The Whitby Record
Portrait of Steve Lee

Steve Lee

Councillor · Ward 1 · seen 2018-12-03 to 2026-09-28 · served 2018–2022, 2022–2026

553substantive motions movedof 370 meetings the minutes record them at
124procedural motions movedcounted separately, and never added to the above
647substantive motions secondedseconding is often a seat convention, not agreement
14meetings recorded absentof 370 they were on the record for
55–17recorded votes, for–againstrecorded votes are rare and a skewed sample

Vote count and office as published by the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2022 municipal election results (Open Government Licence – Ontario). Everything else on this page is read from Whitby’s own minutes.

In their own words, via the Town

First elected in 2018 as the Councillor for North Ward (1), Steve Lee is serving his second term on Council. He has been self-employed for the past 22 years and successfully owns and operates three small businesses including Whitby local business Dive Source. Steve’s business experience makes him a proven leader with extensive knowledge of managing people, budgets, and meeting deadlines. A Humber College graduate, Steve has been actively involved in the community including Scouting for many years. He is also a Certified Rescue Diver, a Scuba Diving Instructor and a First Aid Instructor.

As published by Whitby.

How they voted, where it was recorded (72) — most recent 40 shown

Special Council Meeting August 26, 2026
That Item 2 of the motion be amended by reducing the development charge discount associated with the Hotel and Conference Centre Attraction Program from 100% to 50%.
For · 7–2 · Carried
Special Council Meeting August 26, 2026
2. That Council approves a development charge discount program associated with the Hotel and Conference Centre Attraction Program of 50% discount of the Town of Whitby portion, for Enrolled Applicants who are able…
For · 8–1 · Carried
Special Council Meeting August 26, 2026
That Item 3 of the main motion be amended as follows: 3. That Council approves a purpose-built rental program that reduces by up to 50% the Town of Whitby portion of development charges (inclusive of any DCRP reduction)…
Against · 5–4 · Carried
Special Council Meeting August 26, 2026
That Item 3 of the main motion, as amended, be further amended to include the following: That eligible developments may extend payment of the Town's development charges for up to 11 payments over 10 years.
For · 8–1 · Carried
Special Council Meeting August 26, 2026
3. That Council approves a purpose-built rental program that reduces by up to 50% the Town of Whitby portion of development charges (inclusive of any DCRP reduction) for purpose-built rental projects that include…
For · 8–1 · Carried
Regular Council Meeting June 22, 2026
Whereas local councils are elected by residents to make planning decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of their communities;
For · 9–0 · Carried
Regular Council Meeting June 22, 2026
Whereas the Town of Whitby has submitted an application for the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build’s Development Charge Reduction Program that commits the Town to a development charge reduction over the next three…
For · 8–1 · Carried
Committee of the Whole June 8, 2026
That the main motion be amended by striking the phrase 'roundabout with a pedestrian crossover at the intersection of Dryden Boulevard and Civic Centre Drive/Brookwood Boulevard…
For · 9–0 · Carried
Regular Council Meeting May 25, 2026
That Council approve Official Plan Amendment Number 151 to the Whitby Official Plan (File No. OPA-2025-W/03), as shown on Attachment #6, and that a By-law to adopt Official Plan Amendment Number 151 be brought forward…
For · 8–1 · Carried
Regular Council Meeting May 25, 2026
