You can check out details of the latest decisions and discussions at Whitby Council in the monthly Council Highlights.

The November Council Highlights include:

• Council endorsement of the Town’s new Parks and Recreation Master Plan
• Public art piece commissioned for new Whitby Sports Complex
• Council calls on federal government to support survivors of intimate partner violence, asylum claimants, food banks and to implement measures to protect municipal politicians from harassment

Council Highlights is published following every regular Council meeting.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make Operation Cozy Toes a huge success! This was the first year for the initiative, which I launched in partnership with the Downtown Whitby BIA. Donations of new socks were collected at locations throughout the town from Nov. 4 to 30. We collected hundreds of pairs of socks, which will be donated to local organizations that support people experiencing homelessness including St. Andrew's Church, the Whitby Library, Region of Durham Social Services, and the Region of Durham's Street Outreach Team and Primary Care Outreach Program. We also collected $1,600 in donations, which will be used to buy more socks to donate! I am incredibly touched by the outpouring of generosity from our community. Click here to watch coverage of Operation Cozy Toes on Global News. 

Whitby's 2025 Budget was unanimously amended by Council at a special meeting on Nov. 28 and has now been adopted. There will be a 3.99 per cent budget tax levy increase each year in 2025, 2026, and 2027. The budget focuses on delivering key action items in Whitby’s Community Strategic Plan and investing in Council-approved initiatives like the Whitby Sports Complex and a new fire hall and firefighters to support growth.

This is Whitby’s first multi-year budget, with projections included for 2026 and 2027.

The operating budget will support the continued delivery of Town programs and services including fire services, waste collection, parks and trails, maintenance of roads and community facilities, recreation and libraries. The budget also includes capital investments such as continued construction of the Whitby Sports Complex, land purchase, design, and construction to support a new Fire Hall in West Whitby, as well as 20 new firefighters to staff it,  playground redevelopments at multiple park locations, including Vipond, Sato, Powell, and D’Hillier, waterfront improvements, new and improved multi-use path and cycling connections and new traffic safety and calming measures. Visit connectwhitby.ca/budget to learn more or read the media release here. 

I recently announced that the Town of Whitby will receive $5.4 million through Ontario’s Building Faster Fund, in recognition of reaching 80 per cent of our annual housing target in 2023.

This funding will help the Town continue investing in infrastructure that enables housing and supports community growth.

Whitby recorded 1,159 new housing units in 2023, representing 88 per cent of the target of 1,320 units assigned by the province.

Housing unit refers to new home construction starts, additional residential units added to existing homes, and new and upgraded beds in long-term care homes.

In March 2023, Whitby Council pledged to facilitate the development of 18,000 new homes by 2031 and we remain committed to achieving that goal.

On Nov. 14, I brought Whitby’s food banks and faith groups together for our first combined “community supports” roundtable.'

We had a fantastic turnout and some very productive discussions about urgent issues facing our community including homelessness and food security.

Hosting regular roundtables with community stakeholder groups has been a major focus during my first two years as mayor.

These events are an opportunity for me to learn firsthand about the issues facing our community and facilitate collaborative discussions that lead to concrete actions.

For example, a roundtable discussion in 2023 resulted in the Town of Whitby and Feed the Need in Durham partnering to open a new market-style foodbank at Iroquois Park Sports Centre earlier this year. 

One of the key issues we heard about at the Nov. 14 meeting, was a lack of volunteers.

Visit Volunteer Durham to learn more about local volunteer opportunities, including those with area food banks. 

With another Remembrance Day behind us, it’s important to think about how we can support our local Legions throughout the year. Did you know any Canadian citizen 18 and over is able to become a Legion member? You don’t have to be a veteran, to support a veteran. Apply in person at the Whitby Legion or Brooklin Legion, or online at legion.ca/join-us. You can also help by making an online donation to the Royal Canadian Legion at legion.ca/donations, attending events hosted by our local legions, or renting a legion hall for your next event. 

This is my monthly shoutout to those who make Whitby proud. If you know a person, group, or organization that has accomplished something noteworthy or is helping to make Whitby a better place, let the mayor’s office know! Email Jillian Follert at follertj@whitby.ca

• A big thank you to the owners of Williams Chocolate for being part of Whitby’s business community for more than 40 years – and congratulations on your well-deserved retirement. The store closed for good on Nov. 8 and I know we will all miss the beautiful handmade chocolates and warm atmosphere of this family-run business. 

