In this issue of Whitby Thrive…

☀️ Today’s Weather in Whitby 

🏠 Habitat for Humanity Proposes 48-Unit Affordable Housing in Whitby

🚔 High-Speed Chase Ends in Arrest of Impaired 19-Year-Old in Clarington

 🚨 ALPR Technology Leads to Arrest of Two in Stolen Vehicle Case in Bowmanville  

👮🏽 Authorities Hunt for Suspected Burglar in Oshawa Neighbourhood

 🚓 Violent Confrontation Leads to Arrest in Bowmanville

 🍰 Tito Parley's: New Destination for Filipino Desserts in Whitby

🏆 Trivia

 🥇 Ontario Tech Celebrates Athletic Successes in a Stellar Fall 2023 Season

 🏒 Generals Suffer Narrow Loss to Rangers in New Year Classic

 📅 Whitby Events

Habitat for Humanity Proposes 48-Unit Affordable Housing in Whitby

Habitat for Humanity has shown interest in developing affordable housing in Whitby, proposing a project on town-owned land at the intersections of Dunlop Street and Hickory Street. Their preliminary concept plan envisions a total of 48 three-bedroom units, with each unit featuring parking and private outdoor space. The plan splits the units between two sites: 27 on Hickory Street and 21 on Dunlop Street East. Additionally, the proposal includes 650 square meters of community space on the Dunlop Street site.

This initiative by Habitat for Humanity aligns with the growing need for affordable housing solutions. On December 18, the Whitby Town Council took notice of this Expression of Interest and has directed town staff to prepare a report. This report will include an appraisal of the land's value that is being considered for donation to this project. This development, if approved, would provide much-needed housing options for families in Whitby, contributing positively to the community. Read more.

High-Speed Chase Ends in Arrest of Impaired 19-Year-Old in Clarington

In the early hours of December 30, 2023, Durham Regional Police Service's East Division officers were called to the Bowmanville Avenue and 401 area in response to an impaired driver. Upon arrival, they found the driver in a parking lot, his vehicle missing a front tire and suspected of involvement in prior accidents. When officers attempted to intercept, the driver fled, initiating a chase. During the pursuit, the driver deliberately collided with three police cruisers. Eventually, the police managed to stop and apprehend him.

A 19-year-old male from Clarington was arrested and faces eight charges, including failure to stop for police, impaired operation, and leaving the scene of an accident. Breath tests revealed alcohol levels of 140mg and 150mg per 100ml of blood, significantly above the legal limit. Read more.

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ALPR Technology Leads to Arrest of Two in Stolen Vehicle Case in Bowmanville

In Bowmanville, a man and a woman were arrested and charged after police used Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology to locate a stolen vehicle. On the morning of December 31, 2023, East Division officers on patrol near Baseline Road and Liberty Street South identified the vehicle with the help of ALPR. Subsequently, they found two individuals in possession of the stolen vehicle and arrested them without any trouble. A subsequent search revealed narcotics, suspected to be Fentanyl, in the possession of the suspects.

Krista Sayer, 36, from Clarington, faces charges including theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime, and possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking. She was detained pending a bail hearing. Jean-Paul Vachon, 46, also from Clarington, is charged with possession of property obtained by crime, possession of a Schedule 1 substance for trafficking, and two counts of failure to comply with a probation order. Vachon was released on an undertaking.

The Durham Regional Police are seeking further information about this incident and encourage anyone with knowledge to contact D/Cst. Kapeluk of the East Division Criminal Investigations Branch. Anonymous tips can be directed to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers. Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court. Read more.

Authorities Hunt for Suspected Burglar in Oshawa Neighbourhood

The Durham Regional Police are actively seeking to identify a male suspect involved in a home burglary in Oshawa. The incident occurred on the morning of December 29, 2023, when an unknown man entered a residence near Grandview Street North and Harmony Road North. The intruder stole a significant amount of jewelry before fleeing the scene on foot.

Police have obtained surveillance images of the suspect and are asking for the public's assistance in identifying him. The suspect is described as a Middle Eastern male, about 5’6” tall, wearing a black puffy jacket, light grey sweatpants, and a toque.

The East Division Criminal Investigations Bureau, specifically D/Cst. Duguay, is handling the investigation and is open to receiving information from the public. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers, with the potential for a cash reward of up to $2,000 for valuable information. Read more.

Violent Confrontation Leads to Arrest in Bowmanville

A confrontation in Bowmanville led to the arrest of a man following a physical altercation with police officers. On January 1, 2024, around 2:20 a.m., East Division officers were dispatched to a residence on Liberty Street North after paramedics, treating an unrelated individual, reported a male displaying aggressive behavior and brandishing a knife. Initially, the officers attempted to engage in conversation with the man outside the residence. However, the situation rapidly deteriorated as the man became agitated and assaulted an officer with punches to the face, leading to a physical struggle. During the incident, three officers sustained minor injuries before the male was subdued and taken into custody.

Gary Gould, 42, from Bowmanville, faces charges of assault and assaulting a peace officer. He was detained pending a bail hearing. Durham Regional Police are appealing to the public for any additional information regarding this incident.

Anyone with new information about this incident is asked to contact the Durham Regional Police at 905-579-1520.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court. Read more.

Tito Parley's: New Destination for Filipino Desserts in Whitby

Tito Parley's, a new business specializing in Filipino desserts, celebrated its grand opening at 104 Lupin Dr. in Whitby this fall. The highlight of their menu is premium Sans Rival and Silvanas, both beloved Filipino delicacies with a touch of French