Mayor and Council

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Elizabeth Roy is the Mayor of the Town of Whitby.

Contact Mayor Roy

You can contact Mayor Roy by roye@whitby.ca or call 905-430-4300 x2203 or 905-706-2001.

About Mayor Roy

Elizabeth Roy was first elected to Whitby Council in 2006 and is serving her first term as mayor. She served as west ward councillor from 2006 to 2014, and was then elected as a regional councillor in 2014 and 2018. Prior to her election to Council, Elizabeth served as a Durham District School Board trustee from 1997 to 2006, including as board chair from 1999 to 2004. She is the mother of three grown children and a grandmother of two.

Local Involvement

Elizabeth’s current involvement at the local level includes: 

• Whitby 55+ Recreation Advisory Committee
• CLOCA Board 

In addition, Elizabeth sits on:

• Elexicon Energy Corporation Board of Directors
• Ontario Big City Mayors - Executive Committee Secretary
• Ontario Auto Mayors

Previously, Elizabeth has held a variety of roles on local boards and committees including:

• Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
• Station Gallery Board
• LACAC Heritage Whitby
• Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee
• Downtown Whitby Development Steering Committee
• County Town Carnival Committee
• Ethno-Cultural and Diversity Advisory Committee
• Whitby Public Library Board
• General Government Committee chair
• Planning and Development Committee chair
• Chair of Public Planning meetings
• Chair of Operations
• Chair of Budget 

Regional Involvement

At the Region, Elizabeth's involvement currently includes:

• Chair of Health and Social Services Committee
• Transit Commission
• Transit Executive
• Development Charges Complaint Committee
• Durham Local Immigration Partnership
• Durham Region Non-Profit Housing
• Strategic Plan Development Task Force
• Chair, Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA)

In the past, Elizabeth has been involved with: 

• Local Housing Corporation
• Durham Strategic Plan Development Task Force 
• Finance & Administration Committee
• Durham Affordable Seniors Housing Task Force
• Durham Trails Coordinating Committee

Community Involvement

Elizabeth worked as a professionally trained medical radiation therapist for 34 years and practiced at Princess Margaret Hospital and the Durham Regional Cancer Center.

She is a current board member of the Denise House and has volunteered with the Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre capital campaign, Hospice Whitby capital campaign, Durham Humane Society, WindReach Farm, Block Parents, Whitby's Community Art Projects, Boys and Girls Club Durham, Lakeridge Health Whitby Foundation, and Kinark Foundation.

CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

Good morning, everyone, and thank you so much for being here.

This morning, I’m going to walk you through the progress we’ve made over the past year and share some of the priorities that will guide us through 2026.

We are now in the fourth and final year of this Council term -- and I can say, without hesitation, that I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together.

Because none of this happens in isolation. It happens because of engaged residents, dedicated Council colleagues, and an exceptional team of Town of Whitby staff who show up every day ready to serve this community.

Together, we’ve taken on complex challenges -- and delivered real, meaningful results.

And we’ve done that during this period of extraordinary growth.

Today, Whitby is home to about 140,000 people. By 2031, that number is expected to reach nearly 190,000, an increase of 50,000 people in just a few short years.

Growth like that brings opportunity.

It strengthens our economy, attracts investment, and adds energy and diversity to our community.

But it also brings pressure and challenges. We’re being asked to keep up with that growth by building infrastructure, delivering services, and meeting housing needs, all with limited financial tools at the municipal level.

I want to start today by talking about something that continues to guide everything we do: Whitby’s Community Strategic Plan.

When I ran for mayor in 2022, creating this plan was one of my top commitments.

At that time, Whitby hadn’t had a Community Strategic Plan in more than 20 years.

Two decades without a shared roadmap.

What makes this plan so meaningful is how it was built.

When we gathered community feedback for the plan, more than 3,000 residents shared their priorities.

Things like:

• Community safety
• Economic growth
• Healthcare close to home
• And addressing homelessness and food insecurity

That feedback shaped 62 clear, measurable action items. And today, I’m proud to say that 100 per cent of those actions are either complete or underway -- and we are on track to deliver all of them by the end of this Council term.

We’ve also made sure the plan is transparent, with regular updates and easy-to-access reporting.

I often say this is "your plan in action." Because it truly is. 

It belongs to the people of Whitby -- and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see your priorities turning into real progress.

And with that, let's start with healthcare. 

Healthcare

Healthcare is an issue our residents consistently tell us is one of their top priorities.

In 2024, we celebrated a major milestone with the long-awaited announcement from the province that a new hospital will be built right here in Whitby.

That didn’t happen overnight. It was the result of years of advocacy -- and thousands of residents speaking up and making their voices heard.

While that announcement was a big step forward, we’re still waiting on the next steps from the province -- including the transfer of land required for the hospital.

I continue to advocate at every opportunity, including direct meetings with the Minister of Health that took place in Ottawa in 2025 and recently with the Minister of Transportation, rgwrading the aquistion of lands for the hospital.

Another important and very meaningful healthcare milestone is the progress on Hospice Whitby—Roger Anderson House, a project very close to my heart and one I have been proud to support for the past decade.

