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

The October Council Highlights include:

• New Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program (SNAP) pilot approved for West Lynde Neighbourhood
• Update on Downtown Whitby Action Plan
• Support for Solve the Crisis” campaign to address homelessness, addictions and mental health issues
• Council condemns recent act of antisemitic vandalism at Whitby park

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2024 Mayor’s Gala a huge success – the event raised $120,000!

The gala is one of two annual fundraisers for the Mayor’s Community Development Fund. The fund provides support to local groups and initiatives in the community through lead grants of up to $25,000 and community grants of up to $5,000.

The 2024 lead grant recipients for the Mayor’s Gala are Lakeridge Health Foundation, Durham Children’s Aid Foundation, and the Whitby Professional Fire Fighters Association. A huge thank you to the organizers, volunteers, sponsors, attendees, and supporters who made this year’s gala possible. 

I’m very pleased to share that Hospice Whitby recently announced construction is set to begin on a much-needed hospice here in Whitby. This is a project that I have been involved with for many years – as a former healthcare worker, I believe deeply that we all deserve access to compassionate end-of-life-care. Hospice Whitby – Roger Anderson House will be a 10-bed hospice located. Watch the Hospice Whitby announcement here or click to read my statement. 

Join us for the next Community Open House on Whitby’s Official Plan Review, taking place Nov. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Town Hall, 575 Rossland Rd. E. This engagement session will focus on the new Brooklin Urban Expansion Area, gathering feedback on future land use, roads, and community facilities, like parks and schools.The Brooklin Urban Expansion Area is one of four focus areas of the Official Plan Review. For more information visit connectwhitby.ca/opreview. 

The Town of Whitby recently presented the second annual Halloween Home Decorating Contest, inviting residents to enter photos of their home decorated for Halloween or fall. The response this year was amazing with so many creative entries that ranged from frightening scenes, to beautiful autumn displays. I had a fantastic time joining members of Council touring the entries and voting on the winners.

Congratulations to:

1st Place: Jim Tilley (pictured)

2nd Place: Michelle Blackwood

3rd Place: Wyatt McGillis

Each winner received a "Taste of Whitby" prize pack filled with items generously donated by local businesses. Thank you to Brock Street Brewery, Sweetapolita, Portobello Road, One More Cocoa, Jacked Up Coffee, the Downtown Whitby BIA, and Remax agent Jeneevan Theivendran for supporting this year's contest.

Following up on the incredible success of the walking food tours introduced in Downtown Whitby and Downtown Brooklin this summer, the Town has launched a new “Hop On, Hop Off” food tour that takes participants on a four-hour, escorted bus tour through the town. The tour includes 16 to 18 tastings such as craft brews, sweet treats, traditional Indian cuisine, and classic Italian dishes. The tours highlight Whitby’s thriving culinary scene, support local businesses, and boost the town’s tourism efforts. I recently took part in a tour, and it was a fantastic experience! For more information or to buy tickets, visit whitby.ca/en/play/food-tours.aspx

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 the Downtown Whitby BIA. I noticed from conversations in the community and on social media, that many people aren’t clear on what a BIA is.

BIA stands for “Business Improvement Area.”

A BIA is a local board that allows business owners, commercial property owners, and tenants to work together with support from the municipality to organize, finance, and carry out improvements in their district, and promote economic development.

BIAs are typically established by a municipality using the business improvement area provisions in the Municipal Act, 2001, and governed by a board of management.

The Downtown Whitby BIA is a designated zone in Downtown Whitby. Businesses within the BIA’s boundaries contribute to the BIA through a mandatory municipal tax.

Member contributions are used to make Downtown Whitby a destination of choice through events, beautification efforts, business support, and more. Two full-time staff members, a volunteer Board of Management, and two voluntary committees operate the BIA.

The Downtown Whitby BIA’s mandate is “Feet on the street and dollars in the door.”

The Downtown Whitby BIA hosts a variety of signature events throughout the year, including the Summer Art Series, Christmas Market, and Breakfast with Santa.

Visit https://whitbybia.org/ to learn more or follow the BIA on Facebook. 

Congratulations to Whitby author Canisia Lubrin for being short-listed for the Atwood Gibson Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize for the novel Code Noir, which is her debut work of fiction. The Writers’ Trust of Canada announced the finalists for the $60,000 prize in late September. Lubrin is a writer, editor, and teacher whose other books include Voodoo Hypothesis and The Dyzgraphxst. She won the Griffin Poetry Prize in 2020, and in 2021was awarded a Windham-Campbell prize for poetry and named by The Globe & Mail as Poet of the Year. Lubrin has held fellowships at the Banff Centre, Civitella Ranieri in Italy, Simon Fraser University, and Literature Colloquium Berlin. She coordinates the Creative Writing MFA in the School of English and Theatre Studies at the University of Guelph and is a poetry editor at McClelland & Stewart. 

