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  • Catch Up on Whitby: Nova's Ark, Holiday Safety, Major Theft Recovery, and Christmas Cheer!

Catch Up on Whitby: Nova's Ark, Holiday Safety, Major Theft Recovery, and Christmas Cheer!

Issue #013

13 Dec

Issue #013 - December 13, 2023

In this issue of Whitby Thrive…

☀️ Today’s Weather in Whitby 

 🦊 Whitby Committee Postpones Decision on Nova’s Ark Animal Bylaw Exemption Amid High Interest

 🔥 Preventing Holiday Hazards: Whitby's Campaign for Safer Cooking Practices

🚔 Ajax Mother Arrested for Drunk Driving with Young Children in Whitby

 🚨 Clarington Police Recover Stolen Trailers Worth Over $100,000; Seek Public's Help

 🎄 Holiday Magic at Pringle’s Christmas Fest!

 🎁 Town Teams Up with Owasco VW for Holiday Toy Drive: Donate at Iroquois Park!

 🔔 Got a Favourite Whitby Business? Nominate Them for a Feature in Our Community Newsletter!

 🏒 Hockey Tournament at Iroquois Park: Key Info for Whitby Residents on Parking and Recreation

 📅 Whitby Events

Whitby Committee Postpones Decision on Nova’s Ark Animal Bylaw Exemption Amid High Interest

The Whitby Committee of the Whole postponed their meeting on Nova’s Ark's request for an exemption from the town's animal bylaw due to numerous delegations. The charity, known for animal-assisted therapy, has several animals that violate the bylaw. While the town staff advised against the exemption, citing safety concerns, there is a commitment to rehome the affected animals safely. The issue will be further discussed and voted on in January 2024. Read more.

Preventing Holiday Hazards: Whitby's Campaign for Safer Cooking Practices

Flames in the fireplace

Whitby Fire and Emergency Services (WFES) has initiated its "12 Days of Holiday Safety" campaign, highlighting the crucial need for safe cooking practices during the holiday season. This campaign comes in response to 13 fires since September 1, directly related to cooking mishaps. Cooking-related incidents are a leading cause of house fires in Ontario, including Whitby. WFES's campaign aims to educate residents on preventing such fires through various safety tips.

Key safety tips include staying in the kitchen while cooking, using timers to regularly check food, keeping flammable items like dish towels and oven mitts away from the stovetop, adhering to manufacturer guidelines for appliance use, being cautious with oil, turning pot handles inward, creating a safe zone free from kids and pets, and knowing how to handle small grease fires. Additionally, the importance of having working smoke alarms on each home level and outside sleeping areas is emphasized for early fire detection. For more detailed safety information, residents are directed to visit Whitby.ca/fire. Read more.

Ajax Mother Arrested for Drunk Driving with Young Children in Whitby

A 36-year-old Ajax woman was arrested in Whitby for driving under the influence of alcohol with her three young children in the car. Concerned citizens noticed her dangerous driving and aided in her apprehension. Tests showed her blood alcohol levels were more than twice the legal limit. She now faces multiple charges, including impaired driving and endangering life. Read more.

Clarington Police Recover Stolen Trailers Worth Over $100,000; Seek Public's Help

Sunset on Semi Truck

Two stolen trailers, along with their contents valued at over $100,000, were recovered in Clarington. Police are seeking further information from the public and have provided contact details for tips, including the option for anonymous reporting.

Authorities are now seeking additional information and are appealing to the public for any relevant surveillance or dashcam footage. Detective Constable Kapeluk of the East Division Criminal Investigations Branch is the primary contact for tips, available at 1-888-579-1520, extension 1612. Additionally, anonymous tips can be directed to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or through their website at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca. Read more.

Holiday Magic at Pringle’s Christmas Fest!

Celebrate the Holiday Season with a Farm Visit to Meet Santa!

Get ready for festive cheer as Santa Claus makes his way to our farm! Here's a glimpse of the holiday magic awaiting you:

  • Meet and Greet with Santa: Spend some time with the jolly old man himself.

  • Capture Memories: Take your own photos with Santa for those special holiday moments.

  • Winter Wagon Ride Storytime: Enjoy captivating stories during a scenic winter wagon ride.

  • Greenhouse Entertainment: Experience live music and captivating shows in our unique greenhouse setting.

  • Enjoy Rudolph’s Pancake Kitchen: Indulge in delicious pancakes right in the greenhouse.

  • Create Holiday Crafts: Get creative with our Do-It-Yourself Christmas craft activities.

  • Indulge in Festive Food and Snacks: Savour a variety of seasonal treats and eats.

  • Warm up at Cozy Bonfires: Gather around for warmth and storytelling.

  • Mistletoe Market Shopping: Browse through a selection of holiday gifts and decorations.

  • Choose Your Christmas Tree: Visit The Pingle’s Christmas Tree Lot for the perfect tree.

Join in the holiday fun available every weekend from December 2nd to December 17th! More information.

Town Teams Up with Owasco VW for Holiday Toy Drive: Donate at Iroquois Park!

Photo Credit: lyndehousemuseum.com

The Town, in collaboration with Owasco VW, is hosting a “Stuff-a-VW Taos” toy drive, a heartwarming initiative aimed at supporting local families during the holiday season. Community members are encouraged to participate by donating new, unwrapped toys at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre. The collection, ongoing until Thursday, December 22, will be placed in a festively decorated VW Taos located in the center's lobby. All contributions will be distributed by The Salvation Army to bring joy to families just in time for Christmas. Read more.

Got a Favourite Whitby Business? Nominate Them for a Feature in Our Community Newsletter!

Whitby Thrive, your local community newsletter, is on the lookout for remarkable businesses to feature in our upcoming editions! We're calling on our readers to help us in this endeavour. If you know a local business in Whitby that deserves some recognition, we would love to hear from you. Nominate your favourite local business by sending us an email. This is a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on those businesses that make our community special. Don't miss the chance to help a local business get the spotlight it deserves!

Hockey Tournament at Iroquois Park: Key Info for Whitby Residents on Parking and Recreation

Ice hockey

The Iroquois Park Sports Centre will host a major hockey tournament, affecting parking and some recreational activities. Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly, especially regarding parking and checking for any changes in the recreational skating schedule. Read more.

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