This 10-bed hospice will provide compassionate, end-of-life care right here in our community.

Right now, Durham Region has just one hospice with only eight beds -- despite clear data showing we need at least 37.

Construction began in 2025 and is now well underway. We expect the hospice to be completed in June 2026, with the goal of welcoming the first residents in the fall. 

Making sure Whitby residents have access to primary care is another key priority.

In 2025, we secured two new family doctors in Whitby through our physician recruitment program, in addition to several others who are accepting new patients.

The Town launched a new webpage that is updated regularly and lists contact information for local family doctors accepting patients.

This has proven to be a very helpful resource for our residents.

2025 also marked the third year of the Queen’s–Lakeridge Health MD Family Physician Training Program, which trains 20 new medical students each year.

The goal is to grow the number of family doctors serving our community, by training them here and helping them set up a practice here.  

Together, these initiatives are ensuring Whitby residents can access the care they need, close to home.

Community safety

Community safety is another issue residents tell us is very important to them.

For example, every year, the Town receives many requests for traffic-calming measures like speed humps and roundabouts.

In 2025, we finished consultation on a Traffic Calming Policy that lays out a clear approach to when and where these features should be installed.

The draft policy was brought forward to Council and is now being fine-tuned before coming back for final approval.

We also made significant, on-the-ground improvements to road safety across Whitby.

• Pedestrian crossovers were installed at six locations, giving pedestrians the right-of-way
• These crossovers improve visibility through signage, pavement markings, and flashing beacons
• We also installed nine new all-way stops at intersections that needed additional control

These may seem like small changes—but they make a real difference in how safe people feel moving through their community.

Making sure our emergency services are ready to respond as Whitby grows is another key part of community safety.

In September, we broke ground on Fire Station #6 in West Whitby, located at Des Newman Boulevard and Rossland Road.

This new station will significantly improve response times and strengthen operational readiness.

Construction is almost completed on Whitby’s first fire training tower, which will allow firefighters to train for scenarios like high-rise firefighting and technical rescues in a safe, controlled environment.

We also began collecting data on the Town’s new Administrative Penalty System and how it’s improving safety in school zones.

This system allows by-law officers to issue parking violations more quickly and efficiently -- meaning we can cover more school areas with the same number of staff.

And we’re already seeing results. From September 2024 to September 2025, tickets increased by 34 per cent, with 15 per cent issued to repeat offenders.

This technology is making a real, measurable difference in reducing unsafe stopping and parking in school zones.

And finally, we know that community safety improves when we work together.

That’s why, in November, I hosted my third annual Community Safety Roundtable.

It brings together representatives from the Town, Durham Regional Police, and local school boards to focus specifically on school zone safety.

And it’s working. We’re seeing stronger partnerships, better coordination, and new ideas coming forward -- because when we work together, we get better results.

Let’s move now to parks and recreation, which is a big part of the exceptional quality of life we offer here in Whitby.

Construction of the new Fieldgate Sports Complex is moving ahead, and we’re excited to celebrate the grand opening in mid-2026.

This state-of-the-art facility will feature:

• Durham’s largest swimming pool
• A twin pad area
• A multipurpose gymnasium
• And lots of flexible programming space.
• Outdoor amenities will include:
• Lit sports fields
• Pickleball, basketball and tennis courts
• A playground
• And a skate park and pump park

It’s a facility that will serve the recreation needs of residents of all ages and abilities now, and well into the future. 

In 2025, we continued investing in neighbourhood parks with upgrades to the multi-skills courts at Baycliffe Park, along with accessibility improvements and new playground equipment at Glenayr Park, D’Hillier Park, and Powell Park.

In 2026, improvements are planned for Divine Park and Spencer Community Centre, including new play equipment designed to meet current accessibility standards

This year we will also see significant improvements at Anne Ottenbrite Pool, including upgrades to the filtration system and pool lining, new tiling and lockers, and renovations to the change rooms and viewing area.

I’m pleased to share that recreation program registrations increased by seven per cent in 2025, with strong participation in pickleball, swimming lessons, camps, and fitness classes.

In response to increasing demand, we introduced new offerings like:

• Early afternoon swimming lessons
• Additional family skating times
• Bollywood and Dance Fit classes
• Expanded PA Day programming
• And more preschool classes

At Whitby’s 55+ Centre. New programs introduced in 2025 included line dancing workshops, murder mystery events, and mental health workshops offered in partnership with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.

Looking ahead, the opening of the twin-pad arena at Fieldgate Sports Complex means ice sports will transition out of Luther Vipond Memorial Arena in Brooklin.

In fact, we recently celebrated “One Last Skate” with the community at Luther Vipond and it was an amazing event.

Because we know how important this arena is to our residents, we did community consultation on the future of the facility, and a report came to Council earlier this week with recommendations.

The short-term plan will be to offer floor-based sports like lacrosse, soccer and floor hockey at Luther Vipond, while we gather data on usage trends.

From there, we can make longer-term plans for this facility.

But rest assured, the plan is to make sure it remains an important community hub.

Speaking of future recreation opportunities, later this year our staff will bring forward a report with options for a refrigerated outdoor skating facility, which is something residents have been asking for. 

