The Whitby Record

Regular Council Meeting

May 25, 2026

Who was there

Present (9): Victoria Bozinovski, Matt Cardwell, Chris Leahy, Steve Lee, Niki Lundquist, Rhonda Mulcahy, Elizabeth Roy, Maleeha Shahid, Steve Yamada

Taken from the roll call in the town’s own minutes. The minutes record who was not there and almost never why.

What was decided (36 motions)

33 carried, 3 recorded otherwise. Every motion below is printed as the minutes print it.

That the Regular Council Minutes of April 20, 2026, and the Special Council Minutes of April 20, 2026 be approved.
Moved by Councillor Lundquist, seconded by Councillor Leahy
Carried
That the proclamation for National Dental Care Day be endorsed.
Moved by Councillor Lee, seconded by Councillor Yamada
Carried
That the designs from the Federal Housing Design Catalogue that conform to the existing Town of Whitby Zoning By-law(s) be included in the Town’s pre-approved building design catalogue; That the designs that do not conform to the existing Town of Whitby Zoning By-laws be further considered through the on-going Comprehensive Zoning By-law Review; and, That new and unfinished Item Number P&D-0023 be removed from the NUB list.
Moved by Councillor Mulcahy, seconded by Councillor Cardwell
Carried
That the subject lands noted within Report PDP 26-26 be designated as a Class 4 Noise Area pursuant to Provincial publication NPC-300; and, That notice be provided to adjacent industrial properties advising of Council’s designation of the subject lands as a Class 4 Noise Area.
Moved by Councillor Mulcahy, seconded by Councillor Cardwell
Carried
That Whitby Council refuse Official Plan Amendment Application File No. OPA-2025-W/03 and Zoning By-law Amendment Application File No. Z-10-25 for the following reasons: Council is not satisfied that the proposed development represents good planning in its current form. Council is not satisfied that the proposal provides an appropriate built-form transition to adjacent existing low-rise residential neighbourhoods, having regard for massing, scale, intensity, shadowing, traffic generation, and compatibility. Council is not satisfied that the proposed development demonstrates that the intensity of development can be accommodated without unacceptable impacts on the surrounding transportation network, including local and collector roads not fully evaluated within the submitted transportation analysis. Council is not satisfied that the proposed parking supply and Transportation Demand Management measures adequately mitigate potential parking and traffic impacts arising from the proposed density and unit count. Council is not satisfied that the proposed development provides sufficient integration of parkland, open space, pedestrian connectivity, and community amenity infrastructure appropriate for a development of this scale and intensity. Council is concerned that significant matters related to construction impacts, servicing, traffic operations, noise mitigation, groundwater impacts, and neighbourhood compatibility remain unresolved and
Moved by Councillor Leahy, seconded by Councillor Cardwell
Deferred
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 consideration by Council; That Council approve an amendment to Zoning By-law 1784 (File No. Z-10-25), and that a By-law to amend Zoning By-law 1784 be brought forward for consideration by Council; That the Clerk forward a Notice to those parties and agencies who requested to be notified of Council’s decision; and, That Council direct the Commissioner of Planning and Development to consider, through the future Site Plan application process, measures to restrict access to Phase 2 to and from Oglevie Drive.
Moved by Councillor Leahy, seconded by Mayor Roy
Carried
In favour (8): Mayor Roy, Councillor Bozinovski, Councillor Cardwell, Councillor Lee, Councillor Lundquist, Councillor Mulcahy, Councillor Shahid, Councillor Yamada · Opposed (1): Councillor Leahy
That the main motion be divided to consider Item 4 separately from Items 1, 2, and 3.
Moved by Councillor Lee, seconded by Councillor Leahy
Carried
That Council direct the Commissioner of Planning and Development to consider, through the future Site Plan application process, measures to restrict access to Phase 2 to and from Oglevie Drive. Voters For Against Conflict Councillor Leahy X Councillor Lee X Councillor Mulcahy X Mayor Roy X Councillor Shahid X Councillor Yamada X Councillor Cardwell X Councillor Lundquist X Councillor Bozinovski X Results 7 2 0
Moved by Councillor Leahy, seconded by Mayor Roy 4
Carried
