Whitby Council has approved the semi-permanent closure of Roebuck Street in Downtown Brooklin from June to mid-September.
The project to create an outdoor community gathering space, was started in 2022 as a placemaking pilot project using funds from a My Main Street – Community Activator Grant, said Mayor Elizabeth Roy in her latest monthly newsletter.
The project includes adding Muskoka chairs, picnic tables a road mural painted by a local artist, and planters to the space.
Outdoor Ice Rinks: A motion approved by council on March 20, noted that Whitby’s ongoing pilot project for natural outdoor ice rinks has been challenging due to fluctuating winter temperatures.
Council directed town staff to report back on opportunities to install refrigerated outdoor ice rinks or skating trails as part of the development of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Sports Complex: The council recently approved the final design for the Whitby Sports Complex, which will be located in Brooklin on the west side of Baldwin Street South, south of Highway 407.
The complex is set to include the largest swimming pool in Durham, a double gymnasium, walking track and twin-pad ice arena. Construction is expected to begin this summer. Work is still underway on design of the outdoor component, which could potentially include pickleball, tennis and basketball courts, a multi-use sports field, playground, skate park and pump track.
More Homes: Last month Whitby Council committed to the development of 18,000 new homes by 2031.
In October 2022, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued a letter to the town highlighting the province’s commitment to build 1.5 million homes by 2031 — and assigning a municipal housing target of 18,000 new homes to Whitby.