I’m looking forward to getting more information on this and sharing it with the community.

Economic development

Next, I want to talk about economic development, which is something that impacts all of us.

A strong local economy means good local jobs, so people can work close to home.

It means investment that strengthens our tax base. And it means a resilient community that can adapt, grow, and weather economic uncertainty.

I’m really proud to share that in 2025, we welcomed 105 new businesses to Whitby, bringing our total to more than 4,000.

That includes small businesses like:

• TrueNote Coffee
• The Yard Gym
• RUDY
• Beauty by Holly Rae
• B Boyz Burger Architects
• Valeo Pilates
• 6ixty Wings
• And Best Buy Insurance

We also saw major brands like Michael’s and Chipotle open new locations here. 

And we continued to attract significant investment. One of the biggest announcements was Mazda Canada’s new Parts Distribution Centre.

This 27,000-square-foot facility supplies dealerships across Canada and the U.S., handles 3.4 million parts each year, and generates about $140 million in sales.

It also includes Mazda’s Training and Quality Assurance Centre, which further positions Whitby as a hub for innovation and high-quality jobs.

We also welcomed the new SoftMoc headquarters on Hopkins Street, which I recently had the opportunity to tour.

This facility brings three of the company’s former locations from across Durham, together under one roof and is another example of significant investment.

Behind every one of these announcements is a tremendous amount of work.

Our Economic Development team is constantly working behind the scenes to attract investment and support the businesses already here.

This includes initaitves like:

• The Business Retention and Expansion Program
• Hosting sector-specific roundtables
• And partnering on the Whitby Job Fair, which welcomed over 1,000 job seekers

Of course, 2025 also brought economic challenges -- most notably U.S. tariffs.

We responded quickly. In February 2025, I launched the Mayor’s Tariff Task Force, bringing together local business leaders and Town staff to develop solutions tailored to our community.

One outcome was updating our procurement by-law to prioritize Canadian suppliers and limit U.S. companies from bidding on Town contracts.

That work has been recognized nationally -- and it continues today.

We’re also investing in the infrastructure that supports growth -- especially electricity.

Whitby Council supported the reinvestment of $62 million in Elexicon dividends.

This will help power new housing, employment lands, the future hospital, and the Fieldgate Sports Complex.

Our economic development momentum is continuing in 2026. In just the first few months of the year, we’ve already welcomed new businesses like FairGrounds indoor pickleball club, BeWell Therapy, Mindful Meals Café, and Lowlands Fire Food. 

More are on the way, including:

• A new Tim Hortons location
• USOK Filipino Barbecue
• And a new Brooklin store featuring MR. SUB, Country Style, and Valentine Poutine under one roof

We’re also seeing major investments, like a new Toromont Cat facility in Brooklin.

And, several local employers are expanding, including:

• North American Steel
• Deighton and Associates
• And PPFD

As well, we just learned of expansion plans for local business Timbren.

Our Economic Development team is also seeing strong interest in North Whitby -- particularly in the Brooklin and Ashburn employment areas.

With sites ranging from 20 to 200 acres, we’re attracting interest from advanced manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and energy sectors.

Another opportunity we’re pursuing is a new hotel and conference centre -- something residents and businesses have consistently told us is needed.

A new feasibility study and marketing strategy are already generating strong investor interest, especially with the Fieldgate Sports Complex coming online.

Council recently supported a practical step to improve project viability -- deferring development charges from the time of permit issuance to the time of occupancy.

It’s a smart, targeted approach that supports investment while protecting taxpayers.

All this work comes down to one goal: Making sure Whitby continues to be a place where businesses succeed, people find opportunity, and our economy stays strong.

Arts, culture and tourism

Arts, culture and tourism are thriving in Whitby. 2025 was a record-breaking year for event attendance, with over 90,000 residents and visitors attending over 75 events hosted by the Town and community organizers -- including the first annual Home Sweet Home Festival which drew an incredible 40,000 people to Downtown Whitby.

Introducing a new signature event is one of the 62 action items in the Community Strategic Plan and this event delivered in a big way.

The festival provided an opportunity to showcase our downtown stores and restaurants, and included:

• Over 120 vendors
•  Lots of fun family activities
•  Live performances
• And a “Home Sweet Home Helps the Homeless” project that saw attendees pack summer comfort kits for people in need

I’m especially proud to share that the Home Sweet Home Festival was recently recognized as Ontario’s Best New Event by Festivals and Events Ontario, which is a significant honour.

Home Sweet Home will be returning for 2026 – mark your calendars for Saturday, July 25th and watch for more details in the coming months.  

Of course, that wasn’t Whitby’s only successful event in 2025. 

Others included:

• The Town’s celebration for National Indigenous Peoples Day
•  The award-winning Brooklin Harvest Festival
• Outdoor summer movie nights
• The Whitby Lights the Night Festival
• And a series of five free culture pop-up events throughout the summer, which welcomed over 1,000 attendees.

In addition to events, public art continues to shape our community’s identity.

