Check out details of the latest decisions and discussions at Whitby Council in the monthly Council Highlights.

The February 2025 Council Highlights include:

• Second annual progress report on Whitby’s Community Strategic Plan
• Town secured “unprecedented” number of grants in 2024
• Official Plan amendment approved for Whitby GO Station PMTSA
• Town to seek naming rights for Whitby Sports Complex, other facilities
• Council looks at terminating contract with closed meeting investigator

Council Highlights are published following every regular Council meeting.

Whitby has joined the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) in calling on the federal and provincial governments to do more to address the pressing challenges facing municipalities such as homelessness, housing, and healthcare. AMO recently launched a non-partisan “Vote Like Your Quality of Life Depends on It” campaign in advance of potential federal and provincial elections.

For example, a new report released by AMO on Jan. 9 shows that more than 80,000 Ontarians were known to be homeless in 2024, a number that has grown by more than 25 per cent since 2022. Municipal spending on homelessness and housing programs has also skyrocketed since 2020, growing to more than $2.1 billion in 2024. Whitby is well-positioned to have a strong voice on these issues. I was recently appointed to the executive board of Ontario Big City Mayors, while Town of Whitby CAO Matt Gaskell and Regional Councillor Rhonda Mulcahy sit on the AMO board of directors. Learn more at whitby.ca/townadvocacy or check out the AMO campaign at voteONqualityofLife.ca

My next Facebook Live with Mayor Roy is coming up Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. and will focus on growth, planning and development – key issues that impact Whitby’s future. I'll be joined by Town of Whitby planning staff -- bring your questions and feedback! Last year’s Facebook Live was a huge success and I’m looking forward to connecting with even more residents this time! Click here for event info. 

February is Black History Month and a great opportunity to spotlight some of the outstanding Black-owned businesses in Whitby. Here are a few to check out – you can discover more by exploring the directories offered by ByBlacks.com and the Durham Region Association of Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs.

• The Jerk House is a family-run business serving up authentic Caribbean cuisine and homemade juices.

114 Athol St., Whitby

Thejerkhouse.ca

• One More Cocoa is a boutique chocolatier offering artisanal chocolate bars and bon bons, as well as a specialty hot cocoa.

116 Athol St., Whitby

Onemorecocoa.com

• Geekspeak Commerce is an e-commerce marketing agency with over 20 years of experience. Services include advertising, data management. and content writing.

Geekspeakcommerce.com

• Anne Marie Henry-Lyons Insurance Agency Inc offers a variety of insurance products and services.

126 Byron St. N., Whitby

Annmariehenry-lyons.ca

• Jus Convenience Jerk Stop offers authentic Caribbean dishes as well as convenience items, and snacks.

1910 Dundas St. E., Whitby

Jusconvenience.com

• Blessed Kutz is a one-stop barbershop, hair salon, and tattoo shop and was recently nominated for 2024 Black Entrepreneur of the Year by the Canadian SME National Business Awards.

1645 Dundas St. E.

Blessedkutz.ca

• A&L Beauty Supplies is a family-owned business offering high-quality beauty supplies including makeup, shampoo, conditioner, hair treatments, and more.

103 Brock St. S., Whitby

aandlbeauty.com

I recently had the honour of presenting awards for the Mayor’s Cup hosted by Whitby Cricket. This organization has about 50 teams and over 1,200 players and is actively involved in developing cricket in Durham. Awards are divided into two categories – tennis ball and hard ball – and include best team, best bowler, best batsman and best player. This year also saw the introduction of a new youth leadership award and youth player of the year award. Whitby Cricket works with municipalities across Durham to increase the number of cricket fields and also gives back to the community through youth sports sponsorships and advocacy work. Follow Whitby Cricket on Facebook at facebook.com/whitbycricketcanada and on Instagram @whitbycricketcanada

Mark your calendars! My second annual Women Who Inspire event is scheduled for the morning of Thursday, March 27. Pre-registration will be required, details to follow in next month’s newsletter and on my social media.  Last year’s inaugural Women Who Inspire event was a huge success, bringing together over 100 women from across our community for a morning of networking, inspiration, and conversation. I hope to see you there!

I recently released my 2024 Year-in-Review Newsletter, which highlights the many incredible things accomplished in Whitby last year – from economic investments and new tourism and culture offerings, to improved access to healthcare and initiatives to address homelessness and food insecurity. This special edition of the newsletter also highlights what’s coming up in 2025, including a new signature event in Downtown Whitby, completion of the Whitby Sports Complex, roll out of Service Whitby – and more. 

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

• Congratulations to Town of Whitby employee Erin Mitchell, working foreperson at the Whitby Marina, who recently won an Award of Excellence from Boating Ontario. This is one of the most prestigious awards in the boating industry and recognizes Erin’s efforts to support the Boating Ontario Clean Marine Program and help Whitby Marina achieve a Diamond Elite rating in 2024.
• The 2024 Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign in Durham raised $98,951 for Feed the Need in Durham, which is about 197,902 meals for those in need in our community. Thank you to everyone who bought a cookie in November, and to Tim Hortons for this fantastic annual campaign in support of local charities.
• Shout out to Whitby mental health advocate Mike Shoreman for being honoured with the King Charles II Coronation Medal, which recognizes outstanding people from across Canada for their contributions to the community. Ontario Tech President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Steven Murphy was also recognized with this prestigious award. 

