Residents are being asked to share feedback on the Downtown Whitby Secondary Plan Update by participating in short surveys and mapping exercise. This first phase of public consultation closes on January 7, 2021.
The town said Downtown Whitby is known for its historic commercial core, surrounded by residential neighbourhoods, parks and open spaces, schools, and cultural institutions. It is home to an eclectic mix of businesses and services. All contribute to the area’s uniqueness and charm.
As Whitby’s population grows, Downtown Whitby is one of several areas identified in the Town of Whitby Official Plan(External link) that will share some of that population and job growth.
The Downtown Whitby Secondary Plan helps to manage growth in a manner that is specific and suitable for the downtown area. The Secondary Plan is being updated to:
- guide population and job growth, land use, and development in Downtown Whitby;
- maintain and enhance its unique heritage, economic strengths and sense of place;
- support a range of housing options and a mix of uses;
- improve access to transit and active transportation options;
- enhance public open space, walkability, and the natural environment; and
- promote a healthy, vibrant and sustainable downtown core, offering a high quality of life for local residents, businesses, and visitors to the area.
The town said the Secondary Plan will influence the look and feel of Downtown Whitby for the long-term, and asked residents and stakeholders to help shape the area’s future by providing ideas for important neighbourhood features like park spaces and public amenities, street patterns, and the types, heights, and locations of buildings, for example.
The study area for the Secondary Plan Update is bound by the Canadian Pacific Rail line to the north, Garden Street to the east, Highway 401 to the south and Cochrane Street to the west.