What’s happening at council?

Council recently approved Whitby’s 2023 budget. Did you know more than 3,500 people gave their feedback during the public engagement process? This is Mayor Elizabeth Roy‘s 17th budget with Whitby Council, and every year the process is both interesting and challenging. This year, council presented 21 changes to the proposed budget, based on feedback from residents. The approved budget increase will result in a 5.8 per cent Town increase, or an estimated two per cent increase on the overall residential bill for Town services. The 2023 budget focuses on maintaining essential services while planning for growth. Capital investments for 2023 include playground and accessibility improvements at seven parks, environmental sustainability investments to reduce the Towns greenhouse gas emissions, a traffic calming strategy to make residential streets safer, new and improved multi-use path and cycling connections, 11 kilometres of road resurfacing and continued investment in downtown revitalization. The approved 2023 budget is available online at connectwhitby.ca/budget

Community Builders

  • Abilities Centre Accessibility Awards – Congratulations to all the local people and organizations being recognized for making the community more accessible and inclusive! Council recently approved a request from the Abilities Centre to rename Gordon Street, north of Victoria Street, to Jim Flaherty Street, in honour of the pivotal role Flaherty played in championing the Abilities Centre.
  • Bravo to Whitby Courthouse Theatre for celebrating a return to a full season of shows with an amazing production of Your’e a Good Man, Charlie Brown in February. Congratulations to all the volunteers who spent time making this show happen, as community theatre is so important to the arts scene in Whitby!
  • Three cheers for Durham College for raising $10 million through its Building for Skills fundraising campaign. The funds will support a 60,000 square foot addition to DCs Whitby campus.Once completed, the expansion will allow 750 more students to study skilled trades and professions each year.

Coming up in March

  • There’s still time to give your feedback on Whitbys new Community Strategic Plan. We want to know what your priorities are! A survey is open until March 12 at connectwhitby.ca/communitystrategic plan
  • Nominations close March 10 for the Mayors Senior Volunteer Award. Each year, the Mayor recognizes a senior who has made an outstanding contribution through community involvement. If you know someone 55+ who fits this description, nomination forms are available at the Whitby 55+ Centre and the Brooklin Community Centre as well as online at whitby.ca/msva
  • Registration for the Town of Whitby’s 2023 summer camps opens March 8 at 9 a.m. for Whitby residents. There are lots of camps to choose from like junior firefighter camp, skateboard and scooter camp and multi sport camp. Did you know, about 500 children were registered in the Towns summer camps and playground program in 2022? For more information, visit whitby.ca/en/play/camps.aspx
  • New this term, Whitby councillors will be hosting in-person ward town hall meetings. This is a great opportunity to meet your councillors, ask questions, share feedback and hear updates on whats happening in your ward! The West Ward Town Hall takes place March 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. in council chambers, 575 Rossland Rd. E., with Councillor Matt Cardwell and Councillor Maleeha Shahid. Put it in your calendar and plan to be there!

About the Author

Bryen writes about local Durham community news, including regional events, municipality updates, entertainment, lifestyle, and the great outdoors. Email him directly if you want your business profiled or know a community member that deserves recognition - bryen@thelocalbizmagazine.com