Whitby residents who are 65 or older or living with a disability have until the end of October to register for the Town's free windrow and sidewalk snow clearing program, according to the Town of Whitby's website. The page lists Oct. 31 as the registration deadline for the winter season.
The service is open to people who live in the Town of Whitby and are at least 65 years old or have a disability. It is provided at no cost. Residents can review the program's frequently asked questions online or call 905-668-1424 for more information.
Tax help and property tax relief
The Town's 55+ Recreation services also coordinate free income tax return preparation for low-income seniors each year between March 1 and April 30. Basic returns are completed by 55+ Centre volunteers who have been trained by Revenue Canada.
The clinic is intended for seniors with an income under $35,000, or couples with a combined income under $45,000. It runs as a drop-off service: eligible residents leave their tax information at the front desk of the 55+ Recreation Centre, and volunteers work on the forms at home, calling participants to review details and again when the returns are ready for pickup. Questions can be directed to 55Plus@whitby.ca or 905-668-1424.
The Town additionally offers property tax relief programs for low-income seniors.
Mental wellness workshops available online
Adults 55 and older can also access a free four-part mental wellness series called Mindful Aging. The workshops address brain health and memory, coping with life transitions such as retirement, loss and changes in living arrangements, and mindfulness. The initiative was funded by the Government of Ontario's Senior Community Grant Program in partnership with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.
The videos were filmed between October 2025 and March 2026. They include a creative session facilitated by PeaceLove.org that combines mandala art and poetry, a workshop on self-care and emotional wellness in later life, a session on dementia care, and a guide to mindful habits presented by Angelique Benois, a psychotherapist and director of Nurturing Our Wellbeing.
No art or writing experience is needed for the creative workshop, and viewers are asked to have a piece of 8.5-by-11-inch paper and coloured pencils, pens or crayons on hand to follow along.
Broader community supports
The Town's website also directs older residents to a range of Durham Region resources, including help for abuse and safety concerns, mental health services, transportation options, housing resources, caregiver support, seniors' day programs and financial assistance.
At the 55+ Centre, hot food service at Mingles Café has ended, but refreshments and baked goods continue to be available from 9 a.m. to noon, the Town said. Full details on all 55+ programs and services are available at whitby.ca.