A housing project that will bring 46 affordable homes to downtown Whitby is one step closer to reality after the town granted key zoning approvals. The green light clears the way for construction to begin later this year on two sites that will offer homeownership opportunities to families who might otherwise be priced out of the market.
The Town of Whitby recently worked with Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area to achieve zoning by-law approvals for the project, marking an important step forward in the planning process. This marks Habitat GTA’s first-ever build in Whitby, following four years of expanding operations across Durham Region.
The two development sites are located at the northeast corner of Hickory Street and Dunlop Street, and on vacant land between Gilbert Street and Dunlop Street west of Reynolds Street in the area bounded by Peel Street to the west. Construction is targeted to begin in Fall 2026, with completion expected by 2028.
Mayor Elizabeth Roy has championed the initiative as part of Whitby‘s broader strategy to address the housing affordability crisis and meet its goal of 18,000 new homes by 2031. The Town of Whitby donated land valued at over $5 million for the project and provided a $3 million grant from the Town’s allocation of federal Housing Accelerator Fund dollars.
Habitat GTA CEO Ene Underwood said the project represents a collaborative solution to the housing affordability crisis. “We are thrilled to be embarking on our first ever project in Whitby, following four years of rapid growth of our work in Durham Region,” she said. “At a time when we’re facing a housing affordability crisis, we are making affordable homes possible, and by doing so, we empower many families to reach their full potential.”
The units will be designed as three-storey stacked townhouses with three-bedroom layouts. More than 100 people attended a community kick-off meeting in 2025 to learn more about the project.
Families interested in affordable homeownership opportunities can learn more and apply through Habitat GTA’s website as the project moves forward.