Following Council’s adoption of a new Public Art Policy in 2024, several new pieces were installed in 2025, including:

A painted street piano at the Whitby Waterfront, created by youth artist Jasmine Ward

Two Indigenous art panels at Shirley Scott Park created by artist Tessa Shank

And a vibrant mural on Roebuck Street in Brooklin created by Daniel Fromstein, Cherie Carley and Lesley Kelz

This year, a new public art piece will be installed on Thickson Road between Dundas Street and Nichol Avenue.

“Flutter” by Ontario artist Nicolas Crombach will beautify this key corridor, which sees about 22,000 vehicles pass through daily.

And with all this tourism activity happening, I’m proud to say that we’re strengthening this sector in a financially responsible way.

A new Municipal Accommodation Tax generated over $600,000 in revenue in its first full year in 2025.

This four per cent levy on hotel and motel stays provides an alternative revenue source that allows us to fund tourism initiatives without impacting property taxes.

When we talk about tourism, our two downtowns and our waterfront are key areas where we’re focusing improvements.

I am so proud of the progress being made at the waterfront – this is something that has been talked about for years, and we are now finally seeing concrete action.

The new Shirley Scott Park Tourism Hub was completed and opened through a soft launch in September.

This welcoming space features a seasonal Visitor’s Centre, Muskoka chairs and bistro tables, landscaping, public art, decorative lighting, and a dedicated photo opportunity area.

The Visitor’s Centre closed for the season in October and will reopen in May 2026, ready to greet another busy summer.

Council also approved an exciting proposal to transform the historic James Rowe House — the former home of Whitby’s first mayor — into a waterfront restaurant and culinary hub.

We also saw another successful season for the Town Brewery Pop-Up, which is located at the waterfront in the historic former pumphouse.

Since launching in 2023, this initiative has drawn thousands of people to Whitby’s waterfront during the summer months to enjoy local beer, connect with friends and soak up the scenery.

We’re also making the waterfront area easier for people to explore after completing the Corbett Creek boardwalk and bridge replacement project.

The project includes:

• A new 80-metre pedestrian bridge
• 150 metres of boardwalk
• Over 600 metres of widened Waterfront Trail
• And new wayfinding signage for the trail, to help cyclists and pedestrians navigate

We can look forward to the addition of an accessible dock for kayaks and paddleboards at the waterfront Visitor’s Centre, and work getting underway on the Whitby Marina Design Study, which will guide long-term improvements.

I’m pleased to share that there are also many improvements underway in our Downtown Whitby and Downtown Brooklin.

In Brooklin, the seasonal, community gathering space on Roebuck Street has been further enhanced with:

• A new foosball table and cornhole boards
•  A photo op feature
• New public art
• Solar powered self-compacting garbage receptacles
• Bike racks
• And Edison lights throughout Grass Park

In Downtown Whitby, work is continuing on a study to redesign Brock Street from Highway 401 to the CP Railway Bridge, to make it more vibrant and pedestrian friendly.

Phase 2 of public engagement was completed in 2025, and a final report will come to Council in 2026, including a concept plan and costing.

The Downtown Whitby BIA hosted many successful events and initiatives in 2025, that bought foot traffic to the downtown and highlighted local businesses.

This included the 7th annual Downtown Whitby Christmas Market, the 2nd annual Downtown Whitby Trick-or-Treat event -- which attracted over 500 families -- summer movie nights and the Summer Art Series.

A new Downtown Whitby Action Plan will be presented to Council in 2026 and more placemaking enhancements are planned for Downtown Whitby and Downtown Brooklin, including tear-off tourism maps for both downtowns

All together, these arts, culture and tourism initiatives enhance Whitby’s appeal as a visitor destination and improve quality of life for our residents.

Homelessness, housing and food security

We’ve talked a lot about the progress we’re making in Whitby.

But it’s just as important that we acknowledge the challenges.

Because they are real—and they are growing. Across Ontario and across Canada, communities are seeing rising homelessness, increased food insecurity, and more people struggling with mental health and addiction.

And Whitby is no exception.

As of mid-2025, more than 800 people were on Durham Region’s By-Name List, which is a list of people who are homeless and consent to receiving services.

This number is up very significantly from about 330 people in 2023.

We’re also hearing from our community partners that demand at local food banks continues to rise.

These are complex issues. And while municipalities don’t have all the tools needed to solve them alone, we are doing everything we can within our role to support those who need it most.

One example is our partnership with Feed the Need in Durham.

Together, we opened a market-style food bank at Iroquois Park Sports Centre in 2024.

And in 2025, we expanded operating hours from one day a week to two, so more residents can access this service.

What makes this space special is that it’s designed like a grocery store, allowing people to choose what they need.

It’s a simple idea -- but it supports dignity, reduces waste, and creates a more positive experience for those using the service.

We’re also taking action on housing. Whitby Council has approved the donation of two Town-owned properties to Habitat for Humanity GTA to support the creation of 46 affordable family homes in our downtown.

Zoning approvals are complete, with final planning approvals expected in 2026 and construction targeted to begin in the fall.

At the same time, we are working closely with the Region of Durham on homelessness.

The emergency shelter at 1635 Dundas Street East has already helped hundreds of people -- and I’m pleased to share that supports there are expanding.

