Community Strategic Plan

Whitby's 2023 to 2026 Community Strategic Plan was developed and endorsed by Town Council based on significant community engagement. The Plan provides a shared Vision and Objectives for how Town Council and staff will work together to deliver on community priorities over the next four years and beyond. The Plan includes 62 measurable action items - informed and prioritized through community input - that will be reported on annually to openly evaluate progress.

Read the Community Strategic Plan to learn more about how Town staff and Council will be working together to deliver on Whitby’s new Community Vision:

Whitby − naturally beautiful green spaces, a vibrant waterfront, thriving downtowns, and a safe community − the heart of Durham Region, an exceptional place to live, work, and explore.

View the 2025 Community Strategic Plan Progress Update on the 62 action items. More than 95 percent of the action items are either underway or complete.

Accomplishments To Date

Pillar 1: Whitby's Neighbourhoods – Safe, Healthy and Inclusive

  • Action 1.1.1 – Planning grant for Lakeridge Health announced; confirmed a hospital will be built in Whitby
  • Action 1.1.2 – Location approved in Whitby (632 Dundas St. W.) for a new paramedic station in Whitby
  • Action 1.1.3 – Draft Traffic Calming Policy presented to Council in June 2025; final version, incorporating feedback, expected early 2026
  • Action 1.1.5 – Groundbreaking for West Whitby Fire Station 6 occurred in 2025; opening expected in 2027. Twenty new firefighters completed recruitment training.
  • Action 1.1.6 – New pilot program with Oshawa Clinic Group to recruit and retain ten new family doctors to the West Whitby Health Centre
  • Action 1.2.1 – Over 90,000 attended 75+ Town and community events in 2025, including the new Home Sweet Home Festival in July, which drew 40,000 attendees.
  • Action 1.2.2 – Launch of third edition of award-winning Whitby’s Food Guide; introduction of Downtown Walking Food Tours in Whitby and Brooklin
  • Action 1.2.3 – Expanded Whitby's Culture Pop-Up Series from two to five events in 2024
  • Action 1.3.1 – Hosted five roundtable meetings with non-profit groups to address community needs in 2024; Community Funds provided $278,000 to 68 community groups
  • Action 1.3.2 – Whitby advanced its Parks and Recreation Master Plan with park upgrades, new playgrounds, and public input on Rotary Centennial Park ahead of 2026 construction.
  • Action 1.3.4 – Additional Dwelling Unit Incentive Program ran through the end of 2025. The Program incentivized building by covering some fees for additional dwelling unit permitting. ADUs continue to represent the greatest percentage of total permits for new dwelling units.
  • Action 1.3.5 – Opened market model food bank at Iroquois Park Sports Centre in partnership with Feed The Need Durham in 2024
  • Action 1.3.6 – Town of Whitby Homelessness Task Force established in June 2023; new whitby.ca/communitysupports webpage created; participation in Community Liaison Committee for the shelter at 1635 Dundas in 2024 and 2025

Pillar 2: Whitby's Natural and Built Environment - Connected and Resilient

  • Action 2.1.1 – Durham Greener Homes incentive partnership announced in 2024
  • Action 2.1.2 – Geothermal Exchange System has been incorporated into the construction of the Whitby Sports Complex
  • Action 2.1.4 – Approved budgets include Zero Carbon Whitby projects; Town’s net reduction in GHG emissions projection: 881.3 tCO2e (80% of the 1,105 tCO2e target)
  • Action 2.1.5 – Green Standard Incentive Program developed and approved that includes three key components: Staff Assistance, Builder Recognition, and a one-year Pilot Financial Incentive.
  • Action 2.1.6 – The Town will have increased the EV chargers by over 50%. with 47 current ports and 46 more to come online in 2026.
  • Action 2.1.7 – Whitby Green Standard updated and approved; approach now focuses on incentives rather than enforcement in response to provincial legislation changes.
  • Action 2.2.2 – Continued implementation of Active Transportation Plan
  • Action 2.2.3 – Public Art Policy adopted by Council in 2024
  • Action 2.3.1 – Phase 1 construction of the Mid-Arterial Roadway between Baldwin Street and Ashburn Road has been completed and will be open for traffic in early 2026
  • Action 2.3.2 – Significant construction progress was made on the Whitby Sports Complex, which is anticipated to open in 2026 under its new name, the Fieldgate Sports Complex.
  • Action 2.3.3 – Corbett Creek boardwalk and bridge replacement and associated trail upgrades are complete, improving both connectivity and accessibility in the area.
  • Action 2.3.4 – Enhanced street design standard in place
  • Action 2.3.7 – Whitby Council approves Town Brewery pop-up operation at the historic waterfront Pump House building

