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 |
| LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Workshop | Join our FREE backyard tree planting workshop by LEAF (Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests). Learn how planting a native tree keeps your home and neighbourhood cool in the summer, adds value to your property, improves local habitat, and support a greener, healthier community. What you will gain:
If you live in the West Lynde SNAP neighbourhood, you can enter the draw twice! Space is limited, so please register as soon as possible | Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Whitby Central Library, Meeting Room 1 (405 Dundas St W,. Whitby) |
| SNAP Action Plan Open House | The West Lynde SNAP Action Plan is here! Join our drop-in style open house to:
No presentation, just good conversations, light snacks, and the opportunity to support West Lynde's sustainable future. Registration is encouraged. | Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Whitby Central Library, Meeting Room 1A (405 Dundas St W, Whitby) |
| Jeffrey Street Park Cleanup | Let's keep our local parks clean and beautiful! All supplies for picking up litter will be provided. Everyone is welcome to register - bring friends, family, and neighbours as we work together to keep our local green space litter-free and vibrant. Registration is required. Interested in hosting a community park / trail cleanup? Learn more about the Town of Whitby's Anti-Litter Cleanup Program and schedule your event. | Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Jeffery Park (210 Jeffery St, Whitby) |
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.
