In this issue of Whitby Thrive…

☀️ Today’s Weather in Whitby 

🚔 Fatal Stabbing at Toronto Men's Shelter Leaves One Dead, Suspect Arrested

🎖️ James M. Richards Honoured for Ecological Stewardship in Latest Order of Canada Appointments

🏠 Addressing the Housing Crisis: Canada's New Strategy Coming in 2024

 🚨 Embrace Safety This New Year: OPP Strengthens Sober Driving Campaign 

 🎉 Celebrating New Year's Eve in Ontario: A Tapestry of Traditions

🏆 Trivia

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

 🏠 Whitby's Weekly Real Estate Update

🎗️ Whitby Obituaries

 📅 Whitby Events

Fatal Stabbing at Toronto Men's Shelter Leaves One Dead, Suspect Arrested

A tragic incident occurred at a men's shelter in Toronto, resulting in the death of a man. The incident unfolded early Saturday morning, around 2 a.m., near the intersection of Lake Shore Boulevard West and Bathurst Street. Upon arrival at the scene, police discovered a man in his 50s with multiple stab wounds. Despite prompt attention from paramedics who rushed him to the hospital, he was later pronounced dead. A 25-year-old man, who was also a resident of the shelter along with the victim, was apprehended by the police at the scene. The shelter's representatives confirmed that both individuals involved were residents there. Source: Durham Radio News.

James M. Richards Honoured for Ecological Stewardship in Latest Order of Canada Appointments

In a significant announcement from Ottawa, Ontario, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, declared the appointment of 78 individuals to the Order of Canada. This prestigious group includes three Companions, 15 Officers, one Honorary Officer, and 59 Members, with three appointments being promotions within the Order. The Order of Canada, established in 1967, annually recognizes individuals whose substantial contributions have had a profound impact in communities across Canada and beyond. These appointments highlight the exceptional dedication of these individuals, serving as an inspiration and a challenge to others to contribute towards a better Canada. Among the distinguished appointees is James M. Richards, C.M., O.M.C., from Orono, Ontario. Richards is recognized for his longstanding commitment to ecological stewardship, particularly for his work at the Oshawa Second Marsh, and for his significant contributions to ornithology as a citizen scientist. Read more.

Addressing the Housing Crisis: Canada's New Strategy Coming in 2024

Canada's Housing Minister Sean Fraser announced a comprehensive plan to be unveiled in 2024, addressing the national housing crisis. This plan will include various measures, building upon recent housing policies by the Liberals. The issue of housing affordability has gained prominence in federal politics, with different parties proposing various solutions. The government's initiative comes amidst rapid population growth in Canada, which has been identified as a contributing factor to the housing shortage. Source: Global News.

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Embrace Safety This New Year: OPP Strengthens Sober Driving Campaign

With the New Year on the horizon, it's time to make a crucial resolution: commit to sober driving. Law enforcement officials are ramping up their efforts with the Festive RIDE program, set to be in full swing during the extended holiday weekend. The message is clear and urgent: plan your celebrations responsibly. There are numerous safe options to get home if you've been drinking. This holiday season, the OPP have already issued 202 warning-range suspensions and 1,326 impairment related charges. The key takeaway is simple but vital: if you're impaired, do not drive. Source.

Celebrating New Year's Eve in Ontario: A Tapestry of Traditions

As the clock ticks towards midnight on December 31st, Ontario, Canada's most populous province, comes alive with a plethora of traditions and celebrations that mark the arrival of the New Year. From the bustling streets of Toronto to the serene shores of Lake Ontario, each corner of this diverse province offers unique ways to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new with enthusiasm and hope.

Toronto's Dazzling Festivities

In Toronto, Canada's largest city, New Year's Eve is a grand affair. Thousands gather at Nathan Phillips Square for a night of live music, ice skating, and street performances. The highlight is the spectacular fireworks display at midnight, illuminating the sky over Toronto City Hall. The city's vibrant nightlife also comes to the fore, with clubs, bars, and restaurants hosting special events and countdown parties.