That Council mutually agree to the owner’s request for further extension of the 90-day deadline under Section 29(8) of the Ontario Heritage Act and Section 1(2) 1 of Ontario Regulation 385/21, for passing the Part IV Heritage Designation By-laws for 725, 740, and 835 Columbus Rd. W; and, That the extension be in effect until May 31, 2027.
Moved by Councillor Mulcahy, seconded by Councillor Cardwell
Carried
That Council approve the proposed amendments to Traffic By-law 8059-24, to incorporate the changes to Schedule B of the By-law, as identified in Attachment 2; That a by-law to amend By-law 8059-24 be brought forward for the consideration of Council; and, That P&D-0019 be removed from the New and Unfinished Business listing.
Moved by Councillor Mulcahy, seconded by Councillor Cardwell
Carried
Whereas downtown businesses continue to face economic pressures in a challenging climate and benefit from measures that improve accessibility and customer convenience; Whereas parking demand in the downtown core is concentrated in certain locations, including Municipal Lot #3 (at Bryon Street and Mary Street) and curbside spaces directly in front of businesses, which can contribute to congestion and reduced turnover; Whereas Municipal Lot #6 (at Perry Street) and Municipal Lot #5 (at Colborne Street) may have capacity that could be better utilized through a temporary pilot project; and, Whereas a time-limited pilot would allow the Town to assess whether adjusted parking policies can improve parking distribution, increase customer access, and support local businesses without committing to a permanent change before evidence is gathered. Now therefore be it resolved: That Council direct staff to implement a four-hour maximum Free Summer Parking Pilot Program in Municipal Lot #6 (Perry Street) and Municipal Lot #5 (Colborne Street) for the summer period of June 1 to September 30, 2026 (or such dates as staff deem operationally appropriate); That Staff report to Council on May 25 with a memorandum that outlines the financial implications of the Free Summer Parking Pilot Program; That during the pilot period, parking fees at both lots be waived, with appropriate signage installed advising the public of the temporary free parking initiative; That staff monitor and evaluate the impac
Moved by Councillor Mulcahy, seconded by Councillor Cardwell
Carried
Whereas local business owners require flexible parking solutions to adapt to varying daily demands, customer volumes, and operational needs; Whereas current parking permit systems restrict permit holders to a single location, limiting their ability to efficiently utilize available municipal parking resources; and, Whereas some business owners have received significant fines, in the hundreds of dollars, for parking-related infractions, creating financial hardship during an ongoing affordability crisis. Now therefore be it resolved: That Town of Whitby staff be directed to investigate the feasibility of implementing transferable parking permits that would allow permit holders to utilize multiple municipal parking lots based on availability and business demand; That the review include consideration of enforcement implications, utilization rates, best practices from comparable municipalities and consultation with the BIA and local businesses to achieve consensus on possible solutions; and, That staff report back to Council with findings, options, and recommendations, including any required by-law amendments, within a reasonable timeframe.
Moved by Councillor Mulcahy, seconded by Councillor Cardwell
Carried
Whereas local business owners in the Town of Whitby rely on accessible parking options to support daily operations, including loading and unloading goods and equipment; Whereas existing parking regulations may not adequately accommodate short-term loading needs for small businesses; and, Whereas some business owners have received significant fines, in the hundreds of dollars, for parking-related infractions while attempting to carry out normal business activities, placing additional financial strain on them during an ongoing affordability crisis. Now therefore be it resolved: That Town of Whitby staff be directed to investigate the feasibility of creating a loading permit program for local business owners to facilitate short-term parking for operational needs; That the review include consideration of program design, enforcement practices, and potential economic impacts on local businesses; and, That staff report back to Council with findings, options, and recommendations, including any required by-law amendments, within a reasonable timeframe.
Moved by Councillor Mulcahy, seconded by Councillor Cardwell
Carried
