Whitby council entered 2025 amid hopes for improved cooperation, but ongoing internal conflict continued to dominate proceedings throughout the year, drawing concern over governance, costs, and stalled priorities.
Tensions remained high following week-long suspensions issued to councillors Chris Leahy and Steve Yamada after council approved recommendations from the town’s integrity commissioner. The suspensions stemmed from complaints related to comments made by Leahy alleging differential treatment of Yamada based on race—claims that were not supported by subsequent investigations.
Council disputes persisted through the year, including further allegations of misconduct, accusations of inaction during the summer months, and the fallout from an additional racism investigation that again found no evidence of racially motivated treatment. While investigators concluded Yamada was treated differently, they determined race was not the cause.
Yamada has since filed an application with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal against three councillors, the Town of Whitby, and the integrity commissioner, alleging discrimination.
As political tensions mounted, progress on other major municipal priorities slowed. Efforts to advance plans for a new Whitby hospital remain stalled, with the province yet to transfer designated lands near Highways 407, 412, and 7 to the town. Although provincial officials confirmed the hospital will be built in Whitby, no construction timeline has been announced.
Managing growth also continues to pose challenges for council, as provincial density policies around major transit stations limit the municipality’s ability to restrict development. Residents near the Whitby GO Station can expect increased high-rise construction in the coming years, raising concerns about infrastructure capacity, community character, and property taxes.
With pressures mounting on governance, health care planning, and growth management, residents and officials alike are hoping for a more stable and collaborative year ahead—one focused on delivering results rather than internal disputes.
photo Credits : https://www.durhamregion.com/news/looking-back-council-fights-continue/article_11165653-4839-5182-8b11-73b711a3d98b.html