Niagara Falls: A Natural Backdrop for Celebration

Niagara Falls, one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, serves as a stunning backdrop for New Year's Eve celebrations. The Niagara Parks Commission hosts a free outdoor concert with renowned artists, drawing crowds from both Canada and the United States. As the clock strikes twelve, a breathtaking fireworks display over the falls offers a truly magical start to the year.

First Night Celebrations Across Ontario

Many Ontario towns and cities host family-friendly 'First Night' events. These alcohol-free celebrations focus on community and family, featuring activities like face painting, live music, and arts and crafts. They culminate in early evening fireworks, allowing even the youngest revelers to partake in the festivities.

Scottish Influence: The Hogmanay

Ontario, with its rich Scottish heritage, also sees some celebrating Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year’s tradition. In cities like Ottawa, this includes ‘First Footing’ – a custom where the first person to cross a home's threshold after midnight brings gifts like coal, shortbread, and whisky, symbolizing warmth, food, and good cheer for the year ahead.

Polar Bear Dips for the Brave

For the more adventurous, New Year’s Day is marked by the Polar Bear Dip. Courageous participants across Ontario, including in Oakville and Toronto, take a chilly plunge into the icy waters of Lake Ontario. This tradition, often organized for charity, is a testament to the Ontarian spirit of resilience and community service.

Quiet Reflection and Outdoor Activities

Many Ontarians prefer quieter celebrations, choosing to spend time with family and friends. Some opt for outdoor activities, embracing the winter wonderland that Ontario becomes in December. Snowshoeing, skiing, and ice fishing are popular, providing a serene and reflective way to start the New Year.

Looking Ahead with Hope and Optimism

As Ontario rings in the New Year, its diverse population comes together in a shared spirit of hope and optimism. Whether through grand fireworks in the city, a quiet evening with loved ones, or a brave dip in icy waters, Ontarians embrace a multitude of traditions to celebrate the year's end and the beginning of new possibilities.

In essence, New Year's Eve in Ontario is a vibrant reflection of the province's diverse cultural tapestry, a celebration that is as multifaceted as the people who call Ontario home.

Happy New Year! Here’s to an amazing 2024!

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Got a Favourite Whitby Business? Nominate Them to be Featured in Whitby Thrive!

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!

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Which of the following is a unique New Year's Eve tradition in Ontario?

• A) Hosting the largest international ice sculpture contest

• B) Celebrating with a traditional "Hogman-eh!" event, the largest Hogmanay celebration outside of Scotland

• C) A midnight parade featuring historical Canadian figures

• D) An annual Great Lakes swimming marathonAnswer posted below.

Answer posted below.

