“What’s Open Whitby” Portal Makes Shopping Local Easier

Shopping local in Whitby just got easier with the launch of the new online mapping portal “What’s Open Whitby”.

The portal was developed by the Town of Whitby in partnership with the Whitby Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Whitby Business Improvement Area (BIA). It’s goal: to help support local businesses of all kinds by encouraging residents to shop and spend their dollars where they live. 

Through whitby.ca/whatsopen, a user can quickly search for a local business by category or address to find a variety of options available to them. From restaurants to retail shops to gardening centres, the portal showcases the many businesses that are open in Whitby right now, whether it’s for curbside pick-up, contactless delivery or in-store service. 

Local businesses can add their name and information to the map by completing a quick survey. Questions about the portal can be directed to ecdev@whitby.ca.

The mapping tool is part of the Town’s broader approach to supporting local businesses through COVID-19 and ensuring they can return to operations as quickly as possible. For more information, visit whitby.ca/businessresources.

QUOTES

“Economic prosperity in Whitby relies heavily on the success of local businesses and their ability to quickly resume operations despite the COVID-19 virus. It’s more important than ever that we collaborate with and support our local businesses as they work to safely reopen. The What’s Open Whitby portal will make it easier for residents to find and support local options, now and going forward.”   

- Mayor Don Mitchell

“Many local businesses are open and offering fast, convenient and safe services in Whitby. This portal is open to all local businesses and getting on the map is as easy as completing a quick survey with the details you want to share. We encourage all businesses to take part.”

- Sarah Klein, Director of Strategic Initiatives

“I’m proud our municipality has invested resources into this platform. I encourage all businesses within the Town of Whitby to take a moment and participate in identifying how you’re open for business.”

-  Natalie Prychitko, CEO of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce

“We are excited to support the launch of "What's Open Whitby". This new, interactive tool will help consolidate current business practices and is a great way to help Downtown Whitby and all local businesses share their relevant businesses models with the community.” 

- Karey Anne Large, Executive Director, Downtown Whitby BIA

QUICK FACTS

• There are approximately 2,400 businesses located in Whitby.
• The “What’s Open Whitby” portal is free to use and open to all local businesses.
• Each listing includes location and contact information, as well as details on how the business is serving customers during COVID-19.

The Town is part of the Durham Economic Task Force, which is focused on helping to support business recovery post COVID-19.