In this issue of Whitby Thrive…

☀️ Today’s Weather in Whitby 

⚖️ Bonnie Crombie: Ontario Liberals' Choice to Challenge Doug Ford in 2026 Election

 🦘Oshawa's Unlikely Visitor: Kangaroo Evades Capture, Residents Join Search Efforts

🚔 DRPS and Partners Launch Awareness Campaign on Human Trafficking in Whitby and Oshawa

🚔 Unsettling Discovery in Bowmanville: Human Remains Found in Wooded Area

🗞️ Durham Region Papers Cease Print Publication: Journalists Left Jobless

 🍪 Interactive Gingerbread Experience at Oshawa Centre Raises Funds for Cancer Care

 📅 Whitby Events

Bonnie Crombie: Ontario Liberals' Choice to Challenge Doug Ford in 2026 Election

In a bid to revitalize the Liberal Party after consecutive electoral losses, Ontario Liberals have elected Bonnie Crombie as their leader. A three-term mayor and former MP, Crombie aims to lead the party against Premier Doug Ford in the 2026 election. Despite a record number of members signing up for the leadership race, only a fraction cast their ballots. Crombie, known for her clashes with Ford, faces challenges from the Progressive Conservatives and NDP, who criticize her as an elitist or liken her to Ford.

Oshawa's Unlikely Visitor: Kangaroo Evades Capture, Residents Join Search Efforts

The search for a kangaroo continues in Oshawa as residents and volunteers join forces to locate the marsupial that escaped from a transport truck during a pit stop at the Oshawa Zoo. The incident, captured in online videos, sparked community efforts to track the kangaroo's movements. Police alerts caution against approaching the animal, which has been sighted multiple times. Despite the challenges, volunteers, including park supervisor Cameron Preyde, express confidence in finding and safely securing the kangaroo, emphasizing community collaboration in the search.

DRPS and Partners Launch Awareness Campaign on Human Trafficking in Whitby and Oshawa

Members of the DRPS CARE Team, in collaboration with Durham Regional Crime Stoppers and the Region of Durham, have launched a campaign to raise awareness about human trafficking (HT) in Whitby and Oshawa. Large signs have been strategically placed along the 401 corridor on Consumers Drive in Whitby and Bloor Street West in Oshawa, identified as HT "hot spots" based on incident analysis. The permanent signage aims to constantly remind individuals about human trafficking and its prevalence in these areas. In 2022, the DRPS Human Trafficking Unit investigated 277 incidents, providing assistance to 225 individuals, including 112 minors, and resulting in 107 charges. As of October 31, 2023, the unit has investigated 244 incidents, assisting 204 individuals, including 100 minors, with 96 charges laid against 23 people. For additional information on human trafficking, the public is encouraged to visit stopHT.com.

Unsettling Discovery in Bowmanville: Human Remains Found in Wooded Area

In a somber discovery, human remains were found in a wooded area near Simpson Avenue and Baseline Road in Bowmanville on Tuesday morning. Members of the East Division, engaged in an unrelated search, made the unsettling find at around 4:30 a.m. While the identity of the deceased is known to the police, efforts are underway to inform the next of kin. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to ascertain the cause of death, and the Homicide Unit will oversee the ongoing investigation. Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the East Division Criminal Investigations Branch or Durham Regional Crime Stoppers, where anonymous tips may qualify for a cash reward. Further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.

Durham Region Papers Cease Print Publication: Journalists Left Jobless

In a significant blow to local journalism, Metroland Media Group has ceased the print operations of numerous community newspapers in Durham Region and throughout Ontario. Well-known publications such as Oshawa This Week, Whitby This Week, and others will no longer be available in print. The move, prompted by the company's financial struggles and shifting consumer and advertiser preferences, has resulted in 605 journalists being laid off without severance. Metroland Media Group seeks protection under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act as part of a larger restructuring plan. The decision has sparked concerns about the impact on local news, communities, and democratic fabric, with 10 community papers transitioning to online-only formats.

Interactive Gingerbread Experience at Oshawa Centre Raises Funds for Cancer Care

The Oshawa Centre unveils the festive Gingerbread Village, a new interactive family experience available until December 23. Packed with 3D gingerbread houses, oversized candy canes, and cookie decorating workshops, the event offers a delightful holiday atmosphere. Each $10 ticket contributes to the Lakeridge Health Foundation's Our Cancer Campaign, aiming to raise $20 million for enhanced cancer care in Durham Region. Chris Keillor, General Manager of Oshawa Centre, emphasizes the event's dual purpose of providing festive joy and supporting a crucial cause. To participate, visitors must pre-book timeslots, promoting a safe and enjoyable experience..

Coming Soon!

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

• Durham College Art Show - 2000 Simcoe Street North Room CFCE 145 - 4:00PM-9:00PM

• Christmas Light Show - Drive thru - Winter Festival - Ajax Downs Racetrack - 6:30PM

December 7th

• The Nutcracker Evening High Tea Premium Experience - York Durham Heritage Railway

• Christmas Light Show - Drive thru - Winter Festival - Ajax Downs Racetrack - 6:30PM

December 8th

• Candlelight Tours at Lynde House Museum

• Christmas Light Show - Drive thru - Winter Festival - Ajax Downs Racetrack - 6:30PM

December 9th

• Booster Juice Grand Opening Brooklin, ON - 5530 Baldwin Street South

• Christmas Light Show - Drive thru - Winter Festival - Ajax Downs Racetrack - 6:30PM

December 10th

• Christmas Light Show - Drive thru - Winter Festival - Ajax Downs Racetrack - 6:30PM

December 13th

• The Nutcracker Evening High Tea Premium Experience - York Durham Heritage Railway

December 14th

• The Nutcracker Evening High Tea Premium Experience - York Durham Heritage Railway

Coming Soon!