The Town of Whitby is charting a bold new course for the future of its historic Port Whitby Marina, with a proposed $5.2 million investment in major upgrades and expansion, including the construction of a multi-level indoor boat storage facility and a new public plaza for year-round community events and waterfront enjoyment.
At the upcoming council meeting, Town staff will present a detailed redevelopment plan that balances the preservation of essential marina operations with the growing demand for high-density development along Whitby’s waterfront. The east yard of the marina, currently used for outdoor boat storage, is being eyed for repurposing — partially for a state-of-the-art marine storage building and partially for future residential and commercial development opportunities.
The marina, which has operated since 1978 and has roots as a commercial port dating back to the 1800s, is considered one of Ontario’s premier boating destinations. With 420 wet slips and a current 90% capacity rate, the marina is a self-sustaining and appreciating municipal asset, serving both recreational boaters and the broader Whitby community.
Under the proposed plan, approximately 4.84 acres of the east yard could be freed up for long-term development, while 2.3 acres would be retained to accommodate marina operations and the new facility. The new multi-level rack storage building would replace aging outdoor infrastructure and provide secure, efficient, on-demand boat storage using forklift-assisted launch and retrieval services. This innovation is expected to meet growing demand while enhancing customer convenience.
The project also includes the development of a vibrant multi-use plaza south of the new building to host marina-related events, community programming, and public gatherings. The vision includes potential partnerships with key organizations such as the Whitby Sea Cadets, Durham Regional Police, Para-Search and Rescue, and the Coast Guard, enhancing the marina’s role as a community hub and public safety resource.
Town staff stress that removing the marina’s storage operations without replacement would cause “irreparable decline” to business. The recommended redevelopment option is seen as the most financially viable, with an estimated capital cost recovery period of just 4.5 years through increased revenue streams.
As Whitby’s waterfront continues to evolve with new residential towers replacing low-density housing and industrial land, this investment ensures the marina remains central to the town’s economic and cultural identity. The proposed upgrades are designed to enhance its reputation as a tourist attraction and gateway for thousands of annual visitors arriving by land and water.
The Port Whitby Marina currently spans 14.64 acres — split between the West Yard (7.64 acres) and East Yard (7 acres), divided by the Rowe Channel — and continues to be a critical economic and recreational asset for the region.