Because You Asked is an opportunity to provide helpful context and information about issues the community is asking about. Got a question? Email Jillian Follert at follertj@whitby.ca

In September 2024, the Town introduced a new parking penalty system with a goal of improving safety around schools and discouraging illegal parking. The new Administrative Penalty System (APS) is a faster and more flexible way of issuing, disputing and collecting parking penalties. The new system is managed by the Town, replacing the previous court system. This change reduces the wait time to appeal a ticket from several months/years to a few weeks. The goal is to create a simple, accessible, fair, and cost-effective system for dealing with violations.  Penalty notices may be placed on the vehicle, delivered by hand, or sent by mail, similar to how automated speed enforcement notices are mailed. The Town is also using licence plate recognition technology for school zone enforcement, which frees up officers to enforce parking at multiple schools. APS includes escalating parking penalties to discourage repeat offenses. Many Ontario municipalities use APS. To learn more, check out an FAQ on the new system here. 

Making a Difference is my monthly spotlight on local not-for-profit organizations, which are such a critical part of our community. To suggest a not-for-profit to feature, email Jillian Follert at follertj@whitby.ca

Whitby Courthouse Theatre (WCT) has been a cornerstone of Whitby’s vibrant arts community for over 70 years. Housed in the historic Centennial Building and converted 19th-century courthouse, this not-for-profit organization is dedicated to fostering a love of theatre while bringing people together through the transformative power of live performances.

Run entirely by volunteers, WCT is more than just a theatre -- it’s a community hub where talent is nurtured, creativity flourishes, and lasting friendships are forged. From actors and directors to production, backstage crew and audience members, WCT thrives on the passion and dedication of the people who believe in the magic of storytelling.

WCT celebrated the launch of the 2025-26 season on January 17. This season is will be one of the most exciting yet, offering a lineup that celebrates both classic and contemporary works including A Chorus Line, Groundhog Day and a high school production of Pippin for musicals and Peter and the Starcatcher and Rabbit Hole for plays.

Each production reflects WCT’s mission to deliver high-quality theatre that resonates with audiences of all ages while keeping with this season's theme of "Time.”

WCT is also proud of its educational outreach programs, which inspire budding thespians and provide training opportunities for young talent. These initiatives ensure that the next generation of performers and theatre-makers can hone their craft in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Whether you’re a long-time patron or new to live theatre, WCT invites you to discover the joy of live performances, connect with your community, and be part of a legacy that continues to enrich Whitby’s cultural landscape.

Visit whitbytheatre.ca and follow WCT on social media for updates about performances, tickets, and special events.

Downtown Whitby business Healthy Meats has been serving the community for over 22 years with the largest selection of organic and traditionally raised meats in the GTA.

The family-owned and operated store specializes in meats raised with no steroids, hormones or dyes and no water injection or systematic use of antibiotics.

Meat is sourced from local farms that maintain traditional farming methods and practices and humane treatment of animals.

Healthy Meats offers a wide range of products including grass-fed and finished beef, free-range chicken, organic pork, and wild and local fish, as well as other organic and natural products.

 Coming up in February

• February is Black History Month and there are many events taking place in the community: “Together We Rise Durham: Resistance, Resilience, Possibility” is the Region of Durham’s Black History Month celebration in partnership with the Town of Whitby and other community partners. It takes place Feb. 5 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Audley Recreation Centre in Ajax. The 18^th annual Black History Month Celebration hosted by Cultural Expressions for CHANGE is Feb. 1 at 4 p.m. at J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate in Ajax. On Feb. 7 from 6 to 7 p.m. learn about Black artists and create artwork inspired by painter Alma Thomas at the Whitby Central Library. On Feb. 8 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. check out a Black History Month story time and a craft honouring Garrett Morgan, inventor of the traffic light, at the Whitby Central Library On Feb. 7, the Whitby Chamber of Commerce hosts a Black History Month event celebrating Black-owned businesses with the theme “Generations Building Generations.

• Celebrate Family Day on Monday, Feb. 17 with family fun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m at various locations. Enjoy skating, swimming, face painting, a balloon artist, photo ops, and more. Visit whitby.ca/en/play/family-day.aspx for more information and a schedule of activities.

• Happy Lunar New Year to all those celebrating! This year’s celebration begins on Jan. 29 and continues for 15 days until Feb.12, ushering in the Year of the Snake. 

• Whitby Courthouse Theatre presents “Tick, Tick, Boom” from Feb. 6 to 25 at the Whitby Centennial Building. Click here for details or to buy tickets.

• Feb. 28 is Pink Shirt Day, focused on raising awareness about bullying. The day was started in 2007 by two teens who organized a high school protest to support a fellow student who was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. Pink Shirt Day is now recognized by the United Nations and observed in more than 25 countries. Visit pinkshirtday.ca to learn more or purchase a 2025 Pink Shirt Day shirt
• Ramadan is expected to begin on Feb. 28 and continue through March 29. Wishing a peaceful and meaningful holy month to all Whitby residents observing. 

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