Whereas residents in the area of Waring Avenue and Thorndyke Crescent have raised ongoing concerns regarding traffic safety, including vehicle speed, visibility, and pedestrian risk; Whereas the intersection of Waring Avenue and Thorndyke Crescent may present potential conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians, particularly given residential traffic patterns; and, Whereas the installation of appropriate traffic control measures, including stop signs, can improve road safety and reduce the likelihood of collisions. Now therefore be it resolved: That Town of Whitby staff be directed to undertake a traffic investigation and safety review of the intersection at Waring Avenue and Thorndyke Crescent; That such review include consideration of the feasibility and justification for the installation of an all-way stop; and, That staff report back to Council with findings and recommendations within a reasonable timeframe.
Moved by Councillor Mulcahy, seconded by Councillor Cardwell
Carried
That Council approve the Community Benefits Charge Strategy included as Attachment 1 of Report FS 01-26; That Council enact the Community Benefits Charge By-law included as Attachment 2 of Report FS 01-26, effective January 1, 2027; and, That Council approve the establishment of a new Community Benefits Charge Reserve Fund, and the associated reserve fund policy included in Attachment 4 of Report FS 01-26.
Moved by Councillor Lundquist, seconded by Councillor Shahid
Carried
That Report CAO 11-26, which provides an update on projected progress for 2026, and a summative overview of accomplishments achieved over the 2023–2026 Community Strategic Plan period, be received for information.
Moved by Councillor Lundquist, seconded by Councillor Shahid
Carried
That Report CAO 12-26 be received for information; That the updated Special Events Policy appended as Attachment 1 be approved; That the Special Events User Guide (Attachment 2) be received; and, That the Clerk be directed to bring forward a by-law to amend Special Events By-law No. 7506-19 to give effect to the proposed changes contained in Report CAO 12-26.
Moved by Councillor Lundquist, seconded by Councillor Shahid
Carried
That Council approve entering a ten (10) year sponsorship agreement effective until 2036 with Longo’s for a Naming Rights Sponsorship to commence upon the opening of the Fieldgate Sports Complex for Arena 2, based on the sponsorship package and other terms and conditions identified in Report CAO 17-26.
Moved by Councillor Lundquist, seconded by Councillor Shahid
Carried
That Council authorize the appointment of Boghosian + Allen LLP as Integrity Commissioner for the Town of Whitby for the 2026–2030 Term of Council; That the Clerk be directed to bring forward a by-law confirming the appointment of Boghosian + Allen LLP as Integrity Commissioner; and, That the Clerk be authorized to execute the Professional Services Agreement with Boghosian + Allen LLP.
Moved by Councillor Lundquist, seconded by Councillor Shahid
Carried
That Council approve the revised Customer Service Policy (MS 420) attached to this report; and, That Council endorse the Customer Service Commitments, attached as Appendix 1 to the Customer Service Policy, which guides consistent, equitable, and innovative customer service delivery to our residents, our community members, our partners, and our colleagues.
Moved by Councillor Lundquist, seconded by Councillor Shahid
Carried
That Report FS 09-26 “2025 Annual Investment Report”, be received for information; That Investment Policy F 100, attached as Appendix C to report FS 09-26, be approved; and, That the Treasurer be directed to sign a copy of the Investment Policy F 100 to confirm Council’s approval, and to forward a copy of this Policy to the ONE Joint Investment Board.
Moved by Councillor Lundquist, seconded by Councillor Shahid
Carried
That Staff Report FS 10-26, Procurement Policy Changes – Buy Ontario Impact be received for information.
Moved by Councillor Lundquist, seconded by Councillor Shahid
Carried
That Staff Report FS 11-26, Procurement Reporting - Quarter 1, 2026 be received for information.
Moved by Councillor Lundquist, seconded by Councillor Shahid
Carried
That Confidential Report LS 05-26 be received for information; and, That the confidential recommendation contained within Confidential Legal and Enforcement Services Department Report, LS 05-26, be adopted.
Moved by Councillor Lundquist, seconded by Councillor Shahid
Carried
That Confidential Report LS 06-26 be received for information; and, That the confidential recommendation contained within Confidential Legal and Enforcement Services Department Report, LS 06-26, be adopted.
