Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy is voicing concern and mobilizing support following reports that about 70 small businesses have been locked out of the Durham Corporate Centre at 105 Consumers Drive due to a legal dispute between the property owner and the property manager.
In a statement shared on social media Tuesday morning, Roy said affected businesses have been given just seven days to vacate the building. While the Town of Whitby cannot intervene in the legal matter directly, Roy emphasized the town’s commitment to assisting displaced tenants.
“We are doing everything possible to support the affected businesses,” she said.
The town has already distributed a survey to tenants to assess their immediate needs and help identify those requiring temporary office space. More than two dozen responses have already been received, according to Roy.
She added that the town is working closely with the Whitby Chamber of Commerce, 1855 Technology Accelerator, and local commercial property owners to help businesses find alternative spaces.
Roy plans to meet with business owners this week to better understand their concerns and reiterated her willingness to support them however possible.
“I will continue to monitor this situation closely and offer any support within the town’s ability to help these local businesses stay on their feet,” she said.
Anyone with available office space is encouraged to contact Mayor Roy directly at mayor@whitby.ca or visit whitby.ca’s Economic Development page.
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