The Town of Whitby has launched its new digital engagement platform – connectwhitby.ca. Its purpose is to make it easy for Whitby residents to connect with the town and share feedback on the municipal budget decisions, projects and initiatives that matter to them.
Residents are encouraged to visit and register at connectwhitby.ca to view and participate in the town’s current engagement opportunities. Feedback collected from Connect Whitby will be used by Town staff and Council to help make informed, evidence-based decisions, said a town statement.
“Connect Whitby is yet another way we are working to support an open and connected community,” said Mayor Don Mitchell. “Especially during this unprecedented time, it’s more important than ever that we find new ways to connect virtually with our residents and I encourage everyone to get involved.”
Each year, the town undergoes an extensive budget planning process to prepare the annual municipal budget. New this year, residents are invited to learn more about the town’s budget planning process and share their budget priorities at connectwhitby.ca/2021budget. Through the site, residents can access the town’s new Citizen Budget tool – a virtual budget simulator that shows the financial impacts of participants’ choices in real time. The tool will be available until Friday, October 30.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in significant financial impacts and pressures on individuals, businesses, and municipalities, including the Town of Whitby,” said Chief Administrative Officer Matt Gaskell. “That’s why it’s so important that we hear from our residents as part of our budget engagement process – to listen and learn more about the programs and services that matter most to them.”
2020 Community Survey – Opens Tuesday, October 6
Starting Tuesday, October 6, Whitby residents and business owners will be invited to participate in the town’s biennial Community Survey – an opportunity for residents to share feedback on the town’s current programs and services, and priorities for the future.
The survey will be available online at connectwhitby.ca/communitysurvey between Tuesday, October 6 and Sunday, October 25. Public-opinion firm Ipsos will also conduct 400 randomized and confidential telephone surveys of residents.
As part of the survey, respondents will be asked to share their opinions on the Town’s customer service, use of tax dollars, programs, priorities, communications and services. Data collected will help inform the development of the Town’s annual budgets, strategic plan priorities, and program and service delivery.
Quick Facts:
- Current engagement opportunities available on Connect Whitby include Building Whitby’s Budget, Whitby Community Champions and the Development Charge Background Study.
- The 2020 Community Survey will open for feedback on Connect Whitby as of Tuesday, October 6.
- Residents who register on Connect Whitby by Monday, October 19 will be entered to win one of five Downtown Whitby BIA gift cards to shop locally. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, October 20 via the Town’s social media channels.
- Connect Whitby is a key action of the Town’s Community Engagement Framework that prioritizes community engagement as a valued part of how the Town works.