Whereas the Town of Whitby has observed a notable increase in unauthorized and unregulated personal watercraft (PWC) rentals and operations in and around Whitby Harbour over the past year;
For · 9–0 · Carried
Regular Council Meeting May 25, 2026
Whereas the building permit review and approval process is sequential and time consuming regardless of the complexity of the application;
For · 9–0 · Carried
Regular Council Meeting May 25, 2026
Whereas concerns have been raised regarding traffic speeds and pedestrian safety on Hazelwood Drive, Garrard Road, and in the vicinity of Bellwood Public School.
For · 9–0 · Carried
Regular Council Meeting May 25, 2026
Whereas, through Staff Report CAO 14-26, Council approved the Hotel and Conference Centre Attraction Program to incentivize the timely development of one hotel and conference centre (Opportunity 1) and one stand-alone…
For · 9–0 · Carried
Committee of the Whole April 13, 2026
That Council approve the 2027 Council, Committee, and Public Meetings Schedule appended to this report as Attachment 1. Voters For Against Conflict Councillor Leahy X Councillor Lee X Councillor Mulcahy X Mayor Roy X…
For · 7–2 · Carried
Committee of the Whole April 13, 2026
Whereas the Province of Ontario has introduced Bill 9, the Municipal Accountability Act, which would provide for the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario, upon receipt of a recommendation report from a local Integrity…
Against · 0–9 · Carried
Committee of the Whole April 13, 2026
That the amendment to the main motion be further amended to read as follows: 2. That Council add one placeholder cycle in either July or August - Planning meeting, Committee of the Whole and Council.
Against · 2–7 · Lost
Committee of the Whole April 13, 2026
The amendment to the main motion was then before Committee as follows: 2. That Council add placeholder meetings in July and August for a partial council cycle each month - Planning meeting, Committee of the Whole…
Against · 1–8 · Carried
Committee of the Whole April 13, 2026
That Item 7.5.2, Request for the Federal Government to Notify Municipalities when High-Risk Offenders are Authorized for Unescorted Temporary Absences, be
For · 7–2 · Carried
Committee of the Whole March 23, 2026
Whereas Section 15.5 of the Procedure By-law currently provides a mechanism for addressing motions that are beyond the jurisdiction of the municipality;
For · 7–2 · Carried
Regular Council Meeting March 9, 2026
Whereas, on February 20, 2026, Council received a Legal Opinion regarding a Notice of Motion submitted by a Member of Council that sought to amend the Purchasing Policy to prohibit awarding supply and service contracts…
For · 9–0 · Carried
Special Council Meeting March 9, 2026
That Council direct staff to reduce the hours of operation for the McKinney Centre to evenings and weekends only, beginning June 1, 2026;
For · 6–3 · Carried
Committee of the Whole February 23, 2026
Whereas the Community Services Department is undertaking a Recreation Pricing Strategy that will review program and facility fees to establish a fair and equitable framework which takes into account appropriate cost…
For · 9–0 · Carried
Committee of the Whole February 9, 2026
Whereas the Town of Whitby’s Responsible Pet Ownership By-law is intended to promote public safety, responsible pet ownership, and the humane treatment of animals;
For · 9–0 · Carried
Regular Council Meeting February 2, 2026
That delegates are allowed to speak to any approved late motion as long as they are present at Council. Note: Mayor Roy indicated that, in accordance with the Procedure By-law, a mechanism already exists for receiving…
For · 7–2 · Carried
Regular Council Meeting February 2, 2026
