Accessibility

Construction continues on a new community centre (Whitby Sports Complex). This facility has been designed to be an inclusive and accessible building. 

The Council adopted Accessible Signage and Wayfinding Standard is being implemented through the interior and exterior of Town facilities and seven new park signs were installed. 

Bench location data was compiled for the Town’s public trails to identify where benches are available. 

Accessibility improvements are underway on Corbett Creek Waterfront Trail, including a new 80m pedestrian bridge, a 145m boardwalk, and a trail width expansion from 3m to 4m. This will reopen to the public in spring 2025. 

Lynde Creek Trail (West Whitby) connection from Twin Streams to Rossland Rd. underway, with completion expected by summer 2025. 

Results from Phase 1 Public Engagement Results on the Brock Street Redesign were released noting that 580 people participated with top design features being patios, trees, planters/flowers, road safety, pedestrian safety, heritage character, accessibility, parking, festivals and events and transit connectivity. Staff consulted all the Town's Advisory Committee's for input. 

The Accessibility Advisory Committee developed an audit tool and began in person audits of Town Parks and Playgrounds.  They met with Parks Development and Maintenance staff to collaborate for park improvements and future audits. 

Accessible public Electric Vehicle charging stations were installed behind Town Hall, and accessibility is taken into consideration for every new EV charger installed. Town staff are finalizing a design standard for future installations. 

Planning continues to circulate Site Plan Applications to the Accessibility Coordinator and Accessibility Advisory Committee for review and accessibility recommendations. 

The Accessibility Staff Working Group (AWG) continues to meet regularly to move commitments to accessibility throughout the corporation. 

The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) continues to enhance partnerships with the Whitby 55+ Recreation Advisory Committee of Council and the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee to implement inclusive initiatives within Whitby. 

A $10,000 Accessibility Improvement Grant (matching dollars) was awarded to Circle Taxi to assist with continuing accessible taxi service for the residents of Whitby. 

The Mayor's Community Development Fund provided 57 grants with a total value of $235,756, to continue supporting community organizations including those that focus on promoting an inclusive community and delivering inclusive programs and services. 

Town of Whitby received $200,000 of Fed-Dev funding through the Tourism Growth Program to support activations and upgrades to property in and around the Rowe House. Accessibility is considered in the design plan and access to Waterfront (accessible dock and pathways for viewing waterfront). 

Roebuck St Placemaking received a grant for new items to support placemaking. 

A consulting firm has developed a business plan for the new Town of Whitby Signature Event that showcases the diversity and uniqueness of Whitby. 

The Accessibility Advisory Committee, in partnership with Recreation staff, piloted a sensory room at the Christmas in the Village event at Brooklin Community Centre and Library. This partnership will expand in 2025 to support the community at four Signature Town events. 

Recreation staff participated in the Lived Experience Autism Program offered by Autism Home Base Durham to support staff’s understanding and service provision to neurodivergent community members. 

A Whitby 55+ Recreation Member Survey completed to gather feedback and input into programs and services. 

Staff began implementing the Council-approved Parks and Recreation Master Plan which presents a vision, short, medium and long-term goals and objectives, for how the Town will continue to meet the recreational needs of our growing community.