Whitby Launches Community Engagement To Learn How Its Service Delivery Can Be More Inclusive And Equitable
Residents invited to have their say until July 7

Is the Town of Whitby’s service delivery inclusive? Does the Town provide service delivery that meets the needs of our diverse community? These are questions the Town is asking the community to help answer as it launches a new project to better understand the current state of diversity, inclusivity and equity in its service delivery.

The project is called The IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism) Project – Whitby’s Journey to Inclusivity. Its goal: to help the Town identify immediate- medium- and long-term steps the municipality can take to improve services for all residents, regardless of age, ability, race or background.

Feedback will be shared with Council later this year and be used to develop a comprehensive action plan to support more inclusive and equitable service delivery.

Learn More About the IDEA Project

For more information or to take the survey, visit connectwhitby.ca/Idea

“The Town of Whitby understands the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion for our residents, customers and staff. We are committed to embedding these values into everything we do.”

-        Don Mitchell, Mayor of Whitby

“The launch of the IDEA Project is a next step in our process to better understand, support and celebrate diversity – both in our workplace and our community. That’s why it’s so important that we hear from our community about their experiences, so that we can continue to provide more inclusive and equitable services to all of our residents.”

-        Jacqueline Long, Head of Organizational Effectiveness

Quick Facts

• Whitby’s population is expected to grow by more than 40 per cent over the next 11 years.
• More than 25 per cent of Whitby’s population identify themselves as a visible minority. (source: 2016 census  through the Region of Durham’s Local Diversity and Immigration Partnership Council)
• More than 1 in 10 Whitby residents are living with a disability (source: 2016 StatsCan Census)
• The IDEA Project builds on work currently being done by the Town’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, as well as Accessibility Advisory Committee to eliminate barriers for diverse populations and build a community where all people feel a sense of belonging.
• Through a recent survey conducted by the Town and its Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, 23 per cent of respondents suggested ensuring “public spaces are welcoming and inclusive” as a way the Town can support diversity and inclusion in the community.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Erin Mikaluk
Communications Lead, Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.314.6913
Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca