Mayor's Monthly Newsletter - March 2026

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

The February 2026 Council Highlights include:

• Call for the province to remove GST/HST from new homes purchased as primary residence
• Town secures $21.5 million in grant funding in 2025
• Council approves changes requiring more notice for motions
• Change approved to allow members of the public to record Council, committee meetings on personal devices

Council Highlights are published following every regular Council meeting.

This is my quarterly round-up of official new business openings in Whitby. New to Whitby? Schedule your grand opening by contacting invest@whitby.ca

A big Whitby welcome to:

• Fairgrounds

320 Taunton Rd. Unit C6

visitfairgrounds.com/locations/whitby

• BeWell Therapy

4-214 Dundas St. E.

bewelltherapy.ca

• Lowlands Fire Food

67 Baldwin St. N.

lowlandsfirefood.ca

• USOK

2-165 Garrard Rd.

@usok.ooo_sok

• MR. SUB, Country Style and Valentine Poutine

6875 Baldwin St. N.

(opening mid-April, this is the first triple-branded store for MTY Group)

Progress is continuing on a new Habitat for Humanity project in downtown Whitby. Located at Hickory and Dunlop Streets, the Habitat for Humanity GTA development will include 46 affordable homes for Whitby families.

The Town of Whitby supported the project with a donation of two parcels of land and recently worked with Habitat GTA to achieve Zoning By-law approvals. This milestone represents an important step forward in the planning process. Habitat GTA is now working towards securing final planning approvals in the second quarter of 2026, with the goal of beginning construction in Fall 2026.

Community support plays a vital role in bringing this project to life. To learn more or donate, visit https://habitatgta.ca/whitby/

We Grow Food is hosting free seedling and sprouting workshops for families during March Break. I’m thrilled that the Mayor’s Community Development Fund was able to support this initiative! The hands-on event will teach families the basics of indoor growing using both soil and soilless methods. 

Participants will get their hands dirty, learn together, and take home a planting kit with everything needed to continue growing at home. Two identical sessions will be offered March 20 – one from 10 a.m. to noon and one from 2 to 4 p.m., at Heydenshore Pavilion, 589 Water St.

There is no cost, and families and children of all ages are welcome. Advance registration is required at www.wegrowfood.ca/events/

Nominations are open for the Mayor's Senior Volunteer Award!

This recognition is awarded annually to a Whitby senior who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to community involvement through volunteerism.

To qualify, nominees must be:

• A current resident of Whitby;
• 55 years of age or older and
• Have volunteered their time in the community for several years

Nominations are open until March 23 at: https://webforms.whitby.ca/55Plus/Mayors-Senior-Volunteer-Award

On Jan. 23, the federal government and Whitby MP Ryan Turnbull announced $135,000 in funding to support a Fallen Firefighter Memorial at Whitby Civic Park, beside Town Hall. 

This is an important step toward ensuring our community has a permanent place to honour firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others.

The Town of Whitby has also committed $35,000 toward the memorial -- matching a $35,000 contribution from the Whitby Professional Firefighters Association -- and the Mayor's Community Development Fund provided a $20,000 grant for the project in 2024.

The memorial will feature a bronze sculpture of a kneeling firefighter at the centre of a circular plaza and include the names of seven Whitby firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Learn more here: https://www.whitby.ca/news/posts/whitby-receives-federal-funding-for-fallen-firefighter-memorial/

This month, I’m bringing an important motion to Council calling on the province to fix Ontario’s broken municipal funding system. Right now, property taxes are being used to cover billions in provincial responsibilities. Whitby is doing its part to find efficiencies and manage costs -- but the system isn’t fair or sustainable. Municipal budgets are strained and strategies like using reserve funds just push the problem into future years. This motion is about long-term solutions that protect property taxpayers.

The motion urges the province to:

• Address the $4 billion annual shortfall caused by municipalities using property taxes to fund provincial responsibilities.
• Address the $1.5 billion annual burden of downloaded social housing costs
• Re-evaluate the requirement for municipalities to pay 10% of hospital capital costs
• Share housing-related revenues (like Land Transfer Tax and HST) with municipalities to support local infrastructure
• Create a predictable, housing-linked revenue stream for municipalities that reflects the economic, social, and infrastructure demands associated with growth

The motion was approved by Committee of the Whole on Feb. 9 and will go to Council for final approval on March 9.