With more than $53 million in federal and regional funding, we will see:

• Transitional housing
• Recovery spaces
• Palliative care
• A human trafficking recovery program
• And an on-site medical clinic

This is a significant investment in helping people move from crisis to stability.

We’re also improving how we respond to homelessness in real time.

The Town has created a dedicated email address where residents and businesses can report concerns about people who may need help.

From there, we work closely with outreach teams to connect individuals with the supports they need -- quickly and appropriately.

I also hosted my second annual Operation Cozy Toes campaign.

What started in 2024 as a simple sock drive to support our homeless residents, quickly grew into something much bigger.

We expanded to also collect toys for CTV Toy Mountain, and the response was incredible.

Local businesses, the Whitby Public Library, the Downtown Whitby BIA and the Whitby Salvation Army supported the campaign and together we collected thousands of socks and toys, culminating with a huge community celebration.

I also continue to host regular roundtables with local food banks and non-profits -- because the best solutions come from listening.

Recent sessions have brought together more than 60 participants, all working toward shared solutions.

Housing is another critical part of this conversation. And we are taking action to increase supply and improve affordability.

The Town of Whitby has made it easier for homeowners to add additional units -- like basement apartments -- to existing homes.

The goal is to create more attainable housing options and help reduce urban sprawl -- and it’s working.

Between 2023 and 2025, additional dwelling units accounted for about 40 per cent of new housing growth, which is significant.

There is no single solution to challenges like homelessness.

But through partnerships, smart policy, and a community that cares, we’re making progress.

Fiscal responsibility

I’ve talked a lot about how we’re delivering on residents’ priorities.

But it’s just as important to talk about how we’re doing that responsibly.

Because every decision we make has an impact on taxpayers. Municipalities across Ontario are facing increasingly difficult budgets.

We’re dealing with inflation, rapid growth, aging infrastructure, and ongoing provincial downloading.

In fact, according to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, municipalities in our province are now spending a combined $4 billion every year on responsibilities that belong to the province.

It’s simply not sustainable. That’s why Whitby Council and Durham Regional Council recently supported my motion calling on the government of Ontario to fix the broken municipal-provincial funding model. 

This could include sharing housing-related revenues, like the Land Transfer Tax and HST, to help municipalities build the infrastructure that growing communities need.

While we continue that advocacy, we’re also focused on what we can control.

And that means being disciplined, efficient, and proactive.

For the 2026 Budget, Whitby’s staff identified more than $2 million in internal cost savings.

And I launched a Core Services Review, which is now underway, to take a closer look at how we deliver services.

This independent review is examining opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure we’re getting the best value for taxpayers—while also reviewing procurement practices and the use of consultants.

We’re also working to diversify revenue so we’re not relying as heavily on property taxes.

Examples include:

• A $1.5 million, 10-year naming rights agreement for the Fieldgate Sports Complex
• And the Municipal Accommodation Tax, which generated about $600,000 in its first full year

Another key part of our approach is securing funding from other levels of government.

In 2025 alone, Whitby received $21.4 million in provincial and federal grants.

That included:

• $19.9 million from the province to support the expansion of Columbus Road—ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with growth
• And more than $1 million in federal funding to upgrade the Whitby 55+ Recreation Centre, including accessibility improvements and energy-efficient upgrades

I’ve also made it a priority to be available to residents to talk about Whitby’s budget each year, and listen to their concerns and feedback.

In 2025, I hosted six “Talk Budget with Mayor Roy” sessions at different locations in the community, and this is something I am committed to continuing. 

Finding savings where we can.Creating new revenue where it makes sense. Advocating for fairness. And being open and transparent every step of the way.

That’s how we continue delivering results, while respecting the trust residents place in us.

I'd like to close today by talking about something that's very important to me: communication between the Mayor’s Office and the public.

It matters that residents have access to timely, accurate, and useful updates from my office.

And just as importantly, I want to make it easy for you to share your ideas with me.

Since being elected, I’ve introduced many ways to help keep the lines of communication open. 

Examples include my monthly newsletter, monthly Council Highlights, annual Coffee with Mayor events in the summer and Talk Budget with Mayor Roy events in the fall, Facebook Live events, regular stakeholder roundtables, a monthly "Because You Asked" feature where I answer questions from residents -- and so much more. 

If you haven’t already, I would love for you to subscribe to my monthly newsletter and follow me on social media on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out any time at mayor@whitby.ca and, be sure to watch for details of my upcoming Coffee with Mayor Roy and Meet Up with Mayor Roy events this summer.

As we step into 2026 -- with so many opportunities ahead and challenges to navigate -- I am confident in this:

When we work together, we can accomplish great things. Thank you for the opportunity to spend this time with you today. 

And thank you for loving Whitby as much as I do.

Bottom of Form

• Whitby Council pay is determined by a by-law.
• The by-law, which has been in place since 2011, requires that annual increases to mayor and councillor pay are based on the average remuneration paid to mayors and councillors in the other lakeshore urban communities in Durham Region.
• Members of Council do not vote on their annual salary adjustments. Increases to mayor and councillor salaries are reviewed and adjusted annually in the last quarter of the year by Human Resources staff, in accordance with the Council Remuneration By-law.