Moved by Councillor Lundquist, seconded by Councillor Shahid
Carried
Whereas residents living along arterial and Regional roads have raised concerns regarding noise impacts associated with the use of engine brakes (commonly
Moved by Councillor Bozinovski, seconded by Councillor Shahid
Referred
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; and, Whereas neighboring jurisdictions, including the City of Toronto, are implementing increased restrictions on personal watercraft use near public swimming beaches, which is anticipated to further displace and increase PWC activity along Whitby’s waterfront; and, Whereas the increased density of personal watercraft poses significant safety risks, including speeding and dangerous operation in high-traffic areas utilized by the public for recreation; and, Whereas current federal regulations restricting vessel speeds within 30 metres of a shoreline have proven difficult to enforce and do not sufficiently address the safety and nuisance concerns unique to this area; and, Whereas the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has been consulted and recommends that the Town pursue a Schedule 2 Vessel Restricted Zone under federal regulations as the most effective proactive measure for enforcement and public safety. Now therefore be it resolved: That Staff be directed to explore the options and associated costs of requesting that Transport Canada’s Office of Boating Safety designate the shoreline waters from the west side of Iroquois Beach to the east side of Heydenshore Park as a Schedule 2 Vessel Restricted Zone under SOR-2008-120: Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations of the Canada Shipping Ac
Moved by Councillor Cardwell, seconded by Mayor Roy
Carried
In favour (9): Mayor Roy, Councillor Bozinovski, Councillor Cardwell, Councillor Leahy, Councillor Lee, Councillor Lundquist, Councillor Mulcahy, Councillor Shahid, Councillor Yamada
Whereas the maximum number of dogs permitted per household is a recurring matter of community interest and inquiry; and, Whereas the Council and Staff have identified the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law for a comprehensive review, including public consultation anticipated to inform potential amendments. Now therefore be it resolved: That staff be directed to report back to Council on the Town of Whitby’s current dog ownership limits included in the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law, with the report to consider: The number of dogs per household permitted by comparable neighbouring municipalities; The outcome of community consultation on this subject; Policy considerations respecting the maximum number of dogs permitted per household, including implications for different housing forms; and, Recommendations with respect to the maximum number of dogs provision within the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law.
Moved by Councillor Bozinovski, seconded by Councillor Shahid
Carried
Whereas the building permit review and approval process is sequential and time consuming regardless of the complexity of the application; and, Whereas there is a desire to have a more straightforward service delivery approach for minor, routine projects such as decks, sheds, and minor interior work. Now therefore be it resolved: That Council direct Staff to assess the feasibility of developing a pilot program to expedite the review and approval of certain types of minor building permit applications; That the assessment include consideration of such matters as: the types of building permit applications that may be included; eligibility criteria and screening processes; elements of a pilot program; current processes; an environmental scan of similar programs that may be offered in other municipalities; and, That Staff report back to Council with findings, options, and recommendations. Voters For Against Conflict Mayor Roy X Councillor Bozinovski X Councillor Cardwell X Councillor Leahy X Councillor Lee X Councillor Lundquist X Councillor Mulcahy X Councillor Shahid X Councillor Yamada X Results 9 0 0
Moved by Councillor Cardwell, seconded by Councillor Lundquist
Carried
In favour (9): Mayor Roy, Councillor Bozinovski, Councillor Cardwell, Councillor Leahy, Councillor Lee, Councillor Lundquist, Councillor Mulcahy, Councillor Shahid, Councillor Yamada
