08/27/2026
Yesterday at special council meeting, I wholeheartedly support the Hotel and Convention Centre initiative for Whitby.
The reality is that we cannot afford to keep waiting. Whitby continues to host major sporting events, lacrosse festivals, hockey tournaments and community celebrations, yet too often the athletes, families, visitors and organizations attending these events are staying and spending outside of Whitby.
The same is true for many of our major events. The Peter Perry Awards, large weddings, conferences, banquets and celebrations often have to leave Whitby because we simply do not have enough hotel rooms or large-scale event space. Royal Ashburn is a wonderful venue, but there is only so much one facility can accommodate.
Whitby has not seen a new hotel built in more than a decade. We need to actively attract this kind of development.
That is why I support creating a meaningful incentive, with a clear 18-month window, to demonstrate that Whitby is serious about attracting a hotel and convention centre.
This is not about helping a corporation. It is about building the infrastructure our growing community needs, supporting local businesses, keeping visitor spending in Whitby, creating jobs and making our town more welcoming and inclusive for major events.
Some may have a different opinion, and I respect that. That is what healthy public debate is about.
But my position is clear: I have supported investments that bring opportunity to Whitby, and I will continue to support initiatives that make Whitby more inviting, more competitive and a place where people can come, stay, celebrate and do business right here in our community.
It is time to bring more of these opportunities home to Whitby.
