Whitby closes downtown Brooklin street to vehicles for a community space

Downtown Brooklin has a new community space with Adirondack chairs, picnic tables and a new mural.

Roebuck Street will be closed to vehicles and open to pedestrians until Sept. 30 as part of a Placemaking Pilot Project, according to a press release from the Town of Whitby. The idea is to draw visitors and increase foot traffic to events, shops and restaurants in downtown Brooklin.

The temporary space will feature chairs, picnic tables and a ‘Brooklin’ mural creating an extension of Grass Park. Local artists each painted a letter in the mural.

The project, part of a federal program called My Main Street Community Activator, got $65,000 in funding.

Whitby Mayor Don Mitchell thanked the federal government for the funding.

“Through this funding, we will provide additional space for our residents and visitors to connect and enjoy Downtown Brooklin events, shopping and more,” the mayor said. “I also want to recognize the many local artists who worked so hard to create the ‘Brooklin’ mural that is now the centrepiece of the space. We are fortunate to have so many talented artists who call our Town home.”

A mural was also painted on the road that reads ‘BROOKLIN’ with each letter painted by a different local artist, showcasing their creative vision and talent. #Whitby #Brooklin pic.twitter.com/osriWOElqr

— Lorne Coe (@lornecoe) August 12, 2022