Please Note: 2023 increases for councillors (excluding the mayor) reflect retroactive payments processed and paid in 2024 due to a labour disruption at the Town in 2023. The Municipality of Clarington updated its mayor and council remuneration in 2024 and declared it retroactive to 2023. This increased the 2023 average, resulting in an additional 2023 retroactive payment processed and paid in 2024 to be compliant with the Town’s by-law).

• Election years impact Council pay, because Council members may change roles following an election that takes place near the end of the year, such as the October 2022 municipal election.
• Labour disruptions also impact how Council pay is reported. For example, the Town of Whitby experienced a labour disruption in fall 2023, which resulted in some payroll processing work being disrupted. As a result, 2023 pay increases for Council members were paid retroactively in 2024.

• The Mayor and Whitby’s four regional councillors sit on two separate municipal councils – Whitby Council and Durham Regional Council.
• The Town of Whitby processes and pays both the Town of Whitby and Region of Durham portion of payroll for the mayor and regional councillors.
• The Region of Durham then reimburses the Town for the regional portion.
• Not all municipalities do it this way, so payment and reporting practices can vary.
• When reviewing public salary disclosures, like the Ontario Sunshine List, it’s important to understand that some municipalities report only the local (town/city) portion of a councillor’s salary, while others report the combined total (local + regional).
• This means that comparing one mayor or councillor’s salary to another using this data, may not be a true “apples to apples” comparison.

Councillor Rhonda Mulcahy is one of four Regional Councillors who serve the Town of Whitby.

Contact Councillor Mulcahy

You can contact Councillor Mulcahy by mulcahyr@whitby.ca or give her a call at the office at 905.430.4300 x2203 or on her mobile phone at 905.706.0482.

About Councillor Mulcahy

This is Rhonda Mulcahy’s third term on Whitby Council. She was first elected as the North Ward Councillor and then elected twice as a Regional Councillor. Rhonda’s family has been part of the Whitby community for seven generations. And while hometown proud, she also acknowledges the responsibility to ensure that Whitby is inclusive to everyone. Uniting the community was the goal behind her small business which launched a community newspaper in Brooklin during a period of growth in 2000.  She has raised three children with her husband, Tom, here. As a family, they have always been active in various sports. The construction of a new sports facility was in part what prompted Rhonda to run for office and she is eager to see it come to fruition this term.

Local Involvement

Rhonda’s current involvement at the local level includes:

• Chair, Planning and Development Committee

Previously, Rhonda has held a variety of roles on local boards and committees including:

• Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee
• Whitby Chamber of Commerce
• Chair of Finance/Budget
• Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee
• Deputy Mayor
• Planning and Development Commitete chair 
• Chair of Public Planning Meetings
• Chair of the Clerk’s Department 
• Planning and Development Committee vice-chair
• Operations Committee
• Planning Committee
• Downtown Brooklin Development Steering Committee
• Groveside Cemetery Board
• Whitby in Bloom
• Doors Open Committee
• Whitby Seniors Services Advisory Committee

Regional Involvement

Regionally, Rhonda has a role on:

• Association of Municipalities of Ontario as a Board Member representing Durham Region
• Works Committee
• Transit Commission
• Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA)

Previously she has had a role on:

• Finance and Administration Committee
• Transit Executive
• Accessibility Advisory Committee

Community Involvement

In the community, Rhonda is a Rotarian, an honorary Group 74 member and a Royal Canadian Legion member. She sits on the board for Paramarine Rescue. 

Councillor Chris Leahy is one of four Regional Councillors who serve the Town of Whitby.

Contact Councillor Leahy

You can contact Councillor Leahy by leahyc@whitby.ca or give him a call at the office at 905.430.4300 x2203 or on his mobile phone at 905.706.0720.

About Councillor Leahy

Chris Leahy was elected West Ward Councillor in 2014, elected Regional Councillor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. Chris has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from Wilfred Laurier University and an MBA in Strategic Marketing from the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University.

Prior to serving on Council, Chris was a Whitby Trustee for the Durham Catholic District School Board and served as the Board Chair. Chris has lived in Whitby his whole life. He attended St. Theresa Catholic Elementary School and Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School. He and his wife Natalie have three children. 

Local Involvement

Chris’s current involvement at the local level includes:

• Active Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee

• Road Watch Committee

Previously, Chris has held a variety of roles on local boards and committees including:

• Planning and Development Committee vice-chair
• Heritage Whitby Advisory Committee
• Deputy Mayor
• General Government Committee chair

Regional Involvement

Regionally, Chris is involved on:

• Finance and Administration Committee as Vice Chair
• Transit Commission
• Durham Local Housing Corporation
• Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA)
• Durham Roundtable on Climate Change Leadership Committee

Community Involvement

Chris is very active within the community. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4895 at St John the Evangelist Parish. He is a volunteer coach with Whitby Iroquois Soccer Club and also volunteers for the Heart & Stroke Foundation and Roadwatch. He was a founding member of the Durham Catholic District School Board's Children's Foundation and is a Board Member of the Catholic Family Services of Durham Charity.

Councillor Steve Yamada is one of four Regional Councillors who serve the Town of Whitby. 

