In this issue of Whitby Thrive…

⬆️ Regional Approval: Durham's 1635 Dundas Street East Shelter Agreement Passes with Decisive Vote

 🚓 Durham Police Crack Down on Impaired Driving: 2,000 Vehicles Stopped in First RIDE Program of the Season

⚖️ Tense Courtroom as Whitby Assault Trial Concludes Closing Statements

🚔 Early Morning Heist: Uber Driver Targeted in Armed Robbery in Whitby

🍽️ Whitby's Culinary Jewel: The Springwood Lands Coveted Spot on OpenTable's Top 100 Restaurants in Canada 2023!

☕️ Oprah's Favorite Things: Whitby's One More Cocoa Takes Center Stage with Delectable Delights

Regional Approval: Durham's 1635 Dundas Street East Shelter Agreement Passes with Decisive Vote

Durham Regional Council swiftly ratified an agreement on the contentious 1635 Dundas Street East low-barrier homeless shelter, requiring far less time than Whitby's local council. The regional decision, passed with a 19-8 vote, followed Whitby council's 5-4 vote after a six-hour session. Notably, the three Whitby regional councillors consistently opposing the shelter voted 'no,' joined by others from Oshawa and Brock. Despite concerns expressed by residents about the shelter's capacity, security, and cost distribution, the region approved the agreement. However, the shelter's opening, initially set for December 15, has been delayed, with a confirmed start date likely in January 2024.

Durham Police Crack Down on

Impaired Driving: 2,000 Vehicles Stopped in First RIDE Program of the Season

In the first week of the festive RIDE (reduce impaired driving everywhere) program, the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) stopped over 2,000 vehicles and charged 13 drivers with impaired driving offenses. This marks an increase compared to the same period in 2022 when 1,755 vehicles were stopped, and 14 drivers faced impaired driving charges. The DRPS administered 59 roadside breath tests, resulting in six drivers receiving three-day license suspensions, a decrease from 12 in the previous year. Additionally, five novice drivers received license suspensions, and 24 other Criminal Code charges were filed. The DRPS issued 204 Highway Traffic Act charges, up from 159 in the first week of the festive RIDE in 2022. During stops, police recovered two stolen vehicles, one driven by an impaired driver, and discovered a firearm.

Tense Courtroom as Whitby Assault Trial Concludes Closing Statements

The trial of Anthony Doiron-Francis in Whitby, accused of attempted murder and aggravated sexual assault in a violent 2020 attack, entered the closing arguments phase. The victim attended the trial for the first time, filling the courtroom with family and supporters. The key arguments centered on Doiron-Francis's intent and the sexual nature of the attack. Defense counsel Marco Sciarra explained the accused's behavior as influenced by the victim's pornography addiction, while the prosecution argued that the incident was sexual in nature, emphasizing the accused's actions and the victim's struggles. The judge questioned the defendant's motive for recording a video and challenged the defense's explanation of events. The trial continues via video appearance.

Early Morning Heist: Uber Driver Targeted in Armed Robbery in Whitby

In Whitby, an Uber driver taking a break was robbed by two armed men, one wielding a knife and the other a firearm, according to Durham police. The incident occurred around 6:20 a.m. on Nov. 27 near Springwood Street and Dundas Street East. The driver, parked on a roadway, was approached by the suspects who demanded money. After taking the victim's cash, the suspects fled on foot. The first suspect was described as 5'6" to 5'8" wearing a blue surgical mask, grey hoodie, and sweatpants. The second suspect, 5'4" to 5'6", also wore a blue surgical mask, grey hoodie, and sweatpants. Police urge anyone with information to contact them.

Whitby's Culinary Jewel: The Springwood Lands Coveted Spot on OpenTable's Top 100 Restaurants in Canada 2023!

Renowned online restaurant-reservation service OpenTable has unveiled its prestigious list of the top 100 restaurants in Canada for the year 2023, featuring the well-regarded establishment, The Springwood, located in Whitby. Described by its proprietors as a "neighbourhood restaurant," The Springwood offers a diverse menu ranging from a raw bar and seafood to robust proteins such as halibut, trout, and chicken Schnitzel.

The selection process for OpenTable's list was meticulous, drawing from an extensive pool of over 1.1 million diner reviews. Utilizing dining metrics, including diner ratings, the percentage of reservations made in advance, and five-star reviews, the list showcases some of the most favored dining spots as determined by diners throughout the year.

With an impressive 4.9 out of a potential five stars on Google, based on nearly 90 reviews, The Springwood has garnered acclaim for delivering an exceptional dining experience. One OpenTable reviewer expressed, "What an amazing dining experience. Food was top notch, cooked to perfection, and my tastebuds were loving every minute."

The OpenTable list features a total of 41 restaurants from Ontario, followed by British Columbia with 20, Alberta with 19, Quebec with 16, and Nova Scotia with 3. The geographical diversity reflects the culinary excellence found across the nation.

OpenTable also noted an upward trend in special occasion dining, reporting year-over-year increases for Valentine's Day (35 percent), Mother's Day (10 percent), and Father's Day (three percent). Steve Sintra, Senior Vice President, OpenTable Americas, emphasized that diners not only discuss culinary experiences within restaurant reviews but also display a growing appetite for these experiences. The data indicated a 35 percent increase in seated diners from January to September, compared to the previous year.

In anticipation of the upcoming holiday season, OpenTable expects diners to continue their enthusiasm for celebrating special occasions at restaurants, further reinforcing the pivotal role these establishments play in our evolving dining culture.

Oprah's Favorite Things: Whitby's One More Cocoa Takes Center Stage with Delectable Delights

Kenesha Lewis, owner of One More Cocoa in Whitby, is celebrating after her business earned a spot on Oprah's Favorite Things list, a curated selection of holiday gifts. The annual list features innovative gadgets, sustainable goods, and delightful treats, all priced under $50. One More Cocoa's hot chocolate trio, including milk chocolate, white chocolate, and Jamaican hot chocolate, caught Oprah's attention. The endorsement has significantly boosted business for Lewis, who started the venture during the pandemic.

Coming Soon!

December 1st

• Meta’s Holiday Hot Cocoa Event - Meta Employment Services - 8:00AM-12:00PM

• Christmas Goose - Beech Street Theatre Company - 5:30PM

December 2nd

• Whitby Santa Claus Parade - Downtown Whitby - 10:00AM

• Brock Street Brewing Company Tours - Brock Street Brewery - 12:00PM-4:00PM

• Oshawa Generals Vs. Brantford Bulldogs - Brantford Civic Centre - 4:00PM

• Christmas Goose - Beech Street Theatre Compnay - 5:30PM

December 3rd

• Oshawa Generals Vs. Guelph Storm - Sleeman Centre - 2:00PM

Coming Soon!