Sustainability improvements are on the way for the West Lynde neighbourhood and its over 7,000 residents, as the area has been selected for the Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program (SNAP).
What is SNAP? This initiative, led by the Town of Whitby, the Region of Durham, and the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority, will introduce a series of sustainability-related improvements in the neighbourhood, like planting more trees, creating rain gardens to reduce localized flooding, and making homes more energy efficient over the next few years. Together, we are excited to partner with residents and other stakeholders to create an action-oriented plan and a better connected and climate-ready West Lynde neighbourhood.
SNAP Spring Events
The SNAP Team is excited to invite you to our spring events! If you would like to register for any of the events or have any questions, please visit CLOCA's SNAP website or email snapwhitby@cloca.com,and stay tuned for more!| Event Name | Description | When and Where |
| West Lynde Mini Water Festival | West Lynde, join us for a fun, free, hands‑on community event celebrating water conservation and watershed health! Families, children, youth, and neighbours of all ages are invited to explore interactive stations about the water cycle, Lynde Creek, and solutions to localized flooding. Connect with knowledgeable staff from CLOCA, Durham Region, and the Town of Whitby, and learn how everyday actions can help protect local waterways and support a healthy watershed. What you can expect:
· Prize draw, refreshments, and more! | Thursday, June 4, 2026, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Jeffery Park (210 Jeffery St, Whitby, ON L1N 6E4) |
| Mini Forest Site Preparation | Be part of the beginning of a mini forest! The Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program (SNAP) is creating a mini forest at Central Park. We are looking for volunteers to help prepare the site by layering cardboard, soil, and mulch. Planting will take place later this year. No experience needed. Volunteers should be comfortable with light to moderate physical activity, such as:
Registration is required. Please register through Volunteer Durham or by sending your full name and email address to snapwhitby@cloca.com. What are mini forests? Mini forests are dense, fast-growing pockets of native trees and shrubs, planted using locally adapted techniques inspired by the Miyawaki method. Designed to mimic the layered structure of a native forest, mini forests establish quickly and become self-sustaining within 2–3 years. Despite their small size, mini forests can support rich biodiversity, store significant carbon, and provide a range of benefits that strengthen climate resilience in urban spaces. Learn more about SNAP and Little Forests Durham. | Saturday, June 20, 10am - 12pm, Central Park, Michael Blvd, Whitby, ON L1N 5Y4 |
| Meet Your Raptor Neighbours | Join us for an unforgettable live free-flight demonstration led by expert falconers from The Eyrie.
Bring your friends, family, and neighbours to this exciting event! | Saturday, June 27, 2026, 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. Central Park, Michael Blvd, Whitby, ON L1N 5Y4 |
2025 Highlights and 2026 Plans
This year has been full of new opportunities, relationship-building, and learning for the SNAP Team. Here is what we have accomplished together in 2025:
- 750+ people engaged
- 90+ student engaged through the Sustainable Communities program at Henry Street High School
- 50 trees and shrubs planted in West Lynde's first tiny forest
- 34 community events hosted or attended
- 30+ partners and stakeholders engaged
- 15 free rain barrels delivered to residents and Lynde House Museum
- 2 pollinator or rain garden projects initiated in schools
- 1 neighbourhood-wide survey delivered and analyzed
- 1 public open house hosted
- Planting a tiny forest in Central Park
- Expanding the Sustainable Communities program for Grade 9 Geography students at Henry Street High School, following the success of the first program
- Designing the Are You Ready program that focuses on emergency preparedness for elementary students in West Lynde's schools
- Creating pollinator and rain gardens in West Lynde
- Delivering a Backyard Tree Planting workshop in partnership with LEAF
Your support and contribution have helped us build incredible momentum for West Lynde SNAP this year. We look forward to continuing this work together for a more connected, more sustainable West Lynde neighbourhood in 2026.
SNAP Fall Survey Update
Thank you to the 130+ people who took the time to participate in the Town’s Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program (SNAP) survey this fall.
Your feedback has provided valuable information on the West Lynde Neighbourhood and helped us to identify which sustainability actions are most important to you.
Here’s what we heard:
- Over half of the survey respondents were residents of West Lynde.
- The priorities for action, ranked in order of importance, were as follows:
- Sustainability improvement to parks, roads, and other public spaces
- Stormwater management and flood protection
- Water and energy conservation programs
- Local food production
- Health and wellness
Next Steps
A final SNAP Plan to be brought forward for Council approval by mid-2026.