•  Shout out to Anne Marie Henry-Lyons from Desjardins Insurance for donating $500 to Operation Cozy Toes! This campaign to collect socks for people experiencing homelessness was a huge success – and we couldn’t have done it without the generosity of people like Anne Marie.

• Congratulations to 12-year-old Whitby resident Cohen Lane for launching the third season of Coco’s Hot Cocoa Bar, an annual fundraiser for Sick Kids. This year, Cohen is aiming to raise $15,000. Check it out weekends from 1 to 4 p.m. at 31 Erickson Dr. There are seven flavours of hot chocolate with a minimum donation of $2.

Students at Brooklin High School are raising awareness of brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) after Grade 10 student Lukas Greco experienced a life-threatening hemorrhagic stroke on May 10, 2024.

The stroke was caused by an AVM in his brain that ruptured -- Lukas and his family had no idea that he had an AVM. They made it from Lakeridge Health Oshawa to Sick Kids just in time for life-saving surgery.

Lukas, 15, has since undergone seven high-risk brain surgeries and is still working to regain left side function impacted by the stroke.

His friends and community have rallied around him – especially friends Ibrahim and David and fellow members of the school’s business club DECA.

Students have organized a fundraising walk and golf tournament, held AVM awareness events at the high school, made a presentation at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and even appeared on Breakfast Television.

AVM is a tangle of abnormal blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord that can cause serious issues, including strokes. While strokes are often associated with older adults, children can also experience strokes, and AVM is one of the causes. Education and awareness can save lives.

Click here to watch Lukas, Arif and David on a recent Breakfast Television appearance and follow @avmawareness2024 to learn more about upcoming events and initiatives organized by these amazing teens!

Because you Asked is a new feature on my social media channels and in my monthly newsletter! I use this space to provide helpful context and information about issues the community is asking about.

Today we’re talking about waste. It can be confusing to figure out what you’re allowed to put out at the curb, who picks it up and when – especially in light of some recent changes!

The Town of Whitby collects garbage every other week on your regular collection day. If you need to put out more than the four permitted bags, you can buy bag tags from the Town a cost of five for $12.50. Bag tags can be purchased in-person at Town facilities or ordered online here.  

Not sure what your collection day is? You can find the waste calendar here, or download the Whitby Waste Buddy app.

The Town of Whitby is also responsible for collecting green bin (organic) waste, which is done weekly on your regular collection day. As of July 1, 2024, more items can go in the green bin including diapers, pet waste and sanitary products.The Region of Durham provides new and replacement green bins if you have moved into a new residence or need a replacement bin for one that has broken -- or you can buy an extra green bin from the Region for a fee. 

The Region of Durham is no longer responsible for the blue box recycling program in Whitby. As of July 1, 2024 it is overseen by Circular Materials, a national not-for-profit organization that represents producers and importers of the products and packaging collected in the blue box. This change is part of efforts by the province to transfer responsibility for recycling from municipalities to producers with a goal of providing recycling to more communities and standardizing/expanding what can be recycled. Recycling is collected weekly on your regular collection day by GFL Environmental Inc. For questions or concerns about blue box collection or to request a new blue box, email gflenv.com/canadarecycles or call 1-855-577-4351. 

If you’re not sure how to dispose of a specific item, use the Whitby Waste Wizard to look it up! For more information including yard waste, large item collection, hazardous materials and more, visit https://www.whitby.ca/en/live/garbage-and-recycling.aspx

I recently attended the official ribbon cutting for the new Whitby Health Centre, and I couldn’t be more thrilled that it’s part of our community. Located at 198 Des Newman Blvd., this 154,000 square foot facility offers urgent care open daily (Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) as well as care by more than 85 physicians including specialists and family doctors.  West Whitby is one of the fastest growing areas in Durham and the Whitby Health Centre will help ensure our residents can access the healthcare they need, when and where they need it. Visit https://oshawaclinic.com/new-whitby-clinic/ for learn more. 

On Nov. 7, I had the honour of helping to celebrate Paul Rolland as the winner of the 2024 Peter Perry Award! Since 1955, the Peter Perry Award has been an opportunity to celebrate an inspirational citizen who truly embodies the spirit of Whitby. Paul is a Whitby resident of over 40 years and has served as a volunteer with the Town of Whitby for more than 20 years. From volunteering at different Whitby events to sitting on committees like Heritage Whitby and the Downtown Whitby Steering Committee, to supporting Doors Open Whitby by leading tours, he is always ready to pitch in. Paul has also been a huge supporter of many other local initiatives and organizations including Caremongers during the pandemic, Station Gallery, Hospice Whitby, the Alzheimer’s Society of Durham Region and recent advocacy work to secure a much-needed hospital in Whitby. Paul received the Mayor’s Senior Volunteer Award in 2020 and is well-known throughout our community for his kindness, dedication and leadership. He embodies what the Peter Perry Award is all about – please join me in congratulating him on this well-deserved honour. 