I'm so proud to share that Whitby's Home Sweet Home Festival has won the 2026 "Best New Event or Festival Award" from Festivals and Events Ontario!

The inaugural Home Sweet Home Festival took place in July 2025, starting a new summer tradition for our community.

Introducing a new signature event is one of the 62 action items in Whitby’s Community Strategic Plan, and we did it in a big way!

Town of Whitby staff have been crunching the numbers and recently shared some impressive data about the event.

Over 40,000 people attended the festival, with about 18,000 of them from Whitby. While most attendees came from within Durham, data shows about 11 per cent were tourists who travelled 40 km or more to attend.

The event showcased over 120 vendors – including a farmer’s market, youth entrepreneur alley and artisan market -- in addition to the Downtown Whitby stores and restaurants

Mark your calendars -- the 2026 Home Sweet Home Festival will take place Saturday, July 25 and will include many of the same elements that made the first year such a success.

You can revisit some of the excitement of the inaugural event with this amazing video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_jQbOOx_hQ

I'm also very proud that the Brooklin Harvest Festival was named one of the 2026 Top 100 Events in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario.

After its success in 2025, the Downtown Whitby BIA is bringing back the Shop Local and Win promotion from March 1 to 31, with three ways to participate and win!

• Spend $20 or more (before tax) at any Downtown Whitby BIA business
• Post a Google review for any Downtown Whitby BIA business, take a screenshot of your review, and upload it to the contest website.
• Post a Yelp review for any Downtown Whitby BIA business, take a screenshot of your review, and upload it to the contest website.
• Earn a bonus extra entry for any single purchase of $100 or more (before tax)

Learn more at https://whitbybia.org and follow the BIA on Facebook and on Instagram @downtownwhitby

The Whitby 55+ Centre will be coordinating income tax return preparation for low-income seniors from March 2 to April 30. 

Basic returns will be processed by 55+ Centre volunteers who have been trained by Revenue Canada. This service is available to seniors with an income of less than $35,000, or a couple with a combined income of less than $45,000. 

This is a drop-off service – eligible residents drop off their tax information to the front desk at the 55+ Centre, and volunteers work on tax forms at home and call participants to review any information. Staff will call participants when tax forms are completed and ready for pick up, which usually takes about two weeks.

Participants must bring all forms including T4, T5, last year’s return, assessment notice from Revenue Canada, rent amount paid for 2024 or property tax amount. 

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

• A big congrats to Whitby’s 55+ Centre, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026! The staff, members and volunteers at this centre make it a true community hub where older adults can make connections, stay active, learn new things, and thrive at any age. I recently had the honour of helping to kick off the celebrations, including the unveiling of a stunning mural by local artist Meaghan Claire Kehoe.
• The 2026 Whitby Sports Hall of Fame inductees have been announced and were recently recognized at a Council meeting. Congratulations to lacrosse athlete Eric Perroni, hockey builder Delmer Rints, and the members of the 2001 Anderson CVI Volleyball Team. They will be formally inducted at a ceremony in April. Learn more here.
• Shout out to the team from Whitby’s Cheer Strong Inc. heading to Orlando in April to compete at the All-Star Worlds Championship! Best of luck to all the athletes as you represent Whitby on the world stage!

The federal government and the Region of Durham recently announced over $53 million in combined funding to expand supports at the shelter located at 1635 Dundas in Whitby.

The shelter, which is operated by the Region of Durham, opened in 2024 with 45 emergency shelter beds, and has helped hundreds of people so far.

The new funding will support transitional housing on the second and third floors of the building, as well as recovery spaces, palliative care, a human trafficking recovery program, and an on-site medical clinic. This investment provides a path for vulnerable residents who are struggling or in crisis to move towards stability.

Learn more about 1635 Dundas at: https://yourvoice.durham.ca/helpaddresshomelessness

In honour of International Women’s Day on March 8, here are some amazing women-owned Whitby businesses to check out! If you know a business that deserves a shout-out, email follertj@whitby.ca to suggest that it be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

I also profiled some amazing women-owned Whitby businesses in my March 2025 newsletter, click here to read that feature.

On the Rack

ontherack.store

Jennifer Maxwell (pictured above) is the founder of On The Rack, a local bra brand created for women with slender frames and fuller busts -- a group long underserved in the lingerie world. What began as Jennifer’s personal struggle to find a bra that fit for a special event has grown into a personal mission -- and one of the region’s most exciting emerging businesses, recently earning her the Whitby Chamber of Commerce New Business of the Year Award. 

