Mayor's Monthly Newsletter - July 2025

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

The June 2025 Council Highlights include:

• Council endorses hotel feasibility study
• Luther Vipond’s name will remain on Luther Vipond Memorial Arena regardless of future use
• Work moves forward on new Traffic Calming Policy
• Council approves new e-bike, e-scooter by-law

Council Highlights are published following every regular Whitby Council meeting.

Coffee with Mayor Roy is back for Summer 2025! I introduced this initiative in 2023 as a way for residents to connect with me in a casual setting at local coffee shops. Drop by to ask questions, share feedback…or just chat! New this summer, I’m so excited to expand on this concept by introducing Meet-Ups with Mayor Roy! Details here:

Coffee With Mayor Roy

• July 15: 9 to 11 a.m. at Maple Brewz, 1525 Dundas St. E.
• July 17: 9 to 11 a.m. at Tim Hortons, 601 Victoria St. W.
• Aug. 7: 9 to 11 a.m. at The Concrete Café, 1636 Charles St., Unit 3

Meet-Ups with Mayor Roy

• July 5: “Get the Scoop” with Mayor Roy from 1 to 2 p.m.

Tip Top Creamery, 2 Roebuck St. and Grass Park

• Aug. 5: “Milkshakes with the Mayor” from 6 to 8 p.m.

Boardwalk Burgers, 3050 Garden St. Unit 106

Whitby Council recently voted to change the way the town’s four regional councillors are elected, from the current at-large system, to election by ward.

This change brings Whitby in line with Oshawa, Ajax, Clarington, Pickering and the majority of other medium to large municipalities in the GTA. It will also provide more direct accountability for residents and make it easier for new people to run for Council.

To learn more, read the Town of Whitby’s media release and my open letter to the community.

You can also check out my op-ed column on this issue on durhamregion.com

Introducing a new signature event is one of the 62 action items in Whitby’s Community Strategic Plan, and we’re delivering on that this summer with the introduction of the new Home Sweet Home Festival! Join us July 26 in Downtown Whitby for live entertainment, food, vendors, interactive activities, trolly rides – even an Adventure Zone with a 300-foot zipline! Visit whitby.ca/en/play/home-sweet-home-festival.aspx to learn more. See you there!

I recently had the opportunity to check out three businesses that highlight the diversity and uniqueness of the stores in Downtown Whitby. In addition to carrying amazing products, these stores take their space beyond retail and create community hubs by offering events, classes and social gatherings.

• Jayne Fashion, 109 Brock St. S., is a trendy women’s clothing boutique that also offers unique community events like “Meditation and Mediumship.” Find them on Facebook at facebook.com/fashionbyjayne and Instagram @jaynesfashionboutique

• Words on Wood, 113 Brock St. S., offers workshops, private parties, custom hand-painted signs, and unique farmhouse home décor items. Find them on Facebook at facebook.com/wordsonwood1 and Instagram @wordsonwoodwhitby

• Crystal Bliss, 115 Brock St. S., stocks crystals, indie tarot and oracle decks, books, incense and jewelry as well as offering a variety of events and classes. Find them on Facebook at facebook.com/CrystalBlissWHITBY at and Instagram @crystalblisswhitby

Visit whitbybia.org for a full list of downtown businesses and information about upcoming events including movie nights, food tours and the Summer Art Series!

While you’re out and about in Whitby this summer, be sure to explore some of our town’s amazing food trucks and burger spots. Perfect summer eats whether you’re a local foodie, a visitor or just looking for a new lunch hour destination.

• Pete’s Big Bite Burgers

petesbigbite.ca

817 Dundas St. W., Whitby

• B Boyz the Burger Architects

bboyz.ca

1540 Dundas St. E., Whitby

• Starr Burger

starrburger.com

900 Brock St. N., Whitby

• Boardwalk Fries Burgers Shakes

boardwalkburgers.ca

3050 Garden St., Unit 106, Whitby

• Johnny’s North End Burgers

northendburger.ca

605 Brock St. N., Unit 3, Whitby

• Odd Burger

oddburger.com

150 Taunton Rd. W., Whitby

• Burger Factory

burgerfactory.ca

1801 Dundas St. E., Whitby

• Grammy’s Food Truck

419 Dundas St. E., Whitby

Menu includes: Burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, onion rings, deep fried pickles

