Whitby: Sue Cullen Green named 2026 Peter Perry Award recipient

Sue Cullen Green has received the 2026 Peter Perry Award, the highest honour bestowed upon a citizen of the Town of Whitby, the Whitby Chamber of Commerce announced on November 6. Mayor Elizabeth Roy revealed the recipient at the Chamber's annual Peter Perry and Business Achievement Awards on November 5 at Deer Creek Golf and Banquet Facility.

Named for Whitby's founder, the award recognizes a resident whose contributions have made a lasting difference to the community. The Whitby Chamber of Commerce manages the nomination and selection process and has presented the award since 1955.

Green joined her father, Len Cullen, to help run and manage Cullen Gardens and Miniature Village, promoting it as a major Ontario tourist destination. For years the attraction drew families from across the province and was an economic driver for Whitby. Since its closing, she has dedicated herself to serving the community through volunteer leadership and philanthropy, much of it done quietly or anonymously, according to the Chamber.

Her community involvement includes serving as a board member and counsellor with Distress Centre Durham, chairing the Whitby in Bloom Committee, serving on the Mayor's Community Development Fund and the Abilities Centre gala committee, and sitting on the Bell Box Mural Project Committee since 2015. She also supports the Alzheimer Society and advocates for people facing mental health challenges, poverty and food insecurity.

Green spearheaded the funding and creation of two bronze sculptures: one honouring her father, Len Cullen, at the former Cullen Gardens site, and one of Sir William Stephenson at Celebration Square at the Whitby Library. She also campaigned for the park and the Wounded Warriors space on the former Cullen Gardens site. Together with her husband, Bryan, she has served as a matching donor for both the Abilities Centre and Station Gallery, and has successfully nominated two people to the Order of Canada and two recipients of the Peter Perry Award.

"The Peter Perry Award honours the people who build this town, and few have built more of it than Sue Cullen Green," said Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy. "From the gardens that helped put Whitby on the map to the many causes she has quietly supported, Sue has shaped the community we all share."

"Sue Cullen Green has spent decades making Whitby a better place, and she has rarely asked for credit for any of it," said Karey Anne Large, CEO of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce. "Her nominators described someone who brings time, treasure and talent to every cause she takes on. It is an honour to see her recognized by the community she has given so much to."