For Jennifer, the heart of On The Rack goes far beyond bras. Drawing on her work as a "Professional Uplifter" and certified DISC communication expert, she has built a brand centered on helping women strengthen their confidence, comfort, and connection with themselves and others. On The Rack offers thoughtfully engineered bras, personalized fittings, education, and supportive community events.

Jennifer regularly partners with local women’s groups, small business networks, and empowerment initiatives to host sessions on positive communication, self-image, and personal presentation. She also gives back through product donations, mentorship, and speaking engagements that encourage women and girls to embrace possibility and show up confidently in their lives.

Sage and Stone

100 Byron St. S.

hairbymelanie.ca

With over 11 years in the hair industry, Melanie Hilderbrand is the proud owner of Sage & Stone - Hair and Extension Studio. The space is a cozy, private salon where she works one-on-one with each client to deliver a personalized experience. Sage & Stone helps clients achieve beautiful, confidence-boosting results with hair colour, custom hair extensions, and advanced hair loss systems. As a 12-time master certified extension specialist trained in multiple methods, Melanie tailors solutions to suit each client’s unique hair and scalp needs. The goal at Sage & Stone is a safe, welcoming space where clients can relax, feel grounded, and leave feeling valued, appreciated and beautiful. 

Pranic Traditions

117C Brock St. S.

pranictraditions.com

 Located on the third floor at 117 Brock Street South in Downtown Whitby, Pranic Traditions is a woman-owned holistic wellness practice founded by Ayurvedic Practitioner Diandra Persaud.  After navigating her own complex health challenges for several years, Diandra transitioned from a successful career in business consulting to support others on their path to recovery and long-term vitality. Ayurveda, meaning “the total knowledge of life,” is the world’s oldest practiced system of medicine.  Rooted in classical Ayurvedic principles and integrative medicine, Pranic Traditions focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of acute, chronic, and complex health concerns rather than simply managing symptoms.  Services include personalized Ayurvedic consultations, customized nutrition and lifestyle plans, herbal and supplement guidance, stress and hormone support, digestive care and preventative wellness strategies. “I’ve witnessed individuals completely transform their lives, not only restoring their health, but stepping into a fully embodied expression of who they truly are,” Diandra says. What makes the practice unique is its structured integration of Vedic astrology, Ayurveda’s sister science, which serves as a practical framework for understanding personal life cycles, behavioural patterns and inherent tendencies.  With consistent five-star reviews, Pranic Traditions has become a trusted destination for individuals and families seeking natural, personalized care and a proactive approach to long-term health and wellbeing.

House of Akhilaa

128 Brock St. N.

@houseofakhilaa

Owned by Hema Kiri, House of Akhilaa offers luxurious silk sarees, lehengas, bridal gowns and jewellery, as well as cultural attire for men and children, thoughtfully curated for life’s most meaningful celebrations. The collection is a harmonious blend of color, meaning, and artistry, where every piece tells a story through rich fabrics and intricate craftsmanship. At House of Akhilaa, fashion is more than clothing, it’s culture, emotion, and artistry woven into every thread.

Duke’s Pet Foods

20 Broadleaf Ave.

dukespetfoods.ca

Lee Wilkins has owned Duke’s Pet Foods since 2018. The independent store is Whitby’s go-to destination for the best in healthy pet food including frozen raw, dehydrated, canned and quality dry kibble. Duke’s is always stocked with fun products from small, locally owned companies. Lee loves supporting her community and building a business where customers become friends. 

Gypesea Treasures

 143 Brock St. S.

@gypsea.treasures

 Krista Naumovski is the founder and dreamer behind Gypsea Treasures. What started as a lifelong love of treasure hunting and digging through second-hand racks for soulful boho finds became the leap that brought her dream shop to life. Gypsea Treasures is a reflection of her heart -- beachy, free-spirited, and full of intention. Every piece is handpicked by Krista with love and given a beautiful second chance. The focus is on sustainable style, meaningful treasures, and creating a space that feels like a cozy coastal escape in the heart of downtown Whitby. More than a store, it’s a little sanctuary where customers can feel inspired, welcomed, and part of something magical.  