Whitby's Weekly Real Estate Update

1. 12 Wycombe St, Whitby, ON L1M 0H1 - Sold for $1,385,000

   • Bedrooms: 4, Bathrooms: 4.5, Size: 4418 sq ft

2. 69 Tormina Blvd, Whitby, ON L1R 3B5 - Sold for $1,110,350

   • Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 2.5, Size: 4312 sq ft

3. 76 Bagot St, Whitby, ON L1M 1A1 - Sold for $1,035,000

   • Bedrooms: 4, Bathrooms: 2.5, Size: 16146 sq ft

4. 69 Prentice Dr, Whitby, ON L1N 9J8 - Sold for $915,000

   • Bedrooms: 4, Bathrooms: 3.5, Size: 5888 sq ft

5. 60 Darius Harns Dr, Whitby, ON L1M 2G6 - Sold for $940,000

   • Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 2.0, Size: 5131 sq ft

6. 11 Windflower Way, Whitby, ON L1P 0H9 - Sold for $890,000

   • Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 2.5, Size: 2673 sq ft

7. 362 Coronation Rd, Whitby, ON L1P 0J1 - Sold for $875,000

   • Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 2.5, Size: 1666 sq ft

8. 10 Maidstone Way, Whitby, ON L1R 0L7 - Sold for $815,000

   • Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 2.5, Size: 1724 sq ft

9. 106 Stokely Cres, Whitby, ON L1N 9S9 - Sold for $755,786

   • Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 2.5, Size: 1641 sq ft

10. 124 Hialeah Cres, Whitby, ON L1N 6R1 - Sold for $920,000

    • Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 2.5, Size: 6000 sq ft

11. 60 Petra Way #3, Whitby, ON L1R 0A4 - Sold for $625,000

    • Bedrooms: 2, Bathrooms: 1.0, Size: 384 sq ft

12. 340 Watson St W #901, Whitby, ON L1N 9G1 - Sold for $590,000

    • Bedrooms: 2, Bathrooms: 1.0, Size: 745 sq ft

13. 49 Petra Way #2, Whitby, ON L1R 0A8 - Sold for $555,000

    • Bedrooms: 2, Bathrooms: 1.5, Size: 388 sq ft

14. 3 Wilson St, Kawartha Lakes, ON L0B 1A0 - Sold for $520,000

    • Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 1.0, Size: 9947 sq ft

Source: Redfin.ca 

• Average selling price of the homes listed is $859,368

• Note: sq ft of homes may be estimated

Whitby Obituaries

• Odessa Doralda Chown passed away at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on December 29, 2023, at age 90. She was the beloved wife of the late Frederick Chown.

• Lynda Jean McCague (Snoddon), born on February 4, 1941, passed away on December 28, 2023. Lynda was a gifted teacher remembered for her resilience.

• Heather Jean Baldock died peacefully on December 27, 2023, at Oak Ridges Hospice in Port Perry, aged 82. She leaves behind her husband Ken and children Tannis and Alison.

• Antoon Tom van Beemdelust, born September 12, 1940, passed away surrounded by loved ones on December 27, 2023. Details about his family are not provided.

• Anne Noble (nee Heaton) passed away unexpectedly at Lakeridge Health Bowmanville on December 27, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Michael Noble and Richard Bain.

• D. Helen Kellachan, born June 5, 1940, died on December 26, 2023, at Northumberland Hills Hospital at age 83. She was the beloved wife of Bob and a loving mother and grandmother.

• Michael Joseph Gaudet passed away on December 26, 2023, after battling Covid, just before his 78th birthday. He is survived by his wife, Barbara (nee Kimmitt).

• Ruby Irene Miller (nee Wilce) passed away in her 96th year on December 26, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Thomas Miller.

• Mary Isabella Younie, born February 22, 1929, passed away on December 26, 2023. Further details about her life and family are not provided.

• Martial Chalifoux, born February 4, 1935, passed away on December 25, 2023, at Mattawa Hospital. Additional information about his family is not available.

• Bernard (Bud) Mallette, born September 25, 1946, passed away on December 24, 2023, in his 78th year. He is survived by his wife Helen and children Andrea and Ed.

• Robert Kelby Johnson, born August 18, 1932, passed away at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on December 24, 2023, at age 91. Specific details about his family are not mentioned.

• John Alan Colin Kemp is remembered as a beloved husband and father. He passed away recently, leaving behind his wife Cindy and their children.

• Francis (Frank) Hubert Blackstone passed away peacefully in his 96th year on December 24, 2023, at Parkview Meadows Christian Retirement Home. He was the beloved husband of the late Audrey Blackstone.

• Lenord Herbert Jarvis's passing was announced with great sadness. He is survived by his life partner Valerie Love and daughters Jennifer and Janet.

• Kenneth Ireland, born December 13, 1926, passed away in Newcastle, Ontario, on December 24, 2023, in his 97th year. Further details about his family are not provided.

• Violet Mamie Gilbert, born November 4, 1918, passed away at age 105 on December 23, 2023, at Lakeridge Gardens in Ajax. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings.