Contact Councillor Yamada

You can contact Councillor Yamada by yamadas@whitby.ca or give him a call at the office at 905.430.4300 x2203 or on his mobile phone at 905.706.1587.

About Councillor Yamada

Councillor Yamada is serving his third term on Whitby Council and his second term at the Region. He was first elected East Ward Councillor in 2014 and elected Regional Councillor in 2018.

For over 14 years, Steve has been an elementary school teacher with the Toronto District School Board.

Steve has worked hard with Council members to find operational savings of approximately $4.5 million without harming jobs or service levels. Attracting more businesses to Whitby to grow the commercial and industrial tax base in order to relieve the burden on residential taxpayers is a top priority. Living needs to be affordable again.

During the COVID crisis, Steve fought tirelessly for the families and seniors at Sunnycrest Nursing Home where an outbreak infected all but one resident and killed 35 residents. Working with local media and the lawyers for the Ontario Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission, families had the opportunity to testify and tell their stories about their loved ones.  

Steve holds a specialized honours degree from York University, Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto and a Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law from York University. Steve’s priorities are to make Whitby better, safer, more family friendly and affordable now and for future generations. He and his wife, Jennifer, live in Whitby with their two daughters.

Local Involvement

Steve's current involvement at the local level includes:

• Whitby Youth Council
• Sustainability Advisory Committee

Previously, Steve has held a variety of roles on local boards and committees including:

• General Government Committee chair
• CLOCA board
• Whitby 55+ Recreation Advisory Committee
• Planning and Development Committee chair
• Deputy Mayor
• Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee
• Accessibility Advisory Committee,
• Whitby Youth Council
• Ethno Cultural and Diversity Advisory Committee

Regional Involvement

At the Regional level, Steve sits on:

• Works Committee
• Vision Zero Taskforce 

He has also served on:

• Planning and Economic Development Committee
• Durham Environmental Advisory Committee
• Alternate on the Durham Roundtable on Climate Change

Councillor Maleeha Shahid is one of four Regional Councillors who serve the Town of Whitby.

Contact Councillor Shahid

You can contact Councillor Shahid by shahidm@whitby.ca or give her a call at the office at 905.430.4300 x2203 or on her mobile phone at 905.706.0514.

About Councillor Shahid

Maleeha Shahid and her family have called Whitby home for more than 15 years. First elected East Ward 4 Councillor in 2018, Maleeha was elected Regional Councillor in 2022 and served as the Deputy Mayor for the Town of Whitby in 2023.

Whether advocating for a new Whitby hospital, a modern sports complex, or the removal of tolls on Highways 412 & 418, Maleeha has always put the best interests of Whitby residents at the forefront of every decision. She brings a wealth of experience to the table - from serving as the East Ward Councillor and working in other senior positions on boards and committees representing Whitby residents.

Local Involvement

Maleeha’s current involvement at the local level includes:

• Vice-Chair, General Government Committee
• Station Gallery Board of Directors

Previously, Maleeha has held a variety of roles on local boards and committees including:

• General Government Committee vice-chair
• Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee
• Whitby in Bloom Committee
• Whitby Public Library Board
• Whitby 55+ Recreation Advisory Committee 

Regional Involvement

At the Regional level, Maleeha has a role on:

• Planning and Economic Development Committee
• Transit Commission
• Durham Environmental and Climate Advisory Committee
• Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce
• Durham Active Transportation Committee as Regional Council alternate
• Canadian National Exhibition Association 

Community Involvement

Maleeha has served the community by volunteering for a number of community organizations, including; the Whitby Sunrise Rotary Club, local church food banks and women’s shelter. She also initiated annual holiday toy and food drives for the local food banks.  She has organized initiatives to serve seniors and youth by running a drive safe campaign for community safety on the streets, successfully advocating for a Cricket Pitch in Whitby and conducting information sessions for seniors on Fraud and Scam Awareness & Prevention. During the COVID pandemic, Maleeha also ran various information sessions, including: "Mental Health the Pandemic & You”, “Domestic Sex Trafficking of Youth during COVID-19”, and “What it takes to be a firefighter?” for our Youth. 

Through her work on the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Maleeha has helped make new Canadians feel welcome in their new Whitby home.

Councillor Steve Lee represents North Ward (1) for the Town of Whitby.

Contact Councillor Lee

You can contact Councillor Lee by lees@whitby.ca or give him a call at the office at 905.430.4300 x2203 or on his mobile phone at 905.706.0214.

About Councillor Lee

First elected in 2018 as the Councillor for North Ward (1), Steve Lee is serving his second term on Council. He has been self-employed for the past 22 years and successfully owns and operates three small businesses including Whitby local business Dive Source. Steve’s business experience makes him a proven leader with extensive knowledge of managing people, budgets, and meeting deadlines. 

A Humber College graduate, Steve has been actively involved in the community including Scouting for many years. He is also a Certified Rescue Diver, a Scuba Diving Instructor and a First Aid Instructor.  

He has worked hard this past term of Council to improve road safety with the recent speed humps and traffic calming measures.  Steve’s priorities are to be your voice on Council and to make Whitby one of the best places to live work and raise a family. 