• Dos Coronas Authentic Mexican Cuisine

411 Garden St., Whitby (Canadian Tire Whitby North)

Menu includes: Tacos, enchiladas, burritos, flautas, nachos

• Miss Crispy Fries

10 Taunton Road East, Whitby

Menu includes: Fries, burgers, chicken, sandwiches

• The Back40 SmokeBox

Victoria Fields, Whitby

Menu includes: Smoked brisket, pulled pork, mac and cheese, sausages, ribs, burgers, poutine

• Ezee E’s and C’s Dawghouse and Grill

Water Street, near the Pump House

Menu includes: Fries, poutine, hot dogs, chicken fingers, sausages

To learn more about food trucks across Durham, visit:

https://www.durham.ca/en/tourism/news/the-best-food-trucks-in-durham-to-crush-your-cravings.aspx

The Town of Whitby is continuing its work to mitigate the impact of tariffs in our community. Local businesses were surveyed in May to gather information that will help us better understand the impact of tariffs, including how Town procurement policies can support purchasing local.

The Mayor’s Tariff Task Force continues to mee regularly. Task force members include representatives from the Whitby Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Whitby BIA, non-profit organizations and industry sectors affected by tariffs. The task force met with Whitby MP Ryan Turnbull and Whitby MPP Lorne Coe in late June to discuss current provincial and federal efforts, including funding opportunities for business from the federal and provincial governments. More information is available at

More information for residents and businesses is available at whitby.ca/en/work/navigating-tariffs.aspx

As we move through this term of Council, more and more of the 62 action items in Whitby’s 2023-2026 Community Strategic Plan are coming to life.

This plan was one of my main priorities when I ran for mayor – before this, Whitby hadn’t had a strategic plan in over 20 years!

A few recent examples of action items underway or complete include:

• Moving forward with a new fire station in West Whitby and hiring 20 new firefighters
• Construction continuing on the new Whitby Sports Complex
• Working with Habitat for Humanity GTA to build 60 affordable homes in Downtown Whitby
• Bringing a new Traffic Calming Policy to Council for approval
• Launching a new Town signature event – the Home Sweet Home Festival is coming up July 26
• Approval of a Public Art Policy and installation of new public art pieces
• Approval of a Parks and Recreation Master Plan
• Opening a new market-style food bank at Iroquois Park Sports Centre in 2024 and expanding its hours in 2025
• Councillors hosting annual Ward Town Halls
• Successful recruitment of two new family doctors to Whitby and expanded physician recruitment efforts to now include all clinics in the town (see physician recruitment section of this month’s newsletter for more details)

This is #YourPlaninAction

Visit connectwhitby.ca/CommunityPlan to learn more.

One of the 62 action items in Whitby’s Community Strategic Plan is “Work with partners to increase access to family physicians” – and I’m thrilled to share that we’re making excellent progress.

Work started in 2023 when Council approved a pilot partnership between the Town of Whitby and the Oshawa Clinic Group to attract family physicians to the new Whitby Health Centre.

The pilot program established a $500,000 incentive fund, equally shared between the Town and the Oshawa Clinic Group, to recruit up to 10 family physicians. Each physician is eligible for a $50,000 incentive, with both partners contributing $5,000 annually per physician for a five-year term.

The Whitby Health Centre opened in June 2024, and to date, two family physicians have been recruited!

We recently expanded the incentive program to include all interested health clinics in Whitby. Town staff have visited 16 clinics to share information about the program and several are interested in participating.

I’m excited to share that a beautifully painted street piano is now available at the Whitby waterfront for passers by to play. Earlier this year, the Town of Whitby put out a call for young artists to apply to paint the piano, based on the theme “What Makes Whitby Home? What Does Whitby Mean to You?” Youth artist Jasmine from Jazzmatazz Creative Arts was selected and did an amazing job turning the piano into a work of art. Be sure to check it out when you’re at the waterfront this summer!