• Jeanne D'Arc Légère, born November 28, 1928, passed away at age 96 on December 23, 2023, at Ballycliffe Long Term Care Home, Ajax. She was the wife of the late Nicholas and a loving mother.

• Maria S. Romanenko Chemeris passed away on December 23, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto. Born in January 1937 in Donetsk, Ukraine, she is mourned by her family.

• James John Thompson passed away at age 82 on December 23, 2023, at Peterborough Hospital. He was the beloved husband of the late Dorothy Mary Thompson.

• Niki Colleen Bainbridge (Douglas), born August 9, 1945, passed away on December 23, 2023, at Oak Ridges Hospice Port Perry. Details about her family are not provided.

• Terrance Norman Crawford passed away at age 83 on December 22, 2023, at the Ross Memorial Hospital, Lindsay. He was the beloved husband of the late Eleanor (nee Lowther).

• Barbara Eleanor Budd passed away at age 95 on December 22, 2023, at the Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay. She was the beloved wife of the late Norman Budd of Little Britain.

• Leo Alic, born November 8, 1942, passed away on December 22, 2023, at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Additional information about his family is not available.

• Alma Ramoo passed away at age 91 on December 22, 2023. Born to Agnes & Robert Ramsarran, she was predeceased by her spouse Edgar Ramoo.

• Barbara Ann Robinson (Smith) passed away on December 22, 2023, at Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital. She was predeceased by her husband Eric Robinson.

  Source: canadianobituaries.com 

December 31st

• Whitby Lights the Night

• Winter Break Activities at the Canadian Automotive Museum - 10:00AM-4:00PM

• Brother Earth Live at Fionn Maccool's in Oshawa - 7:00PM-2:00AM

• Aladdin: A Magical Carpet Ride Pantomime - 2:00PM

• New Year's Eve Free Public Skate Sponsored by CUPE Local 53 - 12:30PM-2:30pm

• Oshawa Celebrates – New Year’s Eve 2024 - 6:00PM-9:00PM

• Ajax New Year’s Eve Party - 6:00PM-9:00PM

• Pickering New Year’s Eve - 6:30PM-8:30PM

• New Year’s Eve - Yuk Yuks - 10:00PM

January 1st

• Whitby Lights the Night

• Clarington Polar Bear Swim - 12:45PM

• Kitchener Rangers at Oshawa Generals - Tribute Communities Centre - 2:05PM

January 2nd

• Whitby Lights the Night

• Free Holiday Swim Sponsored by Gerdau - Whitby Civic - 2:30PM-4:30PM

• Winter Break Activities at the Canadian Automotive Museum - 10:00AM-4:00PM

January 3rd

• Whitby Lights the Night

• Free Holiday Swim Sponsored by Gerdau - Whitby Civic - 2:30PM-4:30PM

• Winter Break Activities at the Canadian Automotive Museum - 10:00AM-4:00PM

• Sleeping Beauty - Wake Me Up Before you Panto - Regent Theatre, Oshawa

January 4th

• Whitby Lights the Night

• Free Holiday Swim Sponsored by Gerdau - Whitby Civic - 2:30PM-4:30PM

• Winter Break Activities at the Canadian Automotive Museum - 10:00AM-4:00PM

• Sleeping Beauty - Wake Me Up Before you Panto - Regent Theatre, Oshawa

January 5th

• Whitby Lights the Night

• Winter Break Activities at the Canadian Automotive Museum - 10:00AM-4:00PM

• Sleeping Beauty - Wake Me Up Before you Panto - Regent Theatre, Oshawa

January 6th

• Whitby Lights the Night

• Winter Break Activities at the Canadian Automotive Museum - 10:00AM-4:00PM

• Sleeping Beauty - Wake Me Up Before you Panto - Regent Theatre, Oshawa

January 7th

• Whitby Lights the Night

• Sleeping Beauty - Wake Me Up Before you Panto - Regent Theatre, Oshawa

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