Following the ratification of the three-year agreement with CUPE Local 53 Full-Time, the Town of Whitby said it is working to resume programs and services starting today (November 16).
It said the approved three-year agreement has zero impact on any current employee in their current position. The agreement includes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a paid holiday, a 9.5 per cent wage increase over three years, an increase to shift premiums, increasing personal days from three to four, and significant benefit improvements.
“By allowing the town to schedule new staff at times that meet the needs of our residents, Whitby is in a strong position to deliver services and programs now, and into the future as we experience rapid growth,” said Mayor Elizabeth Roy.
She said the town is now working to resume programs and services and will continue to provide updates through the website and social media. “Thank you for your continued patience.”
Curbside Waste Pickup: Effective Wednesday, November 15 at 8 pm, the temporary waste drop-off sites located at 5015 Baldwin Street South and Iroquois Park Sports Centre will permanently close.
Regular curbside pickup of garbage, green bin organics, and yard waste will resume on Thursday, November 16, following the regular waste collection schedule. The garbage bag limit has been increased from four to six bags for the remainder of 2023.
The Special (bulky item) Collections program will be delayed for the remainder of the yard-waste season; bookings may become available later this year.
Parks and Public Space Waste Collection: Starting November 16, public space garbage cans will be returned to seasonal locations in parks, and regular collection will resume.
Recreation Facilities and Programs: Starting Thursday, November 16, all town facilities will be open, and all permits will resume. The town’s recreation programming will begin in a phased approach.
Phase 1: Thursday, November 16:
Whitby Civic Recreation Complex Pool, Health Club, and Anne Ottenbrite Pool
On Thursday, November 16, the Anne Ottenbrite pool located at Iroquois Park Sports Centre will open at 5:30 am and the Whitby Civic Recreation Complex pool and Health Club will open at 6 am. Health Club memberships will be automatically extended to make up for days lost due to the strike.
The Whitby Civic Recreation Complex pool is offering free drop-in swimming from November 16 through December 31. Both pools will have swimming instructors available.
Unfortunately, the Town’s “Learn to Swim” program will not re-start at this time and participants impacted by cancelled swim classes will receive an account credit for the full session, not just missed classes. If a refund is preferred, it can be requested by sending an email to parks.rec@whitby.ca. All credits will be provided through Active Net prior to winter registration (Dec 6).
Community sport organization pool permits will also resume on November 16.
Skating and Arenas: Permits for minor sport organizations including figure skating, ringette, and hockey for all arenas will resume Thursday November 16. 55+ Shinny and all other ice permits will also resume on November 16.
Halls, Rooms, and Gymnasium Rentals: Permits for hall and room rentals resume November 16 and the town is taking new bookings for all facilities.
Whitby Public Library: The Brooklin Community Centre and Library will reopen on Thursday, November 16 and drop-in programs resume. The Whitby Public Library’s two other locations are currently open.
Phase 2: Saturday, November 18:
Fitness Classes, Aquafit and Aquatic Leadership: Effective Saturday, November 18 the town will resume fitness classes, aquafit classes and aquatic leadership programs. Makeup classes will be scheduled for Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, National Lifeguard, and Instructor programs.
Phase 3: Monday, November 20
55+ Recreation Centre: The 55+ Recreation Centre continues to be open this week from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm for some fitness classes and drop-in activities.
Starting Monday, November 20 the 55+ Recreation Centre will resume all programming, including evening programs at the 55+ Recreation Centre. The Centennial Building and Heydenshore programs will also re-start. Mingles Café will remain closed at this time.
Upcoming Hockey Tournaments
Iroquois Park Sports Centre will host:
- The International Silver Stick from November 23 to 26,
- The Tournament of Heroes from December 1 to 3, and
- The Ontario Minor Hockey Association AAA Crossover Weekend Tournament from December 15 to 17.
Together, these major tournaments bring approximately $6 million in economic impact to the community over three weekends. More than 13,000 people are expected to visit our facilities during the tournaments and parking will be limited on event days.
Winter Program Registration: The Wish List for winter programming will be available on Actove Net on Wednesday, November 29, and Whitby residents can register for the programs starting at 9 am on December 6. Aquafit registration starts December 7 at 9 am. Both the Anne Ottenbrite Pool and the Civic Recreation Complex Pool will be open for winter classes.
Special Events: Mark your calendar for the Whitby Lights the Night Christmas Festival on Friday, November 24, from 4 pm to 9 pm at Whitby Civic Park (555 Rossland Road E).
We’ll be counting down to light over 100,000 lights, the holiday tree and ground displays Opening ceremonies kick off at 6:30 pm. Shop the Farmers’ Market at Night from 4 pm to 9 pm and join in the fun and festive activities, live performances, delicious local food, and a visit from Santa.
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