Whitby-Ontario is located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario within driving distance of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Surveyed in 1792 and incorporated in 1855, the town is 146.52 square kilometres (56.58 square miles) with a 2011 population of more than 120,000 residents. Whitby is an important city for the Durham region sharing many of the public services thereof.
In Danish, Whitby means "white village." The town was named after another Whitby in the United Kingdom. The location was ideal due to the natural harbour on Lake Ontario allowing agricultural products to be shipped therefrom. The city is a nice mixture of rural and urban environments.
One of the more exciting claims to fame of Whitby-Ontario is the infamous secret spy facility, called "Camp X" run by Sir William Stephenson during World War II.
The primary businesses in Whitby-Ontario are General Motors, Gerdau Ameristeel, Johnson Controls and McGraw-Hill Ryerson. The transportation systems are well developed with the Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Railway running through this area. The Greater Toronto Pearson International Airport is a short cab ride away. Ontario Highway 401 traverses Whitby, along with Highways 7 and 12. GO Transit provides public transportation services for the region.
Education is provided by Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. Residents learn about all the local events by reading "This Week" newspaper.
The Whitby Public Library, Durham Council for the Arts and Whitby Courthouse Theatre offer a wide range of activities. The Whitby Dunlops have a storied tradition in ice hockey hearkening back to the 1950s. The wealthy enjoy themselves at the Whitby Yacht Club.