Whereas concerns have been raised regarding traffic speeds and pedestrian safety on Hazelwood Drive, Garrard Road, and in the vicinity of Bellwood Public School. Now therefore be it resolved: That staff be directed to report back to Council on the feasibility, cost, and implementation considerations associated with the following measures: Hazelwood Drive Traffic Calming Measures Evaluate the installation of stop signs at Jeanne Court and Parkview Boulevard. Bellwood Public School Traffic Control Evaluate the installation of a three-way stop sign in front of Bellwood Public School, including consideration of student safety. Fencerow Drive & Garrard Road & Eric Clarke Drive Evaluate the installation of a four-way stop sign on Fencerow Drive & Garrard Road & Eric Clarke Drive. Voters For Against Conflict Mayor Roy X Councillor Bozinovski X Councillor Cardwell X Councillor Leahy X Councillor Lee X Councillor Lundquist X Councillor Mulcahy X Councillor Yamada X Councillor Shahid X Results 9 0 0
Moved by Councillor Bozinovski, seconded by Councillor Shahid
Carried
In favour (9): Mayor Roy, Councillor Bozinovski, Councillor Cardwell, Councillor Leahy, Councillor Lee, Councillor Lundquist, Councillor Mulcahy, Councillor Shahid, Councillor Yamada
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 hotel (Opportunity 2), on a first approved basis; Whereas the program intake opened on April 27, 2026, and applications for both Opportunity 1 and Opportunity 2 were received, deemed complete, and approved within the first week of intake; Whereas the immediate response to the program demonstrates strong market interest and reinforces the identified demand for hotel and conference centre developments to support Whitby’s economic development and tourism objectives; Whereas the program is intended to support investment ready, shovel ready developments that can proceed quickly and align with the Town’s long term economic priorities; Whereas the program provides targeted financial incentives, including the deferral of municipal development charges and relief from interest on
Moved by Mayor Roy, seconded by Councillor Shahid
Carried
In favour (9): Mayor Roy, Councillor Bozinovski, Councillor Cardwell, Councillor Leahy, Councillor Lee, Councillor Lundquist, Councillor Mulcahy, Councillor Shahid, Councillor Yamada
That leave be granted to introduce By-laws # 8288-26 to # 8306-26 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.
Moved by Councillor Yamada, seconded by Councillor Bozinovski
Carried
That leave be granted to introduce a by-law and to dispense with the reading of the by-law by the Clerk to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Town of Whitby at its regular meeting held on May 25, 2026 and 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.
Moved by Councillor Leahy, seconded by Councillor Lee
Carried
That the meeting adjourn.
Moved by Councillor Cardwell, seconded by Councillor Shahid
Carried
That Whitby Council refuse Official Plan Amendment Application File No. OPA-2025-W/03 and Zoning By-law Amendment Application File No. Z- 10-25 for the following reasons: 1. Council is not satisfied that the proposed development represents good planning in its current form. 2. Council is not satisfied that the proposal provides an appropriate built-form transition to adjacent existing low-rise residential neighbourhoods, having regard for massing, scale, intensity, shadowing, traffic generation, and compatibility. 3. Council is not satisfied that the proposed development demonstrates that the intensity of development can be accommodated without unacceptable impacts on the surrounding transportation network, including local and collector roads not fully evaluated within the submitted transportation analysis. 4. Council is not satisfied that the proposed parking supply and Transportation Demand Management measures adequately mitigate potential parking and traffic impacts arising from the proposed density and unit count. 5. Council is not satisfied that the proposed development provides sufficient integration of parkland, open space, pedestrian connectivity, and community amenity infrastructure appropriate for a development of this scale and intensity. 6. Council is concerned that significant matters related to construction impacts, servicing, traffic operations, noise mitigation, groundwater impacts, and neighbourhood compatibility remain unresolved and
Moved by Councillor Leahy, seconded by Councillor Cardwell
Deferred
4. That Council direct the Commissioner of Planning and Development to consider, through the future Site Plan application process, measures to restrict access to Phase 2 to and from Oglevie Drive. For Against Conflict Mayor Roy X Councillor Bozinovski X Councillor Cardwell X Councillor Leahy X Councillor Lee X Councillor Lundquist X Councillor Mulcahy X Councillor Shahid X Councillor Yamada X Results 7 2 0
Moved by Councillor Leahy, seconded by Mayor Roy
Carried

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