Mayor Elizabeth Roy released the Town of Whitby newsletter on March 1, 2026, to outline new housing projects and a plan to change how local services are funded in Ontario.
On March 9, 2026, the Mayor will bring a motion to the local council asking the provincial government to help with a $4 billion yearly gap in municipal funding. The Mayor says the current system is broken because local property taxes are being used to cover services that should be paid for by the province.
The town is also moving forward with a $53 million expansion of the shelter at 1635 Dundas to add 104 beds for supportive housing. This project is being supported by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the Region of Durham. Additionally, Habitat for Humanity GTA will start building 46 affordable homes at Hickory and Dunlop Streets in the fall of 2026.
Local residents can also expect a new memorial for fallen firefighters at Whitby Civic Park. The federal government and the town have together pledged $170,000 for this project. These updates come as the town’s Home Sweet Home Festival recently won an award for the best new event after attracting 40,000 visitors in its first year.
