Whitby

Whitby, located in Durham Region east of Toronto, is one of the fastest-growing communities in the Greater Toronto Area. The riding encompasses the Town of Whitby, including the rapidly expanding community of Brooklin to the north. Incumbent Progressive Conservative Lorne Coe had held the seat since winning a February 2016 by-election and was re-elected in 2018. During the previous term, Coe served as the Government Chief Whip in the Legislative Assembly from November 2018 to May 2022.

Candidates

Lorne Coe (Progressive Conservative) — A longtime Whitby resident of over 30 years who served on Whitby Town Council for 13 years, including as a regional councillor from 2010 to 2016. Before entering politics, Coe held senior positions in the Ontario government, working as a senior manager of communications at the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and the Ministry of Finance.

Sara Labelle (NDP) — A medical laboratory technologist with Lakeridge Health and a labour advocate who held a leadership role within the Hospital Professionals Division of OPSEU, representing healthcare workers in Durham Region.

Aadil Mohammed (Liberal) — The Liberal candidate in the riding.

Stephanie Leblanc (Green) — The Green Party candidate in the riding.

Other candidates included Trystan Lackner (New Blue), Emil Labaj (Ontario Party), Douglas Thom (Freedom Party), and Christopher Rinella (Independent).

Local Issues

Transportation infrastructure was a defining issue for Whitby during the 2018–2022 term. The removal of tolls on Highway 412, announced in February 2022 with effect from April 5, was a long-sought demand from Durham Region MPPs and had been a promise dating back to the 2018 campaign. The toll-free highway was expected to spur economic development along the Highway 407 corridor, including new manufacturing and warehousing facilities and a new medical facility projected to employ approximately 350 medical staff.

Growth management was another central issue. Whitby's population is forecast to grow to approximately 240,000 by 2051, and the province mandated the town to support the construction of 18,000 new homes by 2031. The expansion of the Brooklin community to the north was a particular focus, with multiple master-planned developments underway or proposed. Residents debated how to balance this rapid growth with the preservation of community character and the availability of services.

Healthcare also featured in local discussions. Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, located in Whitby, had faced staffing and funding pressures during the preceding years. The long-term care system was a province-wide concern following the COVID-19 pandemic, and candidates debated the adequacy of the province's long-term care system and the need for improved staffing and oversight in care homes.