Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy issued the following statement on July 31, 2024 in response to a company called Audmax's plans to open a halfway house on Lupin Drive:

Whitby Council members and Town staff were made aware late last week that a company called Audmax has informed Whitby residents of plans to open a halfway house for recent parolees on Lupin Drive. The letter provided to neighbourhood residents and dated July 24, 2024, indicates that the company is working in collaboration with Correctional Service Canada and plans to open this residence on Aug. 1, 2024.

Town staff and members of Whitby Council had no knowledge of this initiative prior to Audmax distributing letters in the neighbourhood. The Town of Whitby’s Group Home Licensing By-law requires all group homes in the town to be licensed annually.

Town staff has confirmed that Audmax has not applied for a license for the home on Lupin Drive.

Town staff is working urgently with Whitby MP Ryan Turnbull’s office and Correctional Service Canada to obtain more information about this proposal.

I will share updates as soon as more information is available.