Elizabeth Roy
Mayor of the Town of Whitby
With ready access to industrial-ready land, transportation, skilled talent, and concierge support, Whitby is the ideal spot to site your business.
If growth is your goal, Whitby should be your next move. Situated about 40 minutes east of Toronto in the centre of Durham region, the Town of Whitby offers advantages and resources galore to businesses looking to start up or expand. “One of our greatest assets is our geographical location,” says Elizabeth Roy, Mayor of the Town of Whitby. “Our access to the 400-highway series and GO Transit system makes for easy commuting for workers and residents and direct market access for businesses.”
Whitby’s diverse and growing talent pool is driving growth across the manufacturing, health care, professional and scientific services and retail trade sectors. “As a region that’s tied into the energy and nuclear sectors through Ontario Power Generation (OPG), our local post-secondary institutions like Durham College are modifying their programs to train students for STEM professions so employers have ready access to a highly skilled workforce,” says Roy.
As one of Canada’s fastest growing communities, with a projected additional 100,000 people expected by 2031, Whitby is committed to enhancing and growing its infrastructure, facilities, and services. In partnership with the Whitby Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Whitby Business Improvement Area (BIA) and Invest Durham, the Town of Whitby provides a range of services and supports to businesses of all sizes, including small home-based businesses.
Through the 1855 Whitby Innovation Accelerator, the Spark Centre Regional Innovation Centre and OPG X-Lab nuclear innovation accelerator, Whitby provides a thriving ecosystem of resources for entrepreneurs and innovators to develop and commercialize. For builders Whitby’s Concierge Program is available to help streamline the plan approval process for eligible land developments, while the Community Improvement Plan offers financial incentives for building improvements within the two downtown cores.
Finally, with plenty of quality schools, recreation opportunities, two downtowns, a lively waterfront, and diverse affordable housing options, Whitby also offers a great quality of life. “There are a lot of great things happening here – Whitby is an exceptional place to live, work, and explore,” says Roy.
We spoke with Richard Watson, President of SoftMoc and Amy Fleming, President and CEO of Mazda Canada, about why Whitby remains the perfect fit for the company’s continued growth.
Richard Watson, President of Softmoc
Why did you choose Whitby?
We first set up shop here some 20+ years ago because it gave us access to diverse types of employees. We knew that as we expanded, we’d need people with different education levels, backgrounds, and skills that are available here.
What features of Whitby appeal to you the most?
With most of our stores in the GTA, Whitby is an excellent launch point, with good access to highways and transportation. When we started searching for a site for our new automated warehouse, we looked at several locations, but settled on Whitby, again because of what it offers – great employee base, good transport, and easy access for our team.
How has the Town of Whitby helped you?
Their services are very centralized with all the critical departments acting in synch, which really helped to move this latest project along. We’re very happy with the results.
Amy Fleming, President and CEO of Mazda Canada
Why did you choose Whitby for your new Parts Distribution Centre?
When we were evaluating locations, Whitby stood out. As one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities, it offers access to a diverse and expanding talent pool. The strategic location—close to major highways like 407 and 401—was a key factor. It allows for efficient transportation of goods, which is critical to our operations.
How did the Town of Whitby help you?
The Town’s Planning & Development Department and Economic Development Office guided us through the permitting and approvals process and acted as a bridge between our team and local service providers. They were collaborative, responsive, and genuinely invested in our success.
What is your advice to other businesses considering Whitby?
Engage with the Town early in your planning process. Their expertise and resources can help you build the right connections, streamline approvals, and even uncover financial incentives.
Whether you’re an established company, tech start up, or a small business, Whitby is open for business. Learn more by visiting whitby.ca/Invest.