Local business Organize That is owned by Effy Terry, offering residential and corporate organizing services in Durham Region and Toronto. “My career has been shaped by a dedication to helping others find peace and productivity,” Effy says. “Beginning with a degree in psychology, my early focus on human behaviour laid the foundation for a multifaceted career in professional organizing, life transition coaching, and public speaking.”

Effy spent over 27 years at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation as a project manager, developing expertise in organizing and managing large-scale projects. That experience prepared her to found Organize That, a business centered on helping people overcome chronic disorganization and life transitions. Effy’s journey also includes a decade as a licensed real estate salesperson, where she gained insight into the unique organizational needs of clients during transitional periods. This background helps her support clients in downsizing and smart-sizing. Effy also has a background in mediation, and has attained many certifications including Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization, ADHD specialist, Certified Virtual Organizing Professional, Marie Kondo-trained Master Consultant level, Rick Hansen Accessibility Certification, and she is currently pursuing ICF credential as a neurodiversity coach. Additionally, her end-of-life doula training allows her to compassionately assist clients and their families through the end stage of life. Effy supports clients facing a wide range of physical and cognitive challenges, from ADHD and hoarding to aging issues, while promoting accessibility and inclusivity. She has appeared on two episodes of “Hoarders” on A&E as the lead organizer, is recognized as one of Toronto’s top five organizers and is frequently invited to speak at real estate and industry events. “My journey has been marked by personal and professional growth, a focus on family (my husband Lorne, daughter Natasha, and our Boston Terrier, Miles), and a commitment to causes close to my heart,” she says.  “My story underscores the power of combining diverse skills to make a meaningful impact, helping clients create environments—and lives—that support their unique needs.” Learn more at organizethat.ca and follow Effy on Instagram @organizethatwitheffyterry where she shares insights on ADHD, productivity, and organization.

Every day, people deal with the shock of receiving a cancer diagnosis. Hearth Places recognizes the impact cancer has on the whole family, co-workers and friends and provides support to everyone affected by cancer.

Hearth Place offers support at any point in the cancer journey including return to work programming, children’s support services, and grief support.

People who come to Hearth Place are able to connect with others who understand what they’re going through, receive tips and resources, and find a shoulder to lean on. Hearth Place’s mission is to “empower a community of compassionate support, knowledge, and hope for anyone impacted by cancer.”

Hearth Place is the only cancer support centre in Durham Region as well as the only one between Toronto and Kingston.

All programs and services offered are free of charge, however, the centre receives no government core funding. Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre relies on the generosity of individual and corporate donations as well as a variety of fundraising events throughout the year.

Visit https://hearthplace.org to learn more. 

• The 2023 Whitby Santa Claus Parade takes place Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. along Brock Street in Downtown Whitby. This amazing annual event has been taking place for more than 50 years! The Parade was organized by JCI Durham for the first 50 years of its history and the Optimist Club of Brooklin took over in 2022. Visit whitbysantaclausparade.ca for more information including the route. Don’t forget to share your parade photos on social media with the hashtags #wscp #2024wscp and #whitbysantaclausparade

• The 3^rd Annual Brooklin Christmas Cottage takes place Dec. 14 and 15 at 45 Cassels Rd. E. in Brooklin. Brought to you by Mason Bennett Johncox Lawyers and the Rotary Club of Whitby, this family-friendly event includes photos with Santa, Christmas decoration making, cookies, and hot chocolate. Don't forget to bring a non-perishable food item to support our local food banks. Visit dreamcotheatre.com for details, a portion of proceeds will be donated to Feed the Need Durham.

• Victorian Christmas Tours are taking place at Lynde House Museum this month -- visit Durham Region’s oldest home while it’s decorated for a traditional Victorian Christmas! The 45-minute tour includes information on the history of Whitby and stories about the Lynde family. Admission by donation. Visit https://warren-general-store.square.site/product/victorian-christmas-tours/3103 for details.
• The Town of Whitby has lots of public skate times available in December, visit https://www.whitby.ca/en/play/arenas-and-skating.aspx for details.