Civil Municipal Magazine - Nov 2023

158 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 11 for that. Not only looking at our hospitals but also looking at the supports that need to be in place such as physician recruitment.” The development of the West Whitby Health Center, a 154,000-square-foot healthcare facility, will help address that need. Scheduled to open in 2024, this state-of-the-art location will accommodate 85 physicians and offer essential services, including cardiology, physiotherapy, fertility, men’s health, audiology, psychology, and an urgent care clinic. “We are hoping that neighboring sites to this facility will be supportive sites,” Roy suggests, noting the proximity of pharmaceutical company Thermo Fisher. The Town is also hoping the Ontario government will support the plan for a new hospital, which will provide increased capacity and bring care closer to home for residents of Durham. Redefining the Waterfront Whitby’s charm extends to tourism and recreation. The town offers various experiences for visitors, from a thriving marina with over 420 slips to golf facilities and Thermea Spa Village. “Our award-winning marina brings visitors to our community from across Canada and the United States,” Roy says. Whitby’s waterfront is a focal point for future development, with plans to enhance the area, increasing density and offering more activities to residents and tourists. Roy adds, “This past summer, we did a pop-up trial with Town Brewery in one of our heritage buildings at the waterfront, and it was a home run.” The mayor says Whitby residents want more experiences like this at the waterfront because of its a prime location. Enhancing Arts, Sports, and Cultural Opportunities in Whitby Mayor Roy notes that residents and visitors