That Staff be directed to prepare a report and associated by-law for Council consideration requiring owners of multi-residential rental properties that do not have in-unit air conditioning to provide an air conditioned…
For · 9–0 · Carried
Committee of the Whole January 12, 2026
That the main motion be amended as follows: That the Clerk be directed to bring forward a by-law to amend the Procedure Bylaw to adopt the revisions as shown in Attachment 1 to Report CLK 02-26, save and except…
Against · 2–6 · Lost
Regular Council Meeting December 15, 2025
Whereas the property municipally known as 42 Watersdown Crescent, Whitby has historically operated as a group home for youth managed by Frontenac Youth Services;
For · 9–0 · Carried
Regular Council Meeting December 15, 2025
Whereas the Town of Whitby owns and maintains six municipal cemeteries – Brooklin Pioneer, Groveside, Pioneer Baptist, Hemingway, South Myrtle, and Hubble – lands that serve as culturally, historically,…
For · 9–0 · Carried
Regular Council Meeting December 15, 2025
Whereas the Town of Whitby is facing a housing affordability crisis and has been one of the highest growth municipalities in Durham Region and southern Ontario;
For · 9–0 · Carried
Special Council Meeting November 27, 2025
Whereas Council approved Council Resolution #102-25 that established a November 24, 2025 4:30 p.m. deadline for motions to amend the 2026 Proposed Budget;
Against · 3–6 · Lost
Special Council Meeting November 27, 2025
Whereas the Town of Whitby’s Capital Forecast in the 2026 Proposed Budget includes a Civic Centre/Dryden Roundabout Capital Project (Project ID 40295801), in the amount of $863,250, to start in 2029;
Against · 2–7 · Lost
Special Council Meeting November 27, 2025
Whereas a zero per cent increase or a decrease to the Town’s annual operating grant for the Whitby Public Library does not account for higher costs related to inflationary and contractual budget pressures;
Against · 3–6 · Lost
Special Council Meeting November 27, 2025
Whereas the 2026 Proposed Budget includes a $16,594 reduction to the Station Gallery’s annual operating grant from the Town;
Against · 3–6 · Lost
Special Council Meeting November 27, 2025
Whereas a zero per cent increase or a decrease to the Town’s annual operating grant for the Station Gallery does not account for higher costs related to inflationary and cost of living budget pressures;
Against · 3–6 · Lost
Committee of the Whole November 24, 2025
Whereas the Town of Whitby continues to face increasing pressures on municipal finances, including rising costs for capital works, procurement of goods and services, and operating expenditures;
Against · 3–6 · Lost
Committee of the Whole October 27, 2025
That Report LS 04-25 be received for information; That the proposed amendments in Report LS 04-25 to the Business Licensing By-law # 5545-04, Schedule 8 “Lodging House”, be brought forward to a future Council meeting…
For · 5–4 · Carried
Regular Council Meeting October 6, 2025
That Council approves entering a ten (10) year sponsorship agreement with Fieldgate Land Development Limited (Fieldgate) for the facility Naming Rights Sponsorship of the Whitby Sports Complex and naming the facility…
For · 8–0 · Carried
Regular Council Meeting October 6, 2025
Whereas in 2016 the Waste-Free Ontario Act was enacted, which also enacted the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act (RRCEA) and the Waste Diversion Transition Act;
For · 8–0 · Carried
Committee of the Whole September 22, 2025
That the motion regarding Public Recognition of the Terry Fox Visit in Whitby be
For · 5–3 · Carried
Committee of the Whole September 15, 2025
That the rules of procedure be suspended to hear delegations from Jessica Street, Resident, regarding Items 6.5.2 and 6.5.3, Supporting a Healthy and Inclusive Democratic Environment, and Item 6.5.4, Establishing…
Against · 5–4 · Lost

