Mayor's Newsletter doesn't mention the cull
Coyote Information and Community Safety. Learn more, stay safe & report sightings.
Mayor's Monthly Newsletter - August 2026
Hello, Whitby! My monthly newsletter keeps residents informed about what’s happening in our town and encourages engagement and communication. I’m always open to hearing your feedback! Email mayor@whitby.ca or call 905-430-4300 ext. 2203 to connect with me. -- Elizabeth Roy
Because You Asked: Coyote safety
I have received many questions and concerns from residents about coyotes this summer. Here is an overview of how the Town is responding so far and what’s happening next.
Whitby's Animal Services team is working closely with Durham Regional Police Service to monitor reported coyote activity, increase patrols where appropriate, and install additional warning signage.
I am also in daily contact with the Town's CAO, police, and other community partners to receive updates.
Whitby already has strong coyote monitoring tools in place, including an online reporting tool and public coyote sightings dashboard, which are both are well used by residents and provide valuable information that helps staff identify trends
On July 20, we held a special Council education session on coyotes.
Highlights from the meeting.
A new Coyote Coexistence and Response Strategy has been developed, aimed at reducing human-coyote conflicts while prioritizing human safety.
The Town's data shows 546 reported coyote sightings, 2 reported interactions with pets, and 2 bite incidents over the past 12 months.
Public education has been boosted in recent weeks, including social media posts, large Curbex signage, and warning signs in parks.
In the past year, there were over 12,600 engagements on the Town’s social media posts providing coyote education.
Next steps include:
Updating the Town's coyote reporting tool to enhance the level of detail that can be submitted by residents.
Partnering with Coyote Watch Canada to conduct inspections of areas with a high rate of sightings and implement additional mitigation measures.
Scheduling door-to-door canvassing of areas with a high rate of sightings to provide residents with education.
Hosting a public open house in August to provide the community with information and answer questions from residents.
Watch the Town of Whitby's social media accounts for updates.
I have also added coyote safety to the agenda for my annual Community Safety Roundtable coming up at the end of the summer. This initiative brings together Town staff, police, school boards and other partners to addressing emerging safety issues in Whitby.
Learn more about coyote safety, view the coyote dashboard, and report a sighting at whitby.ca/coyotes
Town of Whitby
575 Rossland Road East
Whitby, ON L1N 2M8
905-430-4300
service@whitby.ca
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Contact Us
Town of Whitby
575 Rossland Road East
Whitby, ON L1N 2M8
905-430-4300
service@whitby.ca