Pillar 3: Whitby's Economy - Innovative and Competitive

  • Action 3.1.1 – Local Business Week and the Whitby Job Fair introduced
  • Action 3.1.2 – 105 new businesses were established in the Town of Whitby in 2025.
  • Action 3.1.3 – 85% of Tourism Strategy actions complete. Whitby Tourism Development Corporation incorporated. Seasonal Visitors’ Centre opened at the waterfront.
  • Action 3.2.1 – Hotel Feasibility Study endorsed by Council; included detailed feasibility figures to share with the investment community
  • Action 3.2.2 – Launched home-based business tool kit
  • Action 3.2.4 – Two development projects within the Concierge Program in 2024, including industrial project and future business park
  • Action 3.2.5 – New placemaking features added at Roebuck Street in Brooklin; New public art installed at Grass Park
  • Action 3.3.1 – Development is now underway on the Intelligent City Strategy. Projects have been identified, and an Action Plan will be presented to Council for approval in early 2026.

Pillar 4: Whitby's Government - Accountable and Responsive

  • Action 4.1.1 – The Town applied for over 20 grants, resulting in over $21.5 million in grant funding in 2025
  • Action 4.1.2 – Town partnered with municipalities across the Durham Region to form an Indigenous Consultation Working Group to develop a practical Municipal Indigenous Engagement Guide
  • Action 4.2.1 and 4.2.4 – The Career Development Program pilot was completed in 2025 along with a soft launch of the program with a second cohort of Staff participating
  • Action 4.3.1 – Phase 1 of Service Whitby launched in 2025, integrating front counter, phone, and email services for Tax and Clerks. Contact Centre introduced, providing residents and businesses with a responsive, resolution-focused main line for inquiries.
  • Action 4.3.3 – Implemented new enterprise management system for technology modernization
  • Action 4.3.4 – Multiple community engagement opportunities, including Town Hall events, multiple community partner meetings, and Mayor's monthly newsletter
  • Action 4.3.5 – Completed second annual report on progress of the Community Strategic Plan
  • Action 4.4.1 – Participatory budgeting continued for a third year. Staff identified more than $2 million in internal cost savings to bring the 2026 tax increase down to 3.44 per cent
  • Action 4.4.2 – Phase 1 of Official Plan Review complete; engagement sessions hosted in 2024 on draft Comprehensive Zoning By-law
  • Action 4.4.3 – Ward population projections completed in 2025 confirmed all four wards remain within acceptable electoral ranges

Community Engagement

More than 3,000 people helped to inform the creation of the Community Strategic Plan. Feedback from Whitby residents, businesses, and community partners was critical to ensuring that the plan reflects community priorities.

Engagement was done in two phases:

  • Phase One - more than 2,000 people participated in an online survey to shape the Plan's Vision and Strategic Pillars (including Action Items). View the results of what we heard.
  • Phase Two – more than 800 people participated in an online survey and in-person and/or virtual engagement sessions to share their feedback on the Plan’s Vision, Objectives, and updated Action Items. View the results of what we heard.

Residents highlighted the Whitby waterfront, healthcare, green spaces, community safety, economic growth, and the desire to address social needs, like homelessness, as some of their top priorities. This feedback was used to develop the Plan's four Strategic Pillars. Each pillar includes several action items that were prioritized during the community engagement process.

Next Steps

Three progress updates (2023, 2024, and 2025) have now been reported. Final Community Strategic Plan progress on the identified Actions will be reported in 2026.

Whitby's 2023 to 2026 Community Strategic Plan was developed and endorsed by Town Council based on significant community engagement. The Plan provides a shared Vision and Objectives for how Town Council and staff will work together to deliver on community priorities over the next four years and beyond. The Plan includes 62 measurable action items - informed and prioritized through community input - that will be reported on annually to openly evaluate progress.

Read the Community Strategic Plan to learn more about how Town staff and Council will be working together to deliver on Whitby’s new Community Vision:

Whitby − naturally beautiful green spaces, a vibrant waterfront, thriving downtowns, and a safe community − the heart of Durham Region, an exceptional place to live, work, and explore.

View the 2025 Community Strategic Plan Progress Update on the 62 action items. More than 95 percent of the action items are either underway or complete.