Meetings the minutes record them as absent from (14)

Committee of the WholeMay 4, 2026
Special Council MeetingNovember 10, 2025
Special Council MeetingNovember 10, 2025
Regular Council MeetingNovember 10, 2025
Special Council MeetingNovember 5, 2025
Special Council MeetingJuly 25, 2025
Committee of the WholeMay 5, 2025
Special Council MeetingNovember 18, 2024
Special Council MeetingOctober 15, 2024
Committee of the WholeNovember 13, 2023
Special Council MeetingOctober 3, 2023
Committee of the WholeMay 9, 2022
Special Council MeetingMay 9, 2022
Special Council MeetingJune 24, 2019

Substantive motions moved (showing the 40 most recent of 553)

That the proclamations for CIBC Run for the Cure, Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day, and Amyloidosis Awareness Month and the flag raising for International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women be endorsed.
Regular Council Meeting, September 28, 2026 · Carried
That the proclamations for The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Day, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, National Coaches Week, Rail Safety Week, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and International Wrongful Conviction Day be endorsed.
Regular Council Meeting, June 22, 2026 · Carried
Whereas the Town of Whitby has implemented a Hotel and Conference Centre Attraction Program where the Town’s Development Charges are
Regular Council Meeting, June 22, 2026 · Deferred
Whereas the Town of Whitby has submitted an application for the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build’s Development Charge Reduction Program that commits the Town to a development charge reduction over the next three years, subject to program approval and execution of transfer payment agreements; Whereas the Development Charges Act already provides additional discounts and incentives for purpose-bui
Regular Council Meeting, June 22, 2026 · Carried
That the Town of Whitby submit an application for the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build – Development Charges Reduction Program (“DCRP”), as outlined in Staff Report FS 21-26, to: Commit to a 30% residential development charges reduction for a period of three years; and Request for $101,736,000 in DCRP grant funding for three priority projects; That, subject to the DCRP approval of the Town’s th
Special Council Meeting, June 15, 2026 · Carried
That the Council of the Town of Whitby reaffirms its commitment to supporting the federal and provincial goals of increasing housing starts and building complete communities; That the Town of Whitby submit an application for the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build – Development Charges Reduction Program (“DCRP”), as outlined in Staff Report FS 21-26, to: Commit to a 30% residential development cha
Special Council Meeting, June 15, 2026 · Carried Unanimously
1. That the Town of Whitby submit an application for the Canada- Ontario Partnership to Build – Development Charges Reduction Program (“DCRP”), as outlined in Staff Report FS 21-26, to: a. Commit to a 30% residential development charges reduction for a period of three years; and b. Request for $101,736,000 in DCRP grant funding for three priority projects; 2. That, subject to the DCRP approval of
Special Council Meeting, June 15, 2026 · Carried
1. That the Council of the Town of Whitby reaffirms its commitment to supporting the federal and provincial goals of increasing housing starts and building complete communities; 2. That the Town of Whitby submit an application for the Canada- Ontario Partnership to Build – Development Charges Reduction Program (“DCRP”), as outlined in Staff Report FS 21-26, to: a. Commit to a 30% residential devel
Special Council Meeting, June 15, 2026 · Carried Unanimously
That the proclamation for National Dental Care Day be endorsed.
Regular Council Meeting, May 25, 2026 · Carried
That the main motion be divided to consider Item 4 separately from Items 1, 2, and 3.
Regular Council Meeting, May 25, 2026 · Carried
That the proclamations for World Press Freedom Day, World Menstrual Health Day, Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy Awareness Month, Community Living Month, and Bike Month and the flag raisings for World Press Freedom Day, Mental Health Week, and Filipino Heritage Month be endorsed.
Regular Council Meeting, April 20, 2026 · Carried
That leave be granted to introduce By-laws # 8276-26 to # 8285-26 and to dispense with the reading of the by-laws by the Clerk and that the same be considered read and passed and that the Mayor and the Clerk sign the same and the Seal of the Corporation be thereto affixed. 14.1 By-law # 8276-26 Being a By-law to designate certain portions of a registered Plan of Subdivision (SW-2017-06) as not bei
Regular Council Meeting, April 20, 2026 · Carried
That consideration of donating potentially suspended remuneration related to the Integrity Commissioner’s Recommendation Report dated April 10, 2026 regarding complaints against Councillor Leahy be
Special Council Meeting, April 20, 2026 · Referred
That consideration of the motion regarding reviewing the possibility of installing a stop sign at Eric Clarke Drive and William Davidson Street be