The Town recently kicked off public engagement on its 2026-28 Budget. Phase 1 wrapped up at the end of June. Phase 2 runs from July 14 to Aug. 1 and gives residents the opportunity to use an interactive tool to rank and prioritize potential capital projects. Additional opportunities to share feedback on the proposed budget will be available later this year. Share your feedback and subscribe for updates at connectwhitby.ca/Budget

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

• Two of the Town’s Waste Services staff -- Erik Norvell and Adam Kerr - recently represented Whitby at the OWMA/W2RO Truck Driving Championship. The annual event tests the skill, safety, and precision of waste truck operators through a series of driving challenges and inspections. Congrats to Erik who took home the top overall score, earning the championship title for Whitby!

• Shout out to Whitby student Caleb K. who was recently named a runner up in Habitat for Humanity’s national Meaning of Home writing contest for students in Grades 4, 5, and 6. Caleb won a $10,000 grant for Habitat for Humanity GTA, which will be used to support affordable housing in Whitby.

• A huge thank you to Majors Ken and Donette Percy, who recently celebrated their retirement after nine years as pastors with Salvation Army Whitby. Our community is grateful for your selflessness, generosity and compassion.

Because You Asked is an opportunity to provide helpful context and information about issues the community is asking about. Got a question? Email Jillian Follert at follertj@whitby.ca

The Town of Whitby currently offers two dedicated off-leash dog parks -- one at Heber Down Conservation Area and one at the north end of Jeffery Street, just north of Victoria Street West.

Compared to neighbouring municipalities such as Oshawa, Pickering, Richmond Hill, Markham, and Vaughan, Whitby offers more dog parks per capita.

A public survey conducted as part of the development of the 2024 Parks and Recreation Master Plan found that one-third of residents regularly walk dogs, and 48 per cent of respondents support further investment in off-leash dog parks.

Whitby’s existing off-leash parks primarily serve the northern and southern parts of the community, leaving a gap in central Whitby. As a result, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan recommends exploring opportunities for a new off-leash area between Taunton Road and Dundas Street.

Proposed site selection criteria based on best practices from other municipalities include:

• Size: A minimum area of 3,000 square metres for off-leash parks in town and district parks, and 500 square metres for those in local parks. Smaller off-leash areas may be appropriate in intensification areas, such as Major Transit Station Areas.
• Setbacks: A minimum 50-metre setback from residential uses (with flexibility if separated by a public street or natural buffer), and a 15-metre setback from other park amenities such as playgrounds.
• Site access: Town and district off-leash parks should include on-site parking and be accessible by transit. Off-leash parks in local or intensification areas should be within a 10–15-minute walk and also accessible by transit.
• Site conditions: Sites should be generally flat, well-drained, and located outside environmentally sensitive areas.

The Town’s Community Services team plans to begin work in late 2025 to search for a location for a new off-leash park location in Central Whitby.

Following this review, the Town will engage the community to gather feedback on preferred locations, amenities, materials, and design principles for both new and existing off-leash dog parks. A report will be presented to Council in 2026 with a recommendations.

To ensure a safe and respectful experience for all users, dog owners and handlers are reminded of the following rules when visiting Whitby's off-leash dog parks:

• Responsibility: Handlers are legally responsible for their dogs and any waste, damage, or injury caused in the park.
• Licensing and control: Dogs must be licensed, vaccinated, and leashed when entering and exiting the park. They must remain within sight and under verbal control at all times.
• Supervision: Handlers must be at least 16 years old and may supervise a maximum of three dogs. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and children under six are not recommended to enter. If they do, they should remain within arm’s reach of a parent or guardian.
• Behaviour: Dogs that dig, chase wildlife, or show aggression must leave the park Aggressive, sick, or in-heat dogs are not permitted. Puppies under four months and dogs with health concerns are also discouraged from using the parks.
• Prohibited items: Food, breakable containers, and other items that may cause conflict (such as toys or treats) should be avoided or used with caution.

Making a Difference is my monthly spotlight on local not-for-profit organizations, which are such a critical part of our community. To suggest a not-for-profit to feature, email Jillian Follert at follertj@whitby.ca

Spay Neuter Initiative Association is dedicated to promoting responsible pet guardianship and reducing the overpopulation of cats and dogs in Durham Region through accessible and affordable spay and neutering services. This work is made possible by the generous support of donors.

