Youth | Town of Whitby

The Town of Whitby is committed to providing a community for youth to thrive and be successful for the future. We are a Platinum Level Youth Friendly Community that strives to integrate local youth into our activities and decision-making.

Youth Health Membership

Sign up for a discounted Youth Health Club Membership at the Whitby Civic Recreation Complex if you are between the ages 14 to 17. Enjoy full access to the health club, pool, locker rooms and sauna. Contact us for a copy of the Youth Health Club Membership form.

Youth Rooms

If you are 12 to 18 years of age and live in Whitby, come check out our free Youth Rooms!

How to attend

If you're interested in a free Youth Room membership your parent/guardian must register for a free youth room membership online or in person at McKinney Sports Centre or Brooklin Community Centre and Library. A Youth Membership is required to attend and participate in Youth Room activities.

Youth Room locations

We offer two Youth Rooms. The Brooklin Community Centre and Library Youth Room is located at 8 Vipond Rd. in Brooklin. The McKinney Centre Youth Room(fueled by Booster Juice) is located at 222 McKinney Drive.

Youth Room hours

March Break Hours - All Locations

Open 1:00p.m. - 6:00p.m. March 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

Brooklin Community Centre and Library Youth Room hours:

Monday to Friday from 4:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. (September to June)
Saturday: 1:00p.m. to 5:00p.m.
Sunday: Closed

McKinney Youth Room fueled by Booster Juice hours:

Monday to Friday from 4:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. (September to June)
Saturday: 1:00p.m. to 5:00p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Youth Room Programs

Join us for a variety of Youth Room programs that give you hands on experience in everything from gaming, crafts and painting to earning your babysitting certifications. Complete the online program registration to find a program that suits you. Be sure to check out a full list of our activities online through ActiveNet.

Youth Council

Are you a youth in our community? You can become a part of the Whitby Youth Council to work together and address the needs of youth in the community. You gain valuable experience and opportunities in the community to use for future endeavours, while obtaining your Community Services Volunteer hours.

How to get involved

Applications are accepted and reviewed in the summer months with new members added to the Youth Council in September.

Our priorities

The Whitby Youth Council focuses on these four priorities for youth in our community:

Youth events
Promotion of Youth Council and events
Outreach programming for youth
Recruitment of new volunteers for the Youth Council

Youth Events

Stay connected with the latest youth events and Youth Rooms in your area. These events are designed to spark your interests and provide interactive fun if you are between the ages 12 to 18. Stay up to date with the latest facility closures and program notices by subscribing to our news feed. Stay tuned for any advance notices for cancellations.

Art Attack 2026

Applications are now open for Art Attack 2026. Whitby youth ages 12 to 18 are invited to apply to be featured in this annual showcase of youth artists as part of National Youth Week. Artwork submission categories include drawing and painting, sculpture, video and film, photography, fashion and jewellery, and spoken word (must be a video submission). Submit an application by Friday, April 17, 2026 to participate.

Play in Progress: Fieldgate Sports Complex Showcase

Whitby children and youth ages 6 to 18 are invited to submit original artwork inspired by the theme Play in Progress for display as part of the opening celebrations of the new Fieldgate Sports Complex later this year. Artwork can explore themes such as sport, imagination, movement, teamwork, growth, and community – or any creative interpretation of play. Submissions will be featured on digital screens throughout the facility during the opening event. A panel will also select three standout pieces from various age categories for permanent display within the complex. Submit an application by Friday, April 17, 2026.

Youth Week 2026

Details coming soon.

Celebrating Youth Awards

The Celebrating Youth Awards recognizes Whitby youth ages 12 to 18 for their selfless actions, volunteerism, or involvement in school or community organizations and have demonstrated a commitment to making Whitby a better place to live, work, and explore.

Helpful youth resources

Are you looking for information about education, job skills, family services, or counselling? These resources provide helpful direction for youth, youth workers, parents and others working with young people.

211 Ontario

Find programs and services within your community by contacting 211 Ontario. Topics range from community programs and employment support to topics for newcomers, Indigenous Peoples and family services so you can find the help you need.

Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone is a service that you can call anytime (24/7) if you want to talk to. The services provides a safe, confidential space to have a conversation with a real person who listens to your needs.

LGBTQ

Pflag Canada is a Canadian organization that offers peer-to-peer support striving to help all Canadians with issues of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

Education institution listings

The Ministry of Education is a great resource to find all Ontario education institutes that provides information about high schools in the province, graduation requirements, curriculum and Student Success programs. It also provides information about post-secondary education, where you can go to college and university, student financial assistance (OSAP), apprentice and skill trades available and how to transfer credits.

Transportation

View the Durham Region Transit to easily map your trips, look up the next bus times and find your destinations with an intuitive trip planner.

Volunteering opportunities

You can volunteer for our youth events by becoming part of the Whitby Youth Council.

Youth Health Membership

Sign up for a discounted Youth Health Club Membership at the Whitby Civic Recreation Complex if you are between the ages 14 to 17. Enjoy full access to the health club, pool, locker rooms and sauna.

Contact us for a copy of the Youth Health Club Membership form.

Whitby Public Library programs

The Whitby Public Library offers programs that you can get involved in, as well as a Teen Advisory Group.

Youth strategy

If you are a youth living in the Town, the Youth Strategy helps to ensure your future is supported. The strategy sets out to ensure municipal-run youth programs and services remain accessible to you. By considering your needs, the strategy helps to model what a community looks like for you and your family to live, work and play.

Contact us for a copy of the Youth Strategy.

Strategy development

The Town approved the Youth Strategy that will guide the Recreation and Leisure Services for the Town from 2019 to 2023. It was developed through extensive engagement with local youth, the Whitby Youth Council and other community stakeholders.