Peter Perry Winner Announced 2025

Whitby, ON – October 2025 — The Town of Whitby and the Whitby Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce Leo Plue as the recipient of the 2025 Peter Perry Award, the town’s most prestigious honour recognizing outstanding community service and leadership.

Each year, the Peter Perry Award celebrates those who strengthen Whitby not through titles or headlines, but through lasting contributions that enrich lives and inspire others. This year’s honouree, Leo Plue, exemplifies that spirit of selfless dedication, vision, and community building.

For more than four decades, Plue has shaped the social, educational, and compassionate fabric of Whitby. His career with the Durham District School Board spanned 28 years—as a teacher, coach, vice-principal, principal, and later as a provincial leader who helped modernize Ontario’s high school system. He played a key role in developing the Ontario eLearning Consortium, opening new pathways to success for thousands of students across the province. To this day, many still fondly refer to him as “coach,” “mentor,” or “the person who believed in me.”

Following his retirement from education, Plue turned his energy toward one of the most transformative social projects in Canada—the Abilities Centre. As Founding Executive Director, and with the shared vision of the late Honourable Jim Flaherty and Christine Elliott, he helped turn the Centre from a bold idea into an internationally recognized model for accessibility, inclusion, and human potential. His leadership helped create a space where people of all abilities can reach their full potential.

Plue’s commitment to improving community well-being continued through his work with the Whitby Hospital Task Force, helping secure Whitby as the site of the new regional critical care hospital—a generational achievement that will serve Durham Region families for decades to come. Today, he continues to make a difference as Chair of the Board for Grandview Kids, guiding the expansion of services for children with physical, developmental, and communication needs, and as a board member of Sloane’s House, supporting families caring for children with complex medical needs.

In recognition of his lifelong service, Plue has received both the Ontario Volunteer Service Award and the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025.

“Leo Plue’s lifelong dedication to education, accessibility, and community service reflects the very foundation of what makes Whitby strong,” said Karey Anne Large, CEO of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce. “He has built a legacy that will benefit generations to come, and we are honoured to celebrate him as this year’s Peter Perry Award recipient.”
Due to prior travel commitments, Plue was unable to attend the October ceremony. However, in true Whitby spirit, community leaders and past Peter Perry recipients surprised him in a private gathering earlier this month to share the news and celebrate his extraordinary contributions.

“Leo embodies the very best of Whitby — kindness, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to others,” said Mayor Elizabeth Roy. “From education to accessibility and health care, his influence can be seen in every corner of our community. It’s truly fitting that we celebrate him with Whitby’s highest honour. He has dedicated his life to ensuring others have opportunities to thrive, and in doing so, has built a legacy that reflects the heart and soul of Whitby.”

The Whitby Chamber of Commerce congratulates Leo Plue on joining the distinguished circle of Peter Perry Award recipients—individuals whose vision, compassion, and commitment have shaped the community for generations to come.

About the Peter Perry Award
Established in 1955, the Peter Perry Award is Whitby’s highest honour, named after the town’s founder. Each year, the award recognizes an individual who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the community’s social, cultural, or economic well-being. The Whitby Chamber of Commerce is proud to manage this award on behalf of the Town of Whitby.

Media Contact:
Whitby Chamber of Commerce
Email: info@whitbychamber.org
Phone: (905) 668-4506
Website: www.whitbychamber.org