In April 2024, the organization launched a new program called SNIP, offering accessible, low-cost spay/neuter services in Durham. The program started with six Durham veterinarians offering generously discounted rates for spay and neuter surgeries and has grown to include nine. The goal for 2025 is to assist 150+ Durham Region families obtain spay/neuter services for their pets.

Crave Doughnuts has become a local favourite thanks to its one-of-a-kind, handcrafted doughnuts and strong ties to the community.

Crave was founded by doughnut lovers Nicole Morais and Jeremy Black in 2018 and was originally located in a rented bakery space in Ajax.

In the early days, they were making between 1,000 and 1,500 doughnuts a week, driven by word-of-mouth buzz and an outpouring of community support that they describe as “extremely humbling.”

In 2019, Nicole and Jeremy opened their first brick-and-mortar location in Whitby at 102 Lupin Dr. It didn’t take long to become a local hit, with daily sell-outs and lines out the door. That momentum continued, and in 2023, Crave expanded to a second location in Oshawa.

Celebrating five years in Whitby this past fall, one of the things that sets Crave apart is a focus on quality. Every doughnut is made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, with dough, glazes, custards, and creams all made in-house.

The menu includes customer favourites like the Crème Brûlée and Honey Cruller doughnuts, alongside a rotating selection of seasonal flavours as well as vegan options.

Crave Doughnuts supports several community initiatives such as the Ability Centre’s Thrive program, an annual Pride fundraiser for LGBTQ+ charities, and Cohen’s Hot Chocolate Stand, which raises money for SickKids.

To learn more, visit cravedoughnuts.com or find the on Instagram @crave.doughnuts

• The Town of Whitby’s Canada Day celebration will look a little different this year – now featuring the largest fireworks show in Durham Region! Watch the fireworks from Victoria Fields Park, 345 Watson St. starting at dusk, approximately 10 p.m. A “grab and go” hub of food trucks will be available in the Victoria Street parking lot from 5 to 10 p.m. Learn more at whitby.ca/en/play/canada-day.aspx

• The Downtown Whitby BIA presents Summer Art Series July 5 and 19 and August 9 and 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. each day. Spend a Saturday afternoon shopping in Downtown Whitby while enjoying live music and creative fun with Art with a Heart. Visit https://whitbybia.org/bia-events for details.

• Downtown Whitby Food Tours are back this summer! Tours run Wednesdays and Sundays in July and August. Tickets are available at whitby.ca/en/play/food-tours.aspx
• The 14^th annual Whitby Ribfest runs from July 11 to 13 at Victoria Fields Park with ribbers, vendors and food trucks! Organized by the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise, this popular event raises funds for the community. New this year, there is a ticked concert on July 11 featuring Big Wreck. You can also check out the Kids Zone on July 12 and 13 from 12 to 5 p.m. both days with activities, crafts, balloon twisting, a photo booth, storytime and more. Visit whitbyribfest.com/ for details.

• The Downtown Whitby BIA presents free outdoor movie nights July 17 and Aug. 14 at Celebration Square, 405 Dundas St. W. Featuring VIP giveaways, free popcorn, games, face painting, vendors and more. Activities start at 7:30 p.m. and the movie starts at dusk Visit whitbybia.org/bia-events for details

• The Town of Whitby is hosting Movies in the Park July 11 and 25 and Aug. 8 and 22 at Whitby Civic Park (behind Town Hall) starting at dusk. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and popcorn for an evening under the stars. Movies are shown on a large, outdoor screen with concert-quality sound. Check out whitby.ca/en/play/movies-in-the-park.aspx for movie details.

• Music in the Park is back! You can catch live music on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Rotary Centennial Park and Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Grass Park in Brooklin. Visit whitby.ca/en/play/whitby-live.aspx for the full performance schedule.
• The Town of Whitby’s new Home Sweet Home Festival takes place July 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Downtown Whitby. Check out live music, food tours, a farmer’s market, art exhibits, interactive activities, food vendors and a kid’s zone with a 300-foot zipline! Visit whitby.ca/en/play/home-sweet-home-festival.aspx 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 August newsletter:

• Because You Asked: Improvements and initatives in Whitby's two downtowns
• Updates on the new hospital, Hospice Whitby and Whitby's Habitat for Humanity project
• More great summer events happening in Whitby
• Progress update on the Whitby Sports Complex