Whitby Launches AI Chatbot on Whitby.ca

Meet WhitBEE - here to help anytime, anywhere.

Today, the Town of Whitby launched an artificial intelligence-powered (AI) chatbot, WhitBEE (or Whit), on its corporate website, whitby.ca. Designed to reflect the Town’s service values and inspired by our Bee City roots – WhitBEE is hardworking, industrious, and buzzing with helpful answers.

Available 24/7, Whit helps people quickly find information on our website, like permit information, events, and local regulations - reducing the need to search multiple webpages or contact customer service for routine inquiries.

Whit supports key objectives and action items in Whitby’s Community Strategic Plan: to deliver exceptional customer service and improve the customer experience through the use of technology.

Quotes

“This new chatbot is about making it easier for residents to get the information they need, when they need it. Improving customer service through the thoughtful use of technology is a key action in Whitby’s Community Strategic Plan, and this is one example of how we’re delivering on that commitment. It doesn’t replace the personal service our residents value -- it complements it by adding another easy, accessible option that works seamlessly alongside our in-person and traditional customer service supports.”

— Elizabeth Roy, Mayor of Town of Whitby

“WhitBEE marks an important milestone in our digital transformation journey and represents the first of many steps toward bringing more intelligent, efficient, and user‑friendly technology into how we work. As Whit continues to learn, evolve, and get smarter over time, embracing AI allows us to embrace innovation—and better meet the changing expectations of our community.”

— Matt Gaskell, CAO, Town of Whitby

Quick Facts

• A chatbot is a self-service support tool available 24/7 that can answer questions, guide visitors to the right resources, and make finding information faster and easier.  
• The WhitBEE chatbot is in its first phase, with ongoing improvements planned.
• The more often residents and staff use WhitBEE, the more accurate responses will become over time.
• Residents can provide feedback on the effectiveness of the chatbot directly in the application.
• The Town is committed to taking a responsible AI approach focused on human oversight, privacy, and continuous improvement. Learn more in the Digital Assistant Disclaimer.

More Information

Residents are encouraged to ask the chatbot questions at whitby.ca