Whitby's sustainability efforts reached several milestones this fall, from the opening of the Town's first net-zero building to the planting of more than 1,400 native trees and shrubs, according to the Town of Whitby's Green Quarterly newsletter.
The Fieldgate Sports Complex, which opened September 12, is one of Canada's first net-zero carbon multi-sport recreation complexes and the first Whitby building to reach Tier 3 of the Whitby Green Standard. The facility uses 58 geothermal wells to heat and cool the building year-round, 688 solar panels to generate renewable electricity on site, and a backup generator able to support critical building systems during power outages. The newsletter describes it as a resilient community hub designed to support residents when needed most.
A virtual self-guided tour of the complex is available online for residents who want to explore it from home.
Local manufacturer receives $25,000 energy grant
Whitby manufacturer North American Steel has become the first recipient of the Town's Industrial Energy Challenge, a pilot program that helps industrial businesses implement energy-efficiency projects that reduce natural gas consumption.
The $25,000 grant, provided with support from Enbridge Gas, will fund air curtains on the company's dry-off oven, which the Town says will cut energy use, lower operating costs and improve efficiency.
More than 1,400 trees added to Whitby's urban forest
Three community tree planting initiatives this fall added native trees and shrubs across Whitby. In celebration of National Forest Week, 89 volunteers joined the Town's Forestry team and LEAF (Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests) to plant 500 native trees and shrubs at Fallingbrook Park.
Two Little Forests projects, in partnership with Little Forests Durham, CLOCA and the Rotary Clubs of Whitby, added another 900 trees and shrubs: 300 at Windsor Bay Park on October 3, and 600 at Whitby Central Park on October 17 as part of the Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program. Once established, the dense Miyawaki-style forests will store carbon, improve air quality, support biodiversity, manage stormwater and create wildlife habitat.
Conservation challenge and fall events
The Town has also launched Whitby Watt Wars, a four-month energy conservation challenge sponsored by Elexicon Energy that encourages friendly competition among municipal facilities to reduce energy use. Residents are invited to take part by turning off unused lights and electronics, adjusting thermostats and exploring available rebates.
Residents can also tap into several programs highlighted in the newsletter, including Durham Trees, which offers up to 85 per cent funding for private landowners planting at least 100 trees; the Durham Greener Homes Loan, providing up to $125,000 at two per cent interest; and Save on Energy's Energy Affordability Program, which offers free upgrades to eligible households.
For Waste Reduction Week in Canada, which marks its 25th anniversary this year, the Town is hosting a Repair Café Crawl on October 24 at the Whitby Public Library and The Souk, along with a collection drive for hard-to-recycle items from October 19 to 24 and a reusable mug campaign supporting Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area.
The 2026 Durham Climate Forum takes place November 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Durham Region Headquarters. The free, family-friendly event features speakers, interactive exhibits, more than 25 local organizations and electric vehicle test drives.