Whitby is home to so many exciting family attractions, as well as places to get active indoors and outdoors. Here are just a few ideas for local fun during March Break:

• Whitby’s family fun attractions include Skyzone, Flying Squirrel, Reptilia, 8-Bit Beans, Durham Escape Rooms, iFly, LaserMaxx, Playdium, Putting Edge, and more. Learn more here.
• Explore the great outdoors at Lynde Shores Conservation Area, Heber Down Conservation Area, and over 60 km of local trails in Whitby.
• The Town of Whitby offers lots of opportunities for public skating and swimming, as well as drop-in sports. Be sure to check out a free public skate on Saturday, March 14 from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m. at Iroquois Park Sports Centre sponsored by Whitby MP Ryan Turnbull’s office, and a free swim Saturday, March 21 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Whitby Civic Recreation Complex that I’m sponsoring along with Councillor Steve Lee.
• The Whitby Public Library has lots of fun programming happening during March Break including a Mario Kart tournament, drop-in chess, all-ages K-Pop Demon Hunters parties, an escape room, and more! Check out the library’s spring program guide for details.

For more than a century, Easter Seals Ontario has been dedicated to helping children, youth, and young adults with physical disabilities reach their full potential. Through vital mobility equipment funding, accessible summer camps, advocacy, and awareness initiatives, Easter Seals ensures that every child has the opportunity to move, learn, and thrive -- right here in Whitby and throughout Durham Region.

Many families in our community turn to Easter Seals when the cost of accessibility equipment becomes overwhelming. A power wheelchair can cost up to $45,000, and most children will outgrow theirs within five years. In 2024 alone, Easter Seals Ontario committed $1.6 million toward mobility and accessibility equipment, with 95 percent of families reporting they could not have afforded it without support. These investments provide children with the independence and confidence they need to participate fully in school, at home, and in everyday life.

Durham Region families also benefit from Easter Seals’ two fully accessible summer camps -- Camp Merrywood in Perth and Camp Woodeden in London. These barrier-free environments offer life-changing opportunities for young people with physical disabilities to build friendships, explore new activities, and develop independence. Whether paddling a canoe, singing around a campfire, or simply enjoying a week designed with accessibility at its core, campers return home more confident and empowered.

Here in Whitby, Easter Seals volunteers contribute directly to student success through involvement with local Special Education Advisory Committees. Their advocacy helps ensure students with disabilities have equitable access to education and the support needed to excel.

Each spring, Durham joins communities across Ontario in recognizing Red Shirt Day® of Action for Accessibility and Inclusion, a province-wide initiative that brings together schools, workplaces, and municipalities to highlight the abilities and contributions of people with disabilities. Locally, the much-loved Dancing with Easter Seals Stars – Durham event brings community leaders, including several from Whitby, to the dance floor to raise funds and awareness for children with physical disabilities.

Easter Seals’ work is truly a neighbor-helping neighbor story. Every red shirt worn, every dance step taken, and every donation ripples directly into the lives of children and families in our community. Thanks to the generous support of volunteers, donors, local businesses, and municipal partners, Easter Seals Ontario continues to make an extraordinary difference -- right here at home. For more information, visit www.easterseals.org

• Wishing a joyous Eid al-Fitr to all Whitby residents marking the end of Ramadan on March 19. Kids can make a Ramadan mobile at the Whitby Public Library Rossland branch on March 14 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
• St. Mark’s United Church hosts “Pint of Blarney” on March 7 at 7 p.m. This Irish pub-style evening includes sing-along Celtic music and a cash bar. Tickets are $25. Call 905-668-3091 for tickets.
• Enjoy free public skates and a free public swim this month! Free skates are Saturday, March 14 from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m. at Iroquois Park Sports Centre sponsored by Whitby MP Ryan Turnbull’s office and Saturday, March 21 from 12:30 to 2:15pm at Iroquois Park Sports Centre sponsored by No Frills. The free swim is Saturday, March 21 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Whitby Civic Recreation Complex sponsored by Mayor Elizabeth Roy and Councillor Steve Lee.
• Registration for the Town of Whitby’s spring aquatic program starts on March 3, followed by spring recreation program registration on March 5. The summer camp wish list will open on March 11, and registration begins March 25 for residents. Click here for details.
• Chag Purim Sameach to all those celebrating Purim on March 2 and 3, wishing you a wonderful celebration with family and friends!

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 April newsletter:

• The latest updates from Council in the March 2026 Whitby Council Highlights
• A profile of the amazing work done by WindReach Farm and details on the upcoming Spring Fling fundraiser
• Details on the 50th anniversary of Whitby’s 55+ Centre, unveiling of a new mural, and celebration plans for 2026