Residents are being invited to share their vision for the future of Whitby’s Waterfront in a month-long campaign.
Until September 9, residents are invited to have their say by completing a short, online survey at whitby.ca/waterfrontsurvey. In addition, public-opinion firm Forum Research will conduct a randomized telephone survey of residents. Pop-up activations will also be held by the town at key locations along the waterfront.
Where: There are currently a variety of activities and uses permitted along the waterfront. This survey will look at the future vision for the stretch of waterfront between the start of Water Street (at the base of Brock Street South) and Thickson Road South specifically.
“Our waterfront is one of our community’s greatest assets and we want to ensure that it continues to be enjoyed by our residents for years to come,” said Mayor Don Mitchell. “The results of this survey will help ensure that we are making informed decisions that are reflective of our residents’ priorities for the waterfront’s long-term use.”
Hotel Cancelled
Earlier this year, Whitby announced the cancellation of the development of a new waterfront hotel and convention centre, as well as Pump House restaurant, along Whitby’s waterfront.
Feedback collected through the survey will help inform the town’s review of its Waterfront Parks and Open Space Master Plan – the document that sets out the town’s vision for the waterfront over the next 20 years – being conducted in light of the cancellation of these projects.
A staff report is expected to be brought forward to council this fall to review options for the lands along Water Street, Kiwanis-Heydenshore Park, Heydenshore Pavilion and the Pump House site.
Whitby’s Civic Centre Community Open House on August 22
Whitby is taking the next step towards the creation of a new Whitby Civic Centre that would serve as an “innovative and sustainable community hub for all.”
The current Whitby Civic Centre is a 13-acre site located at 575 Rossland Road East that includes Town Hall, Civic Centre Park and the Whitby Civic Recreation Complex.
Two design concepts for a new Centre (to be located at the same site) have been created, based on the vision and guiding principles outlined in the Council-approved Whitby Civic Centre Master Plan.
As an important part of the creation of a new Whitby Civic Centre, residents, businesses and community groups are invited to learn more and provide their feedback at a Community Open House. As part of the Community Open House, residents will have the opportunity to have their say on which of the two proposed design concepts for the Whitby Civic Centre they prefer. They will also be asked for feedback on potential amenities that could be considered for the site.
The details for the Community Open House are as follows:
- What: Whitby Civic Centre Project Community Open House
- When: Thursday, August 22, 2019, drop in between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Where: Town Hall, 575 Rossland Road East, Whitby
In addition to attending the open house, starting on Thursday, August 22, residents can provide feedback by completing a short online survey at whitby.ca/civiccentre. The survey will close on Monday, September 23.