Roebuck Street recieves $90,000 revitalization project in Whitby

Whitby’s Roebuck Street in downtown Brooklin is set to see a major revitalization thanks to the Federal My Main Street program, designed to help downtowns recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Roebuck Street investment comes through the Program’s “Community Activator” fund. The program supplies $15 million to municipalities throughout Southern Ontario to improve their downtowns.

Mayor Elizabeth Roy and MP Ryan Turnbull announced the 90,000 set for Roebuck Street last weekend at the Whitby Harvest Festival.

The funds will pay for “improvement along Roebuck Street and throughout Grass Park including lighting, a new bike rack, Muskoka chairs, an outdoor foosball table and cornhole games, solar-powered self-compacting garbage bins, and a vibrant ‘Field to Fork’ mural by local artist Chrrie.”

Chrrie’s art combines numerous media such as painting, sculpture and felted needlework. Their pieces often include a bright, vibrant colour pallet and surreal imagery.

“Thank you to the federal government and Whitby MP Ryan Turnbull for this funding to further enhance Roebuck Street and Grass Park,” said Roy.

“Helping our two downtowns become thriving destinations is a key action item in Whitby’s Community Strategic Plan, and this grant will help us build on the momentum already underway in Downtown Brooklin. I can’t wait to see residents enjoying the enhanced space.”

In addition to fixing up the Roebuck Street and the park, seven businesses also received a collective $70,000 in support grants.