Committee of the Whole, April 13, 2026 · Referred
That Council supports the continued operation of the Luther Vipond Memorial Arena (LVMA) for floor-based programming, consistent with recent community engagement; and, That Council approve a new in-year 2026 capital project in the amount of $85,000, for LVMA refrigeration system decommissioning and roof repairs, to be funded by the Asset Management Reserve. Voters For Against Conflict Councillor L
Committee of the Whole, March 23, 2026 · Carried Unanimously
1. That Council supports the continued operation of the Luther Vipond Memorial Arena (LVMA) for floor-based programming, consistent with recent community engagement; and, 2. That Council approve a new in-year 2026 capital project in the amount of $85,000, for LVMA refrigeration system decommissioning and roof repairs, to be funded by the Asset Management Reserve. For Against Conflict Mayor Roy X C
Committee of the Whole, March 23, 2026 · Carried Unanimously
That the proclamations for World Behaviour Analysis Day and Medical Laboratory Week be endorsed.
Regular Council Meeting, March 9, 2026 · Carried
That Council direct staff to reduce the hours of operation for the McKinney Centre to evenings and weekends only, beginning June 1, 2026; and, That programming affected by the new operating schedule be relocated to the new Fieldgate Sports Complex (FGSC) or other Town facility. Voters For Against Conflict Councillor Leahy X Councillor Lee X Councillor Mulcahy X Mayor Roy X Councillor Shahid X Coun
Special Council Meeting, March 9, 2026 · Carried
That Council ratify the renewal of the Collective Agreement between The Corporation of the Town of Whitby and Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Local 53 – Full-time, for the period of April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2028.
Special Council Meeting, March 9, 2026 · Carried
That Council adopt Amendment #148, as shown in Attachment #1, to the to the Brooklin Community Secondary Plan regarding the new Brooklin Urban Expansion Area, as outlined in this Report, PDP 60-25; and, That the Clerk send a Notice of Council approval of Amendment #148 to those persons and agencies who have requested further notification regarding updates to the Brooklin Community Secondary Plan (
Committee of the Whole, February 23, 2026 · Carried
That Item 1 of the main motion be amended to read as follows: That Council adopt Amendment #148, as shown in Attachment #1, to the to the Brooklin Community Secondary Plan regarding the new Brooklin Urban Expansion Area, as outlined in this Report, PDP 60-25, subject to the following revisions: That the lands located at the southeast corner of Columbus Road West and Coronation Road and north of th
Committee of the Whole, February 23, 2026 · Carried
That Council adopt Amendment #148, as shown in Attachment #1, to the to the Brooklin Community Secondary Plan regarding the new Brooklin Urban Expansion Area, as outlined in this Report, PDP 60-25, subject to the following revisions: That the portion of the lands legally known Part Lots 27 & 28, Concession 6 (northeast corner of Cochrane Street and Highway 407) be redesignated from “Business” to “
Committee of the Whole, February 23, 2026 · Carried
That Council move in-camera in accordance with Procedure By-law # 8081-24, Closed Meeting Policy G 040, and the Municipal Act, 2001, Section 239 (2)(e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board, (f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose, and (k)
Special Council Meeting, February 2, 2026 · Carried
That the proclamations for National 211 Day, Scout-Guide Week, Amyloidosis Awareness Month, and Victorian Order of Nurses Week and the flag raisings for Girl Guides of Canada and Scouts Canada be endorsed.
Regular Council Meeting, February 2, 2026 · Carried
That Council approve the Heritage Permit Application (HP-15-25) request for demolition of the existing apartment building at 409 Centre Street South, in accordance with Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act; and, That staff continue to work with the applicant regarding the Heritage Permit application (HP-15-25) for the replacement apartment building at 409 Centre Street South, subject to the comm
Regular Council Meeting, December 15, 2025 · Carried
That Council approve the Draft Plan of Subdivision (File Number: SW-2024-03), subject to the comments included in Report PDP 57-25 and the conditions of draft plan approval included in Attachment #12; That Staff be authorized to prepare a Subdivision Agreement; That the Clerk forward a Notice to those parties and agencies who requested to be notified of Council’s decision; That Council approve the
Regular Council Meeting, December 15, 2025 · Carried
That Council approve the proposed amendments to the Traffic By-law (8059-24) to incorporate the proposed changes to the No Stopping and No Parking Schedules as identified in Attachment 1 to Report No. PDE 11-25, save and except that the provisions for Breezewood Court and Settlers Court be
Regular Council Meeting, December 15, 2025 · Deferred
That Reports PDP 58-25, PDP 59-25 and PDP 60-25 be
Regular Council Meeting, December 15, 2025 · Referred