Accomplishments To Date

Pillar 1: Whitby's Neighbourhoods – Safe, Healthy and Inclusive

  • Action 1.1.1 – Planning grant for Lakeridge Health announced; confirmed a hospital will be built in Whitby
  • Action 1.1.2 – Location approved in Whitby (632 Dundas St. W.) for a new paramedic station in Whitby
  • Action 1.1.3 – Draft Traffic Calming Policy presented to Council in June 2025; final version, incorporating feedback, expected early 2026
  • Action 1.1.5 – Groundbreaking for West Whitby Fire Station 6 occurred in 2025; opening expected in 2027. Twenty new firefighters completed recruitment training.
  • Action 1.1.6 – New pilot program with Oshawa Clinic Group to recruit and retain ten new family doctors to the West Whitby Health Centre
  • Action 1.2.1 – Over 90,000 attended 75+ Town and community events in 2025, including the new Home Sweet Home Festival in July, which drew 40,000 attendees.
  • Action 1.2.2 – Launch of third edition of award-winning Whitby’s Food Guide; introduction of Downtown Walking Food Tours in Whitby and Brooklin
  • Action 1.2.3 – Expanded Whitby's Culture Pop-Up Series from two to five events in 2024
  • Action 1.3.1 – Hosted five roundtable meetings with non-profit groups to address community needs in 2024; Community Funds provided $278,000 to 68 community groups
  • Action 1.3.2 – Whitby advanced its Parks and Recreation Master Plan with park upgrades, new playgrounds, and public input on Rotary Centennial Park ahead of 2026 construction.
  • Action 1.3.4 – Additional Dwelling Unit Incentive Program ran through the end of 2025. The Program incentivized building by covering some fees for additional dwelling unit permitting. ADUs continue to represent the greatest percentage of total permits for new dwelling units.
  • Action 1.3.5 – Opened market model food bank at Iroquois Park Sports Centre in partnership with Feed The Need Durham in 2024
  • Action 1.3.6 – Town of Whitby Homelessness Task Force established in June 2023; new whitby.ca/communitysupports webpage created; participation in Community Liaison Committee for the shelter at 1635 Dundas in 2024 and 2025

Pillar 2: Whitby's Natural and Built Environment - Connected and Resilient

  • Action 2.1.1 – Durham Greener Homes incentive partnership announced in 2024
  • Action 2.1.2 – Geothermal Exchange System has been incorporated into the construction of the Whitby Sports Complex
  • Action 2.1.4 – Approved budgets include Zero Carbon Whitby projects; Town’s net reduction in GHG emissions projection: 881.3 tCO2e (80% of the 1,105 tCO2e target)
  • Action 2.1.5 – Green Standard Incentive Program developed and approved that includes three key components: Staff Assistance, Builder Recognition, and a one-year Pilot Financial Incentive.
  • Action 2.1.6 – The Town will have increased the EV chargers by over 50%. with 47 current ports and 46 more to come online in 2026.
  • Action 2.1.7 – Whitby Green Standard updated and approved; approach now focuses on incentives rather than enforcement in response to provincial legislation changes.
  • Action 2.2.2 – Continued implementation of Active Transportation Plan
  • Action 2.2.3 – Public Art Policy adopted by Council in 2024
  • Action 2.3.1 – Phase 1 construction of the Mid-Arterial Roadway between Baldwin Street and Ashburn Road has been completed and will be open for traffic in early 2026
  • Action 2.3.2 – Significant construction progress was made on the Whitby Sports Complex, which is anticipated to open in 2026 under its new name, the Fieldgate Sports Complex.
  • Action 2.3.3 – Corbett Creek boardwalk and bridge replacement and associated trail upgrades are complete, improving both connectivity and accessibility in the area.
  • Action 2.3.4 – Enhanced street design standard in place
  • Action 2.3.7 – Whitby Council approves Town Brewery pop-up operation at the historic waterfront Pump House building

Pillar 3: Whitby's Economy - Innovative and Competitive

  • Action 3.1.1 – Local Business Week and the Whitby Job Fair introduced
  • Action 3.1.2 – 105 new businesses were established in the Town of Whitby in 2025.
  • Action 3.1.3 – 85% of Tourism Strategy actions complete. Whitby Tourism Development Corporation incorporated. Seasonal Visitors’ Centre opened at the waterfront.
  • Action 3.2.1 – Hotel Feasibility Study endorsed by Council; included detailed feasibility figures to share with the investment community
  • Action 3.2.2 – Launched home-based business tool kit
  • Action 3.2.4 – Two development projects within the Concierge Program in 2024, including industrial project and future business park
  • Action 3.2.5 – New placemaking features added at Roebuck Street in Brooklin; New public art installed at Grass Park
  • Action 3.3.1 – Development is now underway on the Intelligent City Strategy. Projects have been identified, and an Action Plan will be presented to Council for approval in early 2026.

