Town of Whitby Receives Government of Canada Support Through My Main Street Community Activator Placemaking Program 

The Town of Whitby is pleased to announce that our Roebuck Street Placemaking Pilot Project was selected for the My Main Street Community Activator program and has received $65,000 to support the closure of Roebuck Street in Downtown Brooklin to vehicles and open it for community use until September 30, 2022. The temporary space will feature Adirondack Chairs, picnic tables and a beautiful 'Brooklin' mural painted by local artists, creating an extension of Grass Park. Learn more about the local artists.

Through the Government of Canada’s My Main Street Community Activator, delivered by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), the Town will transform Roebuck Street into a vibrant neighbourhood setting that will draw visitors and increase foot traffic to events, shops and restaurants in Downtown Brooklin. The Town is supported by My Main Street—a two-year, $23.25-million investment by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), delivered by CUI and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO).

To help evaluate the pilot project, the Town is inviting Whitby residents, visitors and businesses to share their feedback on how they like the space and whether they would like to see the temporary closure of Roebuck Street implemented annually. Anyone interested can complete a short online survey at connectwhitby.ca/RoebuckStreet to have their say.

“Our government is committed to helping communities bring their main streets back to life. My Main Street is providing vital support to projects that will reanimate neighbourhoods through installations, events and activities that are inclusive, innovative and engaging to create jobs and drive economic growth for local economies.” — The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

“I want to thank the federal government and MP Ryan Turnbull for their support in helping Whitby to receive a My Main Street grant. Through this funding, we will provide additional space for our residents and visitors to connect and enjoy Downtown Brooklin events, shopping and more. I also want to recognize the many local artists who worked so hard to create the ‘Brooklin’ mural that is now the centrepiece of the space. We are fortunate to have so many talented artists who call our Town home.” — His Worship Don Mitchell, Mayor, Town of Whitby

For more information on this project or to complete a short online survey to help inform future considerations for the use of the space, visit connectwhitby.ca/RoebuckStreet.

Background

The Town of Whitby is a lakefront community that is home to nearly 140,000 residents and more than 2,000 businesses. Whitby is the second largest municipality in the Regional Municipality of Durham and located in the heart of the region. The Town is committed to building a pedestrian-focused, cycling-oriented and age-friendly community, the revitalization of its two historic downtowns and maximizing its wonderful green spaces. The Town is committed to grow as a smart, urban community where talent and businesses can flourish.

The Canadian Urban Institute is the national platform that houses the best in Canadian city building — where policymakers, urban professionals, civic and business leaders, community activists and academics can learn, share and collaborate with one another from coast to coast to coast. Through research, engagement and storytelling, our mission is to ensure Canada builds vibrant, equitable, liveable and resilient cities. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

For 13 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Media Contacts

Erin Mikaluk
Manager, Communications and Creative Services
Town of Whitby
mikaluke@whitby.ca
289.314.6913

Nick Hanson 
Communications Lead 
Canadian Urban Institute
media@mymainstreet.ca

Monica Granados
Press Secretary, Office of the Hon. Helena Jaczek
Minister responsible for the Federal Economic
Development Agency for Southern Ontario
monica.granados@feddevontario.gc.ca