Whereas the Mayor declared an interest in accordance with the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act and has excluded $923,194 of Salaries, Wages, and Benefits and $923,194 of property tax revenues related to the Community Services Administration Division from the Proposed 2026 Budget; Whereas staff within the Community Services Administration Division are required for the operation and maintenance of
Special Council Meeting, November 27, 2025 · Carried
Whereas the 2026 Proposed Budget includes a $346,000 budget reduction related to Fire Suppression overtime costs; Whereas Whitby Fire and Emergency Services has one of the highest overtime costs in Durham Region at $1,455,141 (or 18,551 hours) in 2024 and $1,384,220 (or 18,107 hours) in 2023; Whereas the Whitby Fire and Emergency Services Department is currently updating the Town’s Fire Master Pla
Special Council Meeting, November 27, 2025 · Carried
That Council approve the Heritage Permit Application (HP-15-25) request for demolition of the existing apartment building at 409 Centre Street South, in accordance with Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act; and, That staff continue to work with the applicant regarding the Heritage Permit application (HP-15-25) for the replacement apartment building at 409 Centre Street South, subject to the comm
Committee of the Whole, November 24, 2025 · Carried
That Council approve the Draft Plan of Subdivision (File Number: SW-2024-03), subject to the comments included in Report PDP 57-25 and the conditions of draft plan approval included in Attachment #12; That Staff be authorized to prepare a Subdivision Agreement; That the Clerk forward a Notice to those parties and agencies who requested to be notified of Council’s decision; That Council approve the
Committee of the Whole, November 24, 2025 · Carried
That Council approve the extension of the Draft Approved Plan of Subdivision SW-2016-04 for an additional 3 years, to January 31, 2029.
Committee of the Whole, October 20, 2025 · Carried
That Council authorize staff to issue a Notice of Intention to Designate the property identified as the Graydon Goodfellow House, located at 618 Athol Street as being of Cultural Heritage Value and Interest, in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act and the Town’s Notification Policy; That Council pass a by-law designating the property under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act if no
Regular Council Meeting, October 6, 2025 · Carried
That Council authorize staff to issue Notices of Intention to Designate to each of the properties located at 725 Columbus Road West, 740 Columbus Road West and 835 Columbus Road West, in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act and the Town’s Notification Policy; That Council pass by-laws designating each of the properties under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act if no objection(s) to
Regular Council Meeting, October 6, 2025 · Carried
That Council adopt the Street Naming Policy appended to Report PDP 48-25 as Attachment #1.
Regular Council Meeting, October 6, 2025 · Carried
That Council approve an amendment to Zoning By-law No.1784 (File: Z-14-25) as set out in Planning Report PDP 49-25; That a By-law to amend Zoning By-law No.1784 be brought forward for consideration by Council; and, That upon the amending Zoning By-law becoming final and binding, the letter of credit in the amount of $25,000 be returned to the applicant.
Regular Council Meeting, October 6, 2025 · Carried
That Staff be directed to send a letter to the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Transportation, copied to the Region of Durham and Ontario Big City Mayors, prior to the Provincial legislature reconvening on October 20, 2025, that highlights the effectiveness of Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) in Whitby and provides the following information and data: a copy of the Town’s draft Traffic Calm
Regular Council Meeting, October 6, 2025 · Carried
That Council approve an amendment to Zoning By-law 1784 for a temporary use (Z-16-25) as outlined in Planning Report PDP 50-25; and, That the amending By-law be brought forward for Council’s consideration.
Regular Council Meeting, October 6, 2025 · Carried
Support for Dream Industrial Canada Solar Inc. Long-Term Energy Project – 220A and 220B Water Street Whereas Dream Industrial Canada Solar Inc. is proposing to construct and operate a Long-Term Energy Project located on Municipal Project Lands, as defined and with the characteristics outlined below, under the Long- Term 2 Energy Supply (Window 1) Request for Proposals (“LT2(e-1) RFP”) issued by th
Regular Council Meeting, October 6, 2025 · Carried

In the record

356meetings recorded presentthe minutes record presence, not a rate
2conflicts of interest declareda member saying they should not vote on a matter
Ward 1seatCouncillor
Regular Council Meeting January 29, 2024
regarding Item 9.15, Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Repayment Process, noting that he received a CEBA loan, and had since repaid the loan amount
Committee of the Whole January 15, 2024
regarding Item 6.5.4, Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Repayment Process, noting that he received a CEBA loan, and had since repaid the loan amount

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