Mayor's Monthly Newsletter - July 2026

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

The June 2026 Council Highlights include:

• Town staff to investigate feasibility, cost of noise camera technology
• New Traffic Calming Policy approved
• Council supports call for Chinese Heritage Month
• Funding approved to complete preliminary design study for Durham Meadoway project

Council Highlights are published following every regular Council meeting.

Coffee with Mayor Roy is back for summer 2026! I launched this initiative in 2023 to give residents an easy way to connect with me. Events are held at local coffee shops with a casual, drop-in format.  The number of Coffee with Mayor Roy events has increased every year, and in 2025 I expanded to include “Meet up with Mayor Roy events” to offer more hours and new locations.

 Looking forward to connecting with you at one of my 2026 events -- dates and details here:

• Tuesday, July 7 from 10 to 11 a.m. – Melly’s Market & Café,1022 Brock St. S.
• Thursday, July 16 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Tim Hortons, 601 Victoria St. W.
• Wednesday, July 22 from 1 to 2 p.m. -- M&L Motors Café, 928 Brock St. S.
• Thursday, July 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. Milkshakes with Mayor Roy at Boardwalk Burgers, 3050 Garden St.
• Friday, Aug. 7 from 10 to 11 a.m.  – Starbucks, 660 Taunton Rd. E.
• Saturday, Aug. 8 from 1 to 2 p.m. – Meet Up with Mayor Roy at the Brooklin Farmer’s Market, 3 Vipond Rd., Brooklin

As we wrap up this term of Council, I’m so proud to share that, from 2023 to 2026, the Mayor’s Community Development Fund has supported approximately 200 grants, with more than $830,000 awarded to local organizations and initiatives that make Whitby a better place.

 In 2025 alone, nearly $200,000 was distributed, supporting dozens of organizations. The fund is supported by two annual fundraising events – the Mayor’s Gala and the Mayor and Council Golf Tournament. Local organizations can apply for lead grants of up to $25,000 and community grants of up to $5,000.

Here’s a look at the lead grant recipients for 2026 and how they’re making a difference in our community:

• Feed the Need in Durham received a $15,000 grant to support its Vertical Farming Project in partnership with Mighty Harvest. This initiative will grow fresh, nutritious produce year‑round for clients who access The Market food bank here in Whitby. Since opening in May 2024, the Market has had over 62,900 client visits. The vertical farm is expected to enable weekly distribution of about 700 servings of leafy greens to over 400 families.
• Habitat for Humanity GTA received a $25,000 grant to support its build of 46 affordable homes for working families in Downtown Whitby. The grant will help cover the costs of construction materials, site servicing and foundational infrastructure, volunteer training and safety equipment, community hub development at the Dunlop Street site, and program delivery costs related to homeowner selection and onboarding. 
• Lakeridge Health Foundation received a $25,000 grant to support fundraising efforts for Lakeridge Health’s new Hospital in Whitby, as well as health care initiatives that benefit Whitby residents.
• Hospice Whitby – Roger Anderson House received a $25,000 grant to support the completion of its new residential hospice in Whitby including construction costs, furnishing, and the acquisition of essential medical and support equipment. This funding will help ensure Whitby residents facing life‑limiting illness have access to high‑quality palliative care, while also easing pressure on local hospitals.
• Oshawa Durham Rape Crisis Centre received a $25,000 grant to support ongoing operation and enhancement of its crisis hotline, including technology costs for the phone and text system, volunteer recruitment and training, volunteer system maintenance, and honoraria for after‑hours and holiday crisis coverage during peak call periods.

Like many in our community, I was concerned to hear about a young child who was recently injured by a coyote in Whitby. 

Community safety is my top priority. I hold regular Community Safety Roundtables that bring together Town staff, Durham Regional Police Service, our local school boards, and other partners to tackle important safety issues facing our community. I have added coyote safety to the agenda for our next roundtable later this summer, and I look forward to collaborating with all partners at the table.

Whitby already has strong coyote monitoring mechanisms. Our online coyote reporting tool and public coyote sightings dashboard are well used by residents and provide valuable information that helps Town staff monitor activity and respond appropriately.

