The town was first settled in 1800 and was incorporated in 1855. Its harbour on the lake made it ideal for the shipping of grain to various other points, especially in the United States.
Today, Whitby is the seat of government in Durham Region, and the regional government is the town's largest employer. Also located in the town is the Whitby Mental Health Centre[?], a large psychiatric hospital.
Several manufacturing businesses are located in Whitby.
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