This is my monthly shout-out 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

• Kudos to Whitby high school student Fawaz Syed for opening a free outdoor library outside his home at 94 Scepter Place as a way to build connections in his neighbourhood. I had the privilege of attending the ribbon cutting on Oct. 12, and it was truly inspiring. Thank you, Fawaz!

• Congratulations to Kenesha Lewis, owner of Whitby business One More Cocoa, for being one of 17 Black-owned businesses across Canada to receive a $10,000 #BlackFoodEnergy grant from DoorDash Canada and Black Opportunity Fund. One More Cocoa recently celebrated its third anniversary in Downtown Whitby and I’m so proud that its part of our local business community! 

• Whitby resident Mike Shoreman recently celebrated the launch of his new book “Lightkeepers,” an inspiring true story about how he turned a mental health crisis into purpose – becoming the first Canadian athlete with disabilities to cross all five Great Lakes to raise funds for children and youth in crisis. I know this book will spark important conversations about mental health, and the role we each one of us can play in caring for one another. Thank you, Mike for being a strong mental health advocate!

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

Durham Alliance Outreach (DAO) is a registered charity committed to supporting the 2SLGBTQI+ community -- and anyone in need --  by creating a welcoming and supportive space.

Founded in 2019, DAO has become a vital resource in Durham Region, offering a variety of programs designed to foster inclusivity, empowerment, and education.

This includes the DAO Pantry, the only 2SLGBTQI+ food bank in Durham. Open to everyone, the pantry provides food, toiletries, and essential supplies to individuals and families facing food insecurity.

Since its opening in September 2021, the DAO Pantry has served over 12,679 clients, offering dignity, support, and a sense of community for all who visit.

There are plans to increase the pantry’s capacity to help people in need by expanding storage facilities and acquiring a vehicle to help with pickups and deliveries.

DAO is also developing a Community Kitchen to further support its mission. The kitchen will enhance the ability to prepare fresh, nutritious meals for clients and offer educational workshops focused on cooking skills and nutrition, leading to better long-term food security.

As a 2SLGBTQI+ community hub, DAO also offers peer-to-peer support, educational workshops, and inclusive events that are open to all and promote unity and resilience in the face of hardship.

DAO is located at 8-717 Wilson Rd. S. in Oshawa. Visit durhamallianceoutreach.org for more information.

Located in Downtown Brooklin, Cupcake Junkie has been a local sweet treat destination for more than a decade. Founded in April 2014 by Sean Aronson and Jessica Kula-Trinier, this family-owned bakery serves up a peanut and tree-nut-free menu of cupcakes, cakes, cookies, cheesecakes, butter tarts, and more. The store initially opened in an 80-year-old home on Brock Street, before expanding to a larger space in 2021 in the current location at 2 Campbell St. In addition to being fully nut-free, Cupcake Junkie also offers vegan, gluten-free and allergy-friendly options. Co-owners Sean and Jessica say they are incredibly grateful for their talented staff.  “Our team brings a unique blend of creativity, precision, and passion to every dessert we make. It’s not just about making dessert – it’s about delivering an experience that leaves a lasting impression. Without our team’s dedication, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” Jessica says. Cupcake Junkie offers catering for events like weddings and school functions, as well as the option to pre-order online for same-day pick-up or next-day delivery.   Many treats are available for walk-in only including cake pops, sugar cookies, and ready-to-go cakes. Visit cupcakejunkie.ca for more information or follow them on Instagram @cupcakejunkiecanada

• Observe Remembrance Day on Nov. 11 with two ceremonies hosted by our local legion branches. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 152 (Brooklin Legion) will host a parade at 10:30 a.m. followed by a ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Brooklin Cenotaph, 8 Vipond Rd. in Brooklin. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 112 (Whitby Legion) will host a ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Whitby Cenotaph, 109 Dundas St. E.

• The second annual Durham Volunteer Fair is Nov. 13 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex, 2440 Hwy. 2 in Bowmanville. Many of our local not-for-profit organizations in Whitby and across Durham are in desperate need of volunteers. If you have time to give, check out volunteer opportunities with more than 40 organizations.

• Mark your calendars for the annual Downtown Whitby Christmas Market on Friday, Nov. 15 from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m at Celebration Square (405 Dundas St W).  This free, all-ages event features an outdoor market, festive activities, live performances, local food, and great holiday shopping throughout the downtown! Don't forget to bring socks to donate to Operation Cozy Toes, volunteers will be collecting both days.

• Get in the holiday spirit with the Whitby Lights the Night Holiday Festival on Nov. 22 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Civic Park (between Town Hall and the Civic Recreation Complex). Enjoy beautiful light displays throughout Civic Park, and check out live music, cookie decorating, maple taffy, seasonal photo ops, jugglers, Santa, and more.  Food vendors will be on site for a quick bite or visit one of Whitby’s many amazing restaurants before attending. More details here: https://www.whitby.ca/en/play/whitby-lights-the-night.aspx

• Head to Downtown Brooklin for Christmas in the Village on Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Events include the Optimist Club Pancake Breakfast, Whitby Farmer’s Christmas Market, and seasonal crafts and activities for kids. Click here for more information.