Town of Whitby staff were quick to provide a coyote safety session at a Whitby school last month after a coyote came onto school property – and the Town of Whitby also hosts community coyote safety sessions. Our staff have been directed to increase public education, which will include further public education events.

There's always room to build on what's working. The upcoming roundtable will provide an opportunity to collaborate on additional measures, including the potential for more public education. I would also like to hear more from residents about what you would like to see done to improve coyote safety, you can share feedback by emailing mayor@whitby.ca

Learn more about coyote safety at https://www.whitby.ca/services-and-payments/animal-services/animal-control-and-wildlife/#Coyotes

Whitby Fire and Emergency Services is marking a milestone in 2026: 175 years since the town’s first volunteer fire brigade was formed in 1851 to protect a growing community. 

What began as a small volunteer effort has steadily expanded into a full-service department responsible for firefighting, rescue, inspections, public education, and community safety.

Today, Whitby Fire operates out of five fire halls across Whitby, with construction underway on Fire Hall 6 in West Whitby.

The department is staffed by professional firefighters and supported by specialized divisions that handle training, risk management, administrative work, and the ongoing rollout of fire prevention and outreach programs.

As Whitby grows, new investment is ensuring emergency services keep pace. On the final day of 2025, Whitby Fire placed Engine 36 -- its seventh staffed frontline fire truck -- into service, aimed at boosting capacity as call volumes rise.

The department is also moving ahead with several long-term projects: including a state-of-the-art fire training tower, and Whitby’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial.

Learn more at whitby.ca/Fire.

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 25,000-member Vintage Whitby Facebook group and has supported heritage projects for the Town of Whitby as well as the Whitby and Brooklin Legion branches. 

Did you know that one of downtown Whitby’s most striking landmarks once stood proudly at the southwest corner of Brock and Dundas Streets?

Constructed between 1908 and 1910, the Whitby Post Office was part of a nationwide federal initiative to establish prominent, dignified post office buildings in communities across Canada.

Officially opened in 1910, the impressive two-storey stone structure quickly became a symbol of progress and permanence. In 1911, a clock imported from England was installed, adding both function and flourish to the building’s distinguished façade.

Designed in the Beaux-Arts architectural style, the post office reflected the grandeur and civic pride of the era. Its symmetrical design, classical detailing, and refined stonework conveyed elegance and importance. At a time when public buildings were meant to inspire confidence, Whitby’s post office stood as a statement of the town’s growing stature.

For nearly half a century, it served as Whitby’s central postal hub, connecting residents to family, business, and the wider world. Generations passed through its doors, making it not just a place of service, but a cornerstone of daily life in our community.

Seventy years ago this month, on July 16, 1956, the post office closed its doors. Just three years later, in 1959, the building was demolished — a significant loss to Whitby’s architectural heritage.

Though the structure is gone, its story remains an important chapter in our downtown’s history.

This is my monthly shoutout to those who make us #WhitbyProud. 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

• Shout out to students from the Ormiston P.S. writing club who donated handmade bookmarks to the Whitby Public Library Rossland Branch at the end of the school year! The Grade 4 to 7 students crafted the bookmarks as “a little act of kindness to brighten someone's reading time."
• Congratulations to everyone at Whitby Courthouse Theatre for an amazing five wins and nine nominations at the 2026 THEA Awards, which recognize excellence in community theatre in southern Ontario! We are very fortunate to have such a high calibre of community theatre here in Whitby.
• Thank you to everyone who helped make a tree dedication possible for former Whitby Mayor Desmond Newman. A dedication ceremony took place in Whitby Civic Park in June. Desmond was the youngest mayor in Whitby’s history when he was elected in 1966, and he went on to build a legacy that has been felt for generations after.
• Happy 100th birthday to Stephen Cosgrove! Stephen has had an incredible impact in Brooklin over the decades as a business owner, community builder, and a very active member of Royal Canadian Brooklin Legion Branch 152.

In May, Nani’s Gelato officially opened its doors at 370 Taunton Rd. E., bringing its artisanal gelato to local food lovers.

