval–Montréal.

Whitby is not identified as a station location, but publicly available information suggests that portions of the corridor may run north of Whitby and could intersect with existing rail or rural areas.

I recently sent a letter to the federal minister of transportation stressing the importance of keeping the Town of Whitby informed as the process moves forward and requesting:

•  A technical briefing for Council and senior Town staff
• Formal participation from the Town of Whitby in the consultation process
• Collaboration between Transport Canada, Metrolinx, Durham Region, and local municipalities to ensure the Alto project aligns with the Go Train expansion, local transportation networks, and long‑term regional growth plans
• Early discussion of construction‐related impacts, transportation connectivity, and regional economic development opportunities

Consultation has been extended to April 24. To learn more about the project or share feedback through virtual sessions or an online consultation platform, visit https://www.altotrain.ca/en

Located in the heart of our community, WindReach Farm is an inclusive, fully accessible farm dedicated to creating opportunities for children, youth, and adults of all abilities. 

For more than three decades, WindReach has been inspiring, empowering, and changing lives. WindReach is a welcoming space where people can build confidence, learn new skills, and experience the joy of connection through nature, animals, and community.

WindReach offers a wide range of therapeutic, recreational, and educational programs designed to meet diverse needs. Programs support individuals with physical, developmental, intellectual, and mental health challenges, as well as those facing social or economic barriers. With accessible trails, adaptive programming, and compassionate staff, WindReach ensures that everyone can participate fully and safely.

Core programs and services include the Learning-4-Life Adult Day Program, therapeutic riding program, WindSprout work experience program, day and overnight visitors program, horticulture and wool programs, and more.

A highlight is the inclusive Acres of Fun summer camp program. Designed for children of all abilities, Acres of Fun provides a safe, supportive environment where campers can explore the farm, interact with friendly animals, make new friends, and build confidence and independence. Families value the sense of belonging and acceptance their children experience at WindReach returning year after year.

WindReach Farm also opens its doors to the public by hosting a series of open house events throughout the year, including Swing into Spring coming up on April 25 – an opportunity for the community to gather, learn more about the farm’s mission, and experience its welcoming spirit firsthand. This fun family event includes entertainment, crafts, great food and a sheep shearing event that demonstrates how wool is sheared, cleaned, dyed and make wonderful wool items for sale in the farm store.

Through the support of donors, volunteers, and community partners, WindReach continues to grow its impact and ensure no one is excluded from the chance to participate, contribute, and thrive.

Visit windreachfarm.org to register for summer camp or Swing into Spring.

• April is Earth Month! If you’re interested in cleaning up a local park, trail, or road, check out the Town of Whitby’s Anti-Litter Clean-up Program. You can also join a community tree planting on April 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Fallingbrook Park in partnership with Trees for Life, LEAF, and the Town of Whitby.
• Participants will work side by side outdoors, contributing to a greener park while supporting local environmental stewardship in partnership with Trees for Life, LEAF, and the Town of Whitby.
• The Whitby Brass Band “Sounds of Spring” concert is Sunday, April 25 at 2 p.m. at Heydenshore Pavilion. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and free for children 10 and under.   Visit whitbybrassband.com to purchase.
• Whitby Courthouse Theatre presents “Rabbit Hole” from April 9 – 25. Visit https://whitbytheatre.ca/current-season to learn more and buy tickets.
• There are two free public swims this month at the Whitby Civic Recreation Complex! April 11 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. at sponsored by FeelGood Natural Health, and April 25 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. sponsored by Mayor Roy and Councillor Steve Lee.
• The third annual Durham Vaisakhi Fest 2026 and Grand Bazaar takes place April 26 from 12-6 pm at the Abilities Centre featuring live performance, food and vendors.
• WindReach Farm hosts the annual Swing into Spring event on March 25 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with wagon rides, sheep shearing demos, face painting, a food truck, and more. Visit https://www.windreachfarm.org/events for details.

Did you know there are two ways to subscribe to my monthly newsletter? Go to whitby.ca/subscribe to receive an email notification each month when the newsletter is published on whitby.ca -- or click here to subscribe via Constant Contact and get the newsletter right to your inbox.

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming up in my May newsletter:

• Learn about some of the amazing businesses located at the Whitby Mall
• Upcoming May events including Food Truck Frenzy, May Day at Trafalgar Castle and the opening of the Whitby Farmer’s Market
• A profile of Meta Employment Services and how they make a difference for job-seekers in Whitby and throughout Durham