In this issue of Whitby Thrive…

☀️ Today’s Weather in Whitby 

 🦘Kangaroo on the Loose: Oshawa Zoo's Escapee Evades Capture, Search Resumes

 🥫 Feed the Need and Whitby Collaborate on Market-Style Food Bank to Tackle Rising Food Insecurity

⚖️ Drug Bust in Clarington: Two Arrested, More Than $90,000 in Drugs Seized

🚔 Durham Driver Charged After Speeding Past Two Police Vehicles

🚔 Pick-Up Driver Faces Stunt Driving Charges, Loses Vehicle in Scugog

🚔 G1 Driver Charged for Excessive Speeds in Durham: Caution Urged on Roads

⛑️ Whitby Resident and Entrepreneur, Erika Andrusiak, Empowers Community Through First Aid Training

🏠 Render Developments: Joel Davies' Visionary Approach to Transforming Real Estate Sales

 📅 Whitby Events

Kangaroo on the Loose: Oshawa Zoo's Escapee Evades Capture, Search Resumes

A kangaroo escaped from the Oshawa Zoo and Fun Farm in Ontario while being offloaded from a transport truck during a transfer to a zoo in Quebec. The marsupial, one of two, leaped over handlers on Thursday night, prompting a search effort. The kangaroo was only intended for an overnight stop at the Oshawa Zoo. A video captured it hopping along Winchester Road on Friday morning, about three kilometers south of the zoo. Despite efforts to recapture the kangaroo, it remained elusive. The search, halted due to darkness, is set to resume on Saturday morning. Authorities caution the public to stay away from the animal and report sightings to Team Chelsea.

Feed the Need and Whitby Collaborate on Market-Style Food Bank to Tackle Rising Food Insecurity

In response to the growing need for affordable food options in Whitby, Feed the Need in Durham (FTNID) and the Town of Whitby have collaborated to establish a volunteer-run market-style food bank. Starting in early 2024, the town will provide 1,000 square feet of unused office space in the Iroquois Park Sports Centre to FTNID for three years. The market-style food bank will operate on a grocery store model, allowing clients to freely browse shelves and choose foods that best meet their needs. This approach aims to offer more fresh and frozen items like meat, eggs, and milk. The initiative comes amid a significant increase in food bank usage in Whitby, with a 46% rise in visits and a 36% increase in clients between April 2022 and March 2023.

Drug Bust in Clarington: Two Arrested, More Than $90,000 in Drugs Seized

Two individuals are facing charges after Durham Regional Police executed a search warrant at a residence near Nash and Varcoe roads in Clarington. The search was part of a drug trafficking investigation that concluded on Friday. Drugs with an estimated value exceeding $90,000, along with a substantial amount of Canadian and American currency, were confiscated during the operation. The east division community response team, in collaboration with the central west division community response team and the drug enforcement unit, conducted the investigation. The arrested individuals, a 37-year-old Clarington man and a 43-year-old Whitby woman, face charges such as possession for the purpose of trafficking (MDMA) and two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine). Both individuals were held for a bail hearing.

Durham Driver Charged After Speeding Past Two Police Vehicles

A Durham driver is facing charges after speeding past two police vehicles at 126 km/h in an 80 km/h zone. The driver was stopped and charged accordingly for the offense. Police remind drivers to adhere to speed limits, emphasizing that passing other vehicles does not grant the right to exceed posted speed limits.

Pick-Up Driver Faces Stunt Driving Charges, Loses Vehicle in Scugog

In Scugog, a pick-up truck driver had their vehicle seized and faced roadside suspension after being charged with stunt driving on Nov. 30. Police emphasize that driving is a privilege, not a right.

G1 Driver Charged for Excessive

Speeds in Durham: Caution Urged

on Roads

A G1 driver is facing charges for excessive speeds after being observed passing vehicles at 96 km/h in a 50 km/h residential zone. The driver, alone in the vehicle, was charged accordingly. Police highlight the lack of prudence in such actions.

Whitby Resident and Entrepreneur, Erika Andrusiak, Empowers Community Through First Aid Training

Erika Andrusiak is a dedicated community supporter and the owner of Durham First Aid Inc. A resident of downtown Whitby, Erika holds a degree in Urban Planning from the University of Waterloo. After working in the planning field for eight years, she found her true passion in first aid and took on a part-time role as a First Aid Coordinator at the Durham branch of the Canadian Red Cross in 2012. Following a restructuring in 2014, Erika decided to start her own business, and in 2015, she founded Durham First Aid Inc., with a training center opening in Oshawa in 2017. Erika is committed to providing high-quality first aid and CPR courses to the public, ensuring participants gain confidence and knowledge to respond effectively in emergencies.

Render Developments: Joel Davies' Visionary Approach to Transforming Real Estate Sales

Joel Davies, the owner of Render Developments, has been a stalwart in the digital marketing realm since 2004. Armed with a background in Urban Studies from Concordia University, Joel found his passion in architecture, leading him to establish Render Developments. This company specializes in providing real estate animation and solutions to municipalities and developers, offering high-quality 3D animation videos for the real estate market.

Four years ago, Joel and his business partner recognized the increasing demand for superior animated videos in the market. They seized the opportunity, launching Render Developments to meet the need for top-notch animation, user-friendly software, and an enhanced customer experience. Joel is not only dedicated to advancing his business but also takes pride in contributing to community development.

Coming Soon!

December 2nd

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

• 2023 Holiday Pop-up Market-Black Queens of Durham Region - Audley Arena - 12:00PM-7:00PM

• 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

• Brunch with Santa - Kelseys Roadhouse - 10 Kingston Rd W, Ajax - 9:30AM-11:00AM

• 2023 Holiday Pop-up Market-Black Queens of Durham Region - Audley Arena - 12:00PM-7:00PM

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

• Transiberian Orchestra - Scotiabank Arean - 3:00PM-7:00PM

Coming Soon!