In this issue of Whitby Thrive…

☀️ Today’s Weather in Whitby 

 💉 Flu Season Kicks Off in Canada, Health Officials Stress Urgent Vaccination

👉Canada Advances Bail-Reform Legislation Amidst Calls for Increased Scrutiny

🚔 Fatal Accident Unfolds as Speeding Vehicle Crashes into Lake Ontario

 🚨Ajax Businesses Hit in Organized Theft Spree: Durham Police Release Descriptions of Culprits

🛍️ Former Walmart Space Transforms: Talize Set to Grace Oshawa-Courtice with Secondhand Wonders

 🚗 Tool Die-Namics and More: Ontario Government Pours Millions into Automotive Tech Advancements

 🥅 Puck Drop for a Purpose: Benefit Celebrity Hockey Game Returns to Whitby

 🏒 Generals Face Heartbreak in Guelph: 3-2 Loss Snaps Brief Winning Moment

 📅 Whitby Events

Flu Season Kicks Off in Canada, Health Officials Stress Urgent Vaccination

Flu season has officially begun in Canada, with a positive test rate of 7.5 percent reported as of November 25. Dr. Allison McGeer advises prompt flu vaccination, highlighting the dominance of the H1N1 strain. Concerns are also raised about rising COVID-19 cases, with a 20 percent positivity rate in Public Health Ontario's recent report. Dr. McGeer urges continued vigilance and emphasizes the importance of vaccination amid the coexistence of flu and COVID-19.a

Canada Advances Bail-Reform Legislation Amidst Calls for Increased Scrutiny

The Canadian government's bail-reform legislation is on track to become law after the House of Commons accepted Senate amendments. Introduced in response to concerns about public safety and high-profile crimes, the bill expands reverse-onus provisions in certain offenses. Despite concerns about potential impacts on marginalized communities, the legislation aims to strike a balance between public safety and individual rights. Justice Minister Arif Virani called for improved data collection on bail decisions to inform future legislative decisions.

Fatal Accident Unfolds as Speeding Vehicle Crashes into Lake Ontario

In the early hours of Saturday morning, tragedy struck as a car careened into Lake Ontario, resulting in one fatality and another individual hospitalized.

According to Toronto police, the incident unfolded around 3:30 a.m. on Cherry Street, where the vehicle, allegedly speeding, lost control near a construction site on a bridge, ultimately crashing into the waters below.

Regrettably, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene, marking a somber conclusion to the unsettling event. On a slightly hopeful note, the passenger survived and was transported to the hospital with injuries deemed non-life threatening.

Authorities are actively seeking information regarding the crash, urging anyone with details or video footage to come forward. Toronto police can be contacted at (416) 808-1900, and individuals wishing to remain anonymous can reach out to Crime Stoppers at (416) 222-8477 (TIPS).

Ajax Businesses Hit in Organized Theft Spree: Durham Police Release Descriptions of Culprits

Durham Police are investigating a series of thefts targeting businesses in Ajax, where five suspects using three distinct vehicles stole auto parts, copper piping, and tools. Descriptions of suspects and vehicles have been provided. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Det.-Cst. Dupont via email or phone at [email protected] or call 905-579-1520, extension 2533.

Former Walmart Space Transforms: Talize Set to Grace Oshawa-Courtice with Secondhand Wonders

In an exciting development for thrifty shoppers, Talize, the renowned thrift retailer specializing in resale clothing and assorted goods, is set to open a new store in the former Walmart space at the Kingsway Village Shopping Centre. The strategic location, situated at King Street East and Townline Road on the Oshawa-Courtice border, marks Talize's expansion in the region, complementing its existing store at 1615 Dundas St. E. within the Whitby Mall.

While an official opening date for the Oshawa store is yet to be announced, the anticipation grows as Talize has already posted a job opening for a retail floor manager at the forthcoming 1300 King St. E. location.

Talize, founded in 2005 in Toronto, boasts a strong presence with 13 stores nationwide and a workforce exceeding 700 employees, primarily concentrated in Ontario. The Oshawa establishment will mark the 14th addition to the growing Talize chain, promising residents an extensive selection of second-hand treasures.

Tool Die-Namics and More: Ontario Government Pours Millions into Automotive Tech Advancements

The Ontario government is investing nearly $9.6 million in 26 small- and medium-sized automotive parts suppliers to facilitate technological advancements. Announced by Vic Fedeli, the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, the initiative aims to enhance competitiveness and create 111 new jobs. The funding, with $3.5 million through the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP), supports local manufacturers and expands the automotive supply chain. Among the beneficiaries is Pickering-based Tool Die-Namics Inc., receiving $150,000 to invest in state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment. The initiative underscores a commitment to a more prosperous, eco-friendly, and innovative future for Ontario's automotive industry.

Puck Drop for a Purpose: Benefit Celebrity Hockey Game Returns to Whitby

In a continuation of its annual tradition, Durham Regional Crime Stoppers is set to host a Benefit Celebrity Hockey Game, showcasing the skills of NHL alumni alongside Whitby firefighters.

Scheduled for Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 2 p.m., the event will unfold at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre in Whitby. Attendees can not only relish the excitement of the game but also contribute to the Crime Stoppers program, which tirelessly works towards ensuring the safety of Durham Region residents.

The family-friendly event invites community members to come together, fostering a sense of camaraderie while supporting a crucial cause. Ticket sales are already in progress, offering an opportunity for locals to partake in an entertaining day that also contributes to the betterment of their community.

For additional details and ticket information, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the Durham Regional Crime Stoppers website. Don't miss out on this chance to enjoy a thrilling hockey match while actively participating in the ongoing efforts to maintain a secure and vibrant living environment in Durham Region.

Generals Face Heartbreak in Guelph:

3-2 Loss Snaps Brief Winning Moment

The Oshawa Generals, fresh from breaking a five-game losing streak against the Brantford Bulldogs, faced the Guelph Storm in a challenging matchup. Despite an early lead, the Generals succumbed to a 3-2 defeat, unable to sustain their momentum from the previous victory. The game showcased moments of defensive prowess, notably in penalty kills, but Guelph's resilience turned the tide, securing them the lead in the second period. Rasmus Kumpulainen's late goal for the Generals injected a spark, but they couldn't equalize, concluding their visit to the Sleeman Centre with a narrow loss. The road trip for the Generals continues, featuring matchups against the Ottawa 67's and subsequent Western Conference rivals in Windsor and Sarnia before returning home to face the Mississauga Steelheads on December 13th.

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 4th

• Autism Ontario Central East - Teen & Adult Art Class with Wildlife Academy - Virtual - 5:00 PM - https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?id=8913

December 5th

• Autism Ontario Central East - Teen & Adult Art Class with Wildlife Academy - Virtual - 5:00 PM - https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?id=8913

December 6th

• Autism Ontario Central East - Teen & Adult Art Class with Wildlife Academy - Virtual - 5:00 PM - https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?id=8913

December 7th

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

• Autism Ontario Central East - Teen & Adult Art Class with Wildlife Academy - Virtual - 5:00 PM - https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?id=8913

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

• Ben Bankas - Comdian - Yuk Yuks Oshawa - 8:00PM

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!