A Whitby street has been renamed to honour the late Jim Flaherty who served as both an MP and MPP in the community, and as Canada’s Minister of Finance. Signs to rename the portion of Gordon Street north of Victoria Street to Jim Flaherty Street were installed on February 16, 2023, officially changing the name.

The change was requested by Abilities Centre and supported by the Town of Whitby to recognize Flaherty and his instrumental role in establishing Abilities Centre, which serves people living with and without disabilities through programs and services. The Centre celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2022.

“I would like to thank Abilities Centre and the Town of Whitby for honouring Jim’s vision for an accessible and inclusive place for everyone in Durham Region. Jim always considered Abilities Centre as one of the most important projects of his life, both as an elected representative and as a member of the community. My family and I are very grateful for this tribute to Jim’s work.”

-        Christine Elliott, Honorary Chair, AC Accessibility Awards

“Abilities Centre is proud to be a part of this momentous tribute to the Honourable Jim Flaherty. His vision brought Abilities Centre to life and his inspiration created a movement that has grown beyond our walls to expand across Ontario and the country. We look forward to continuing this legacy as we unlock potential through accessibility and build towards a better barrier-free life for all Canadians.”

-        Mark Wafer, Interim President and CEO, Abilities Centre

“I’m very pleased to see this street renamed in Jim Flaherty’s honour. He and Christine Elliott were instrumental in taking the Abilities Centre from a vision, to one of the most accessible and inclusive community hubs ever built. It’s very fitting for Jim Flaherty’s legacy be recognized in this way.”

-        Elizabeth Roy, Mayor, Town of Whitby

Quick Facts

• The Town of Whitby supports the naming of streets to recognize an individual, group, or organization that has had a positive impact on the community.
• Jim Flaherty was recognized (posthumously) with a Whitby Chamber of Commerce Peter Perry Award in 2019. Peter Perry Award winners are also often honoured with a street in their name.
• There are no residential homes on the stretch of Gordon Street that has been renamed.

For media inquiries, contact:

Abilities Centre Communications

Jennifer Pain, Director, Marketing, Communications and Public Relations
Abilities Centre
Phone: 905-665-8500
Email: jpain@abilitiescentre.org

Town of Whitby Corporate Communications

Erin Mikaluk, Manager, Communications and Creative Services
Town of Whitby
Phone: 289-314-6913
Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca

Office of the Mayor 

Jillian Follert
Public Affairs Coordinator, Office of the Mayor
Phone: 289-387-9101
Email: follertj@whitby.ca