Pillar 4: Whitby's Government - Accountable and Responsive

  • Action 4.1.1 – The Town applied for over 20 grants, resulting in over $21.5 million in grant funding in 2025
  • Action 4.1.2 – Town partnered with municipalities across the Durham Region to form an Indigenous Consultation Working Group to develop a practical Municipal Indigenous Engagement Guide
  • Action 4.2.1 and 4.2.4 – The Career Development Program pilot was completed in 2025 along with a soft launch of the program with a second cohort of Staff participating
  • Action 4.3.1 – Phase 1 of Service Whitby launched in 2025, integrating front counter, phone, and email services for Tax and Clerks. Contact Centre introduced, providing residents and businesses with a responsive, resolution-focused main line for inquiries.
  • Action 4.3.3 – Implemented new enterprise management system for technology modernization
  • Action 4.3.4 – Multiple community engagement opportunities, including Town Hall events, multiple community partner meetings, and Mayor's monthly newsletter
  • Action 4.3.5 – Completed second annual report on progress of the Community Strategic Plan
  • Action 4.4.1 – Participatory budgeting continued for a third year. Staff identified more than $2 million in internal cost savings to bring the 2026 tax increase down to 3.44 per cent
  • Action 4.4.2 – Phase 1 of Official Plan Review complete; engagement sessions hosted in 2024 on draft Comprehensive Zoning By-law
  • Action 4.4.3 – Ward population projections completed in 2025 confirmed all four wards remain within acceptable electoral ranges

Community Engagement

More than 3,000 people helped to inform the creation of the Community Strategic Plan. Feedback from Whitby residents, businesses, and community partners was critical to ensuring that the plan reflects community priorities.

Engagement was done in two phases:

  • Phase One - more than 2,000 people participated in an online survey to shape the Plan's Vision and Strategic Pillars (including Action Items). View the results of what we heard.
  • Phase Two – more than 800 people participated in an online survey and in-person and/or virtual engagement sessions to share their feedback on the Plan’s Vision, Objectives, and updated Action Items. View the results of what we heard.

Residents highlighted the Whitby waterfront, healthcare, green spaces, community safety, economic growth, and the desire to address social needs, like homelessness, as some of their top priorities. This feedback was used to develop the Plan's four Strategic Pillars. Each pillar includes several action items that were prioritized during the community engagement process.

Next Steps

Three progress updates (2023, 2024, and 2025) have now been reported. Final Community Strategic Plan progress on the identified Actions will be reported in 2026.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Phase Two - Help Finalize Whitby's New Community Strategic Plan

    The Town of Whitby is developing a new Community Strategic Plan (CSP). This new Plan will reflect the priorities of Council and our community and will guide Council decision making over the next four years and beyond. 

    Nearly 2,200 people participated in Phase One of engagement on the CSP, sharing their thoughts to inform the Vision, Strategic Pillars, and Action Items of the plan. We’ve used this feedback to help develop a proposed Community Vision and Objectives.

    During this second and final phase of engagement, we want to know if you think we got it right. Do our proposed Vision and Objectives reflect your priorities for Whitby? Complete the survey below by May 19th to have your say.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Phase One: Community Strategic Plan Survey - Vision and Priorities

    The Town of Whitby is developing a new Community Strategic Plan. This new Strategic Plan will reflect the priorities of Council and our community and will guide Council decision-making over the next four years and beyond. 

    The development of a new Community Strategic Plan is a top priority for Council and given the recent election, Mayor Elizabeth Roy and Council Members have spent time knocking on doors and meeting with you, our community members, to learn about the priorities that are top of mind for you.

    To develop a Community Strategic Plan that is reflective of community priorities, we need to hear from you. We invite you to share your thoughts and hopes for Whitby’s future and this survey is one opportunity among many to share your opinion and let Council know what matters most to you.

    Every completed survey has the option to be entered to win one of the following prizes:

    • One full-year Health Club Membership to the Civic Recreation Complex valued at more than $500
    • One of two three-month Health Club Memberships at the Civic Recreation Complex valued at $200 each
    • One of three family game night packages, including Whitby-Opoly, Whitby branded blankets, and tumblers, valued at $100 each

    We also encourage you to help spread the word. Tell a friend or share the survey on social media.

    We look forward to your feedback.

Page last updated: 05 Feb 2026, 03:09 PM