The story of Nani’s Gelato is a Canadian success story, starting in 2016 as a single food truck and growing into a national franchise headquartered in Mississauga. The new Whitby location is a deeply personal endeavor led by local franchisee Denis Po. A South Asian Canadian who grew up nearby in Markham, Ontario, Denis holds a degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and spent years working in the tech industry.

Driven by a lifelong passion for food and culinary exploration alongside his wife, Denis sought to turn his love for desserts into a community-focused business.

As a dedicated family man, who celebrated the grand opening with his wife and their newborn baby who is just two months old, Denis found a perfect alignment with Nani’s Gelato. Named after the word for "grandmother" in many South Asian languages, the brand immediately resonated with Denis due to his own close bond with his grandmother. While he often found traditional desserts overwhelmingly rich and sweet, he fell in love with gelato for its natural lightness and unique ability to beautifully carry complex flavor profiles.

What sets Nani’s Gelato apart is its commitment to freshness and culinary innovation. The Whitby location features a dynamically changing menu that introduces unique flavour combinations in small, fresh batches every two weeks. Drawing inspiration from authentic Asian, Indian, and Italian traditions, the menu constantly offers guests something new to explore.

For Denis, the most rewarding part of this new chapter is seeing the smiles on the faces of local families and young children. Deeply grateful for the incredibly warm reception the business has already received, Denis is excited to give back to the Whitby community, creating a welcoming space where local families can gather and make sweet memories together.

Learn more at https://www.nanisgelato.com/ and follow the Whitby location on Facebook.  

For many years, residents have talked about the incredible potential of Whitby’s waterfront and the need to breathe new life into this space.

During this term of Council, we’re finally seeing that vision become a reality.

Revitalizing the waterfront is a key priority in both Whitby’s Tourism Plan and Community Strategic Plan.

The past few years have marked a major turning point, with real, visible progress on projects that are transforming this area.

This includes:

• A seasonal Visitor Centre that opened for its first full season on May 21 at Shirley Scott Park. It features tourism information, seating, Indigenous art, an accessible kayak and paddleboard dock and glow-in-the-dark kayak rentals.
• In 2023, Council approved a seasonal Town Brewery pop-up at this historic Pump House (269 Water St.). Now in its fourth summer, this has become a very popular spot for residents and visitors alike to gather and enjoy beautiful waterfront views, local beer and great food. Learn more at https://townbrewery.ca/blogs/locations/town-pump-house
• In 2025, Council approved plans to transform James Rowe House – former residence of Whitby’s first mayor – into 301 Rowe – into a French-inspired restaurant and culinary hub. The new lease agreement grants long-time Whitby resident and Cottage Dream Vacations Founder and CEO Ken Dunn the opportunity to bring his vision to life. The venue will also serve as the headquarters and culinary training centre for Cottage Dream Vacations’ network of resort properties, creating an estimated 50 jobs.
• In summer 2025, significant upgrades to the Corbett Creek Waterfront Trail were completed including the addition of a 150-metre boardwalk and 80-metre pedestrian bridge, widening of the asphalt trail to improve accessibility, new wayfinding signage, and new landscaping including native trees and shrubs
• Work is underway on the Whitby Marina Comprehensive Design Study, which will guide long-term improvements to this key waterfront asset

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

Community Care Durham (CCD) is a trusted, nonprofit community service organization dedicated to supporting people with chronic and complex needs and their caregivers, as well as those seeking to maintain their well-being. The organization helps Durham residents live safely and independently wherever they call home.

Now in its 49th year, CCD’s main office is in Whitby at 20 Sunray St. They have more than 330 staff and almost 700 volunteers who provide a range of health and social support services to 9,682 clients across Durham Region. CCD’s programs and services address the needs of food security, mental health, social isolation, caregiver burnout, and hospital avoidance. Services include:

• Help at home through in-home respite, assisted living, and supportive housing
• Health and wellness through exercise and falls prevention classes, foot care clinics and community care resource nurses
• Mental health support through the WeConnect Mental Health and Wellness Program, providing in-person and online support groups and workshops
• Food and nutrition services through the Meals on Wheels program, Community Food Boxes, mobile food markets and luncheon outs
• Client support in partnership with Lakeridge Health, providing assisted living plus services that help clients manage complex medical needs outside of hospital settings
• Caregiver support through full day supervised, therapeutic adult day programs
• Social isolation supports through friendly visiting and telephone reassurance programs
• Transportation services for clients, including assisted transportation for those with mobility concerns that require assistance

This summer, CCD will begin renovations at its Whitby Hub, transforming it into a Health and Wellness Centre. Once completed, the centre will provide a welcoming, home-away-from-home space for residents of Durham Region. The enhanced facility will improve access to health and wellness services delivered by integrated care teams and will bring together:

• Adult Day Services with increased capacity
• Supports for caregivers and individuals with mental health needs.
• Nursing services and more
• Planned improvements include accessibility-friendly flooring, new lighting, enhanced acoustics, and additional windows to maximize natural light.

This exciting renovation was made possible, in part, through a $2.3 million grant from the federal government’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program. Construction begins this summer with a planned opening in Spring 2027.

As CCD continues to grow and evolve, community support remains essential. One key opportunity to get involved is the annual Kilometres for CCD walk, taking place on Saturday, September 26 at Cullen Central Park in Whitby.

This popular event brings together residents, families, and supporters to raise funds for health and wellness programs and services including WeConnect Mental Health and Wellness. The $5 registration fee includes a Kilometres for CCD T-shirt, refreshments, and activities for the whole family.  Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information or to register or sponsor, visit: www.communitycaredurham.on.ca/kmsforccd

• Celebrate Canada Day with the Town of Whitby on July 1! Join us at Victoria Field starting at 6 p.m. for food trucks and live music. Fireworks begin at dusk, approximately 10 p.m. More details here: https://calendars.whitby.ca/default/Detail/2026-07-01-1800-Canada-Day
• Station Gallery hosts Thursday Night Live every Thursday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy live music on the patio and explore current art exhibitions. Doors open at 6 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m. This is a free event with a suggested donation of $20 and a cash bar. Learn more at: https://stationgallery.ca/event/thursday-night-live/ Thank you to local event photographer Keith White for sharing the great photo above of the June 4 event featuring Cheatin Hearts! Visit https://www.keithwhitephotography.ca/ to learn more about his work.
• Enjoy a free outdoor movie night on July 17 featuring the movie Hoppers at Whitby Civic Park, 575 Rossland Rd. E. The movie starts at dusk on a giant outdoor screen with concert‑quality sound. Bring a blanket or chair and snacks! View the whole schedule at whitby.ca/MoviesInThePark.
• Co-operators Whitby – B. Moore Financial is hosting a charity golf tournament on July 31 in support of Melly’s Market + Café! The community can help by registering to golf, attending for dinner, sponsoring the event or donating raffle or auction items. Learn more at bmoorefinancialcares.com and learn more about Melly’s at
• https://www.mellysworkplace.ca/pages/about
• The Town of Whitby’s Sounds of Summer Music Series offers live music every Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m. at Celebration Square, 405 Dundas St. W., and Thursday at Grass Park in Brooklin, 41 Baldwin St.
• The second annual Home Sweet Home Festival is Saturday, July 25, in Downtown Whitby! Celebrate what makes our town amazing by exploring downtown businesses, outdoor patios, the Whitby’s Farmers’ Market, Station Gallery’s Artisan Marketplace, live performances, and exciting family activities! Learn more at: https://www.whitby.ca/explore-and-enjoy/events-and-festivals/attend-an-event/home-sweet-home-festival/
• The Town of Whitby’s Boots and Beats Culture Pop-Up takes place July 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rotary Sunrise Lake Park, 269 Water St.  Join instructors from Cheatin' Hearts for a lively line dance session with views of Whitby’s waterfront.
• Whitby Brass Band presents a free summer concert July 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Heydenshore Pavilion, 589 Water St. E. Bring a lawn chair!
  
  

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:

• Update on Coffee with Mayor Roy events
• Need to know municipal election information, including how to make sure you’re on the voters list
• An update on the upcoming grand opening of the Fieldgate Sports Complex