Key Highlights
- Whitby council voted in favor of adding stopping and parking restrictions to select streets.
- The new restrictions will apply on Blenheim Circle, Finnegan Place, Mary Street, Breezewood Court, and Settlers Court.
- Parking and stopping restrictions are set to begin after residents receive notice from the town.
- Stopping restrictions have also been deferred for Water Street pending further review by town staff.
New Parking Restrictions in Whitby: An Update on Municipal Governance
The Town of Whitby, Ontario, has recently taken a significant step towards improving traffic flow and enhancing road safety. On November 10, 2025, the town’s council voted to implement new stopping and parking restrictions on certain streets within the community.
Amendments to Traffic Bylaws
The decision was made in response to issues raised by staff, businesses, residents, and Durham Student Transportation Services. According to a report from the town’s staff, these concerns included heavy vehicles blocking cycle lanes, inconsistent parking spaces across the cycle corridor, drivers using roads as alternatives to highway rest stops, and congestion during school pick-up and drop-off times.
The new restrictions will apply to several locations within Whitby:
- Both sides of Conlin Road at all times between Thickson Road and the Whitby-Oshawa boundary
- Both sides of Garrard Road at all times between Conlin Road and its north terminus
- Both sides of Champlain Court at all times from Hopkins Street and its west limit
- The east and south sides of Blenheim Circle, between Ouellette Drive and Dagenham Drive, Monday to Friday between September and June, from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- The cul-de-sacs at Breezewood Court and Settlers Court, Monday to Friday between September and June, from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- The south side of Finnegan Place about 60 metres from the intersection with Fallingbrook Street, Monday to Friday between September and June, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
- Mary Street at all times on both or either the north or south side, between Garden and Palace streets
These restrictions are set to take effect after residents in affected areas receive notice from the town.
Enforcement and Implementation Timeline
The enforcement strategy for these new rules will follow a phased approach. Francesco Santaguida, Whitby’s legal services commissioner, explained that during the early days of implementation, the town would issue warnings to people who violate the restrictions. Once residents are aware of the changes, the town plans to increase patrols and ticketing as part of its regular route.
Additionally, the council deferred stopping restrictions for Water Street pending a review by staff to address safety concerns related to the road’s curves and potential parking locations.
Community Impact and Future Considerations
The implementation of these new traffic regulations is expected to impact local businesses and residents. While some may welcome the improvements in traffic flow, others might face challenges due to the restricted parking options. The town plans to engage with the community through various channels to ensure a smooth transition and gather feedback on the effectiveness of these measures.
Whitby’s approach to managing its streets reflects broader trends in municipal governance where local authorities are increasingly focusing on traffic management and community safety.
As more cities adopt similar strategies, residents can expect ongoing discussions and adjustments as municipalities continue to address evolving transportation needs.
The next steps for Whitby involve providing detailed notices to affected residents and closely monitoring the impact of these new regulations. By doing so, the town aims to enhance overall road safety and traffic efficiency while maintaining a balance that accommodates the diverse needs of its community.