Steve and his partner Lynne and their 4 children live in Brooklin and have been proud to call it home for over 17 years. 

Local Involvement

Steve’s current involvement at the local level includes:

• Deputy Mayor
• Groveside Cemetery Board

Previously, Steve has held a variety of roles on local boards and committees including:

• Planning and Development Committee chair
• General Government Committee chair
• Finance/Budget chair
• Planning and Development Committee vice-chair
• Regional alternate
• Road Watch Committee
• Groveside Cemetery Board
• Brooklin Downtown Development Steering Committee

Councillor Matt Cardwell represents West Ward (2) for the Town of Whitby.

Contact Councillor Cardwell

You can contact Councillor Cardwell by cardwellm@whitby.ca or give him a call at the office at 905.430.4300 x2203 or on his mobile phone at 289.387.9106.

About Councillor Cardwell

Elected in 2022, Matt Cardwell is serving his first term as Councillor for West Ward (2).

Matt has called Whitby home for over 40 years and attended Dr. Robert Thornton Elementary School and Anderson C.V.I. He went to Saint Mary’s University and York University where he earned his Bachelor of Commerce Degree. Matt lives with his partner Kyla in the West Ward.

Actively involved in sports, he played for many years with Whitby Minor Hockey, Lacrosse and Baseball and spent two seasons playing pro hockey in the US before returning to Whitby. He finished his competitive hockey career playing seven seasons for the Whitby Dunlops.

Matt is the owner of two local Whitby businesses and prior to being elected to Council, he was an active member of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce. Matt wrapped up his five years on the WCOC Board of Directors as the Vice President. He received the “Young Entrepreneur of the Year” award in 2012 and founded the “Young Entrepreneur and Professional’s Committee”. He received the 2015 Prime Minister’s Award for his charitable work in our Town. In addition, he received an Accessibility Award in 2016 from the Region of Durham for his collaboration with members of the Abilities Centre.

Local Involvement

Matt’s current involvement at the local level includes:

• Vice-chair, Planning and Development Committee
• Whitby Yacht Club
• Accessibility Advisory Committee

Previously, Matt has held a variety of roles on local boards and committees including:

• Accessibility Advisory Committee
• Whitby Yacht Club
• Whitby Youth Council

Community Involvement

As a business owner, Matt knows the importance of giving back to the community. Over the past decade he has supported many community groups, charities, not for profits through fundraising, volunteering, and donations. His favourite community fundraiser event is the Holiday toy, food and clothing drive conducted annually at his businesses. 

Councillor Niki Lundquist represents Centre Ward (3) for the Town of Whitby.

Contact Councillor Lundquist

You can contact Councillor Lundquist by lundquistn@whitby.ca or give her a call at the office at 905.430.4300 x2203 or on her mobile phone at 289.387.9107.

About Councillor Lundquist

Niki Lundquist is serving her first term as Councillor for Centre Ward (3). She is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School and is a human rights and labour lawyer. Before her election to Council, she served as a Whitby trustee on the Durham District School Board, as well as Chair of Finance and Vice Chair of the Board.  

Local Involvement

Niki’s current involvement at the local level includes:

• Chair, General Government Committee
• Downtown Whitby BIA Board of Management 
• Whitby Public Library Board

Previously, Niki has held a variety of roles on local boards and committees including:

• Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee
• Station Gallery Board 
• Whitby Public Library Board
• Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

Community Involvement

Niki founded Caremongers Whitby, a neighbour-helping-neighbour initiative that supported thousands of community residents during the pandemic. She is an active and engaged volunteer in many charitable and community groups. 

She has also served as a citizen member of the Town of Whitby’s Accessibility Advisory Committee. Niki is a member of the Brooklin Optimist Club and volunteers with a number of local organizations such as Girls Inc and PFLAG Durham.

Niki brings transparency and an unequalled energy to her role as Councillor advocating for the Centre Ward. 

Councillor Victoria Bozinovski represents East Ward (4) for the Town of Whitby.

Contact Councillor Bozinovski

You can contact Councillor Bozinovski by email at bozinovskiv@whitby.ca or give her a call at the office at 905.430.4300 x2203 or on her mobile phone at 289.387.9108.

About Councillor Bozinovski

Victoria Bozinovski is a well-respected commercial real estate broker and practicing commercial arbitrator. She is highly regarded for her outstanding work ethic and commitment to serving the local community. In addition to her role as a strong advocate for vulnerable children and families on the board of directors for the Children's Aid Society, Victoria's dedication to improving the community shines through in all aspects of her work.

Local Involvement

At the local level, Victoria is currently the Mayor’s designate on:

• Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee

• Whitby Chamber of Commerce

Previously, Victoria has held a variety of roles on local boards and committees including:

• Whitby Youth Council
• Heritage Whitby Advisory Committee
• Whitby Public Library Board

Community Involvement

Victoria is the recipient of a Durham Region Civic Award and a Durham Region Police Services Honourary Citizen Award. She is also an active member of the Durham Region Victim Services fundraising committee which promotes a safe community where people are supported, empowered, and thriving. Victoria is also a board member for the Durham Children's Aid Society.