The Town of Whitby yesterday said it has hit $1 billion in building construction value for permits issued in 2021.
So far this year, Whitby has issued more than 2,687 building permits – representing a new record of more than $1 billion in construction value invested into the community in a single year, said a town statement.
Residential dominates
Residential building construction made up more than three-quarters ($805 million) of the 2021 construction value, demonstrating that Whitby continues to be a community of choice for new residents, it said.
Through the town’s 2020 Community Survey, more than 86 per cent of participants reported they enjoy a “good” or “excellent” quality of life in Whitby. This high standard of living combined with this year’s 3.8 per cent increase in job growth in the community, are significant contributors to this year’s record-breaking construction value in Whitby, it added.
Of the permits issued this year, the remaining about $149 million represented industrial building construction value and $71 million of commercial building construction value.
New community-building projects that were approved and will contribute to new jobs in the community include:
- Station No. 3 (201 Brock Street South) in Downtown Whitby – Brookfield redevelopment of the Old Fire Hall site at Brock and Colborne Streets into a mixed-use development, generating new local jobs and housing options in Downtown Whitby;
- The Whitby Health Centre (expansion of the Oshawa Clinic Group to Whitby) – a four-storey, state-of-the-art medical facility that when open in 2024 will become Canada’s largest private multidisciplinary medical group practice;
- Fieldgate Commercial – a new mixed-use development that will include a Longo’s retail store and more;
- Broccolini – a new nearly 685,000 square-foot warehouse facility to be located at 5185 Garrard Road; and
- Atlantic Packaging – expansion of the company’s existing facility to include a paper manufacturing mill and more.
The town’s Official Plan, Whitby Green Standard and other land-use plans and regulations help to ensure that this provincially-mandated growth occurs in a sustainable way.
“This record construction value represents a strong local economy and Whitby as a community of choice for both residents and businesses. Despite the global pandemic, our Town continues to excel in economic growth, with community-building projects being approved and realized in our town each year. It’s clear that Whitby is a great place to live, invest and grow,” said Mayor Don Mitchell.
“As a town, we are committed to ensuring that provincially mandated growth occurs in a way that supports the Town’s vision for growth and development in a sustainable manner. Through the implementation of the Town’s Official Plan and our Whitby Green Standard, we are working to ensure that new development contributes to the Town and Council’s vision of a complete, connected and sustainable community,” added Roger Saunders, Commissioner of Planning and Development.
Quick Facts
- In 2021, the town issued a record more than $1 billion in building construction value. This includes about $805 million of residential building construction value, $149 million of industrial building construction value, and $71 million of commercial building construction value.
- The town is home to more than 2,300 businesses that employ approximately 43,300 people.
- In the Town’s 2020 Community Survey, more than 80 per cent of participants who work in Whitby said they are proud to do so.
- Growth is provincially mandated through minimum population growth targets that must be achieved by every municipality. The Whitby Official Plan sets policy directions regarding growth and development in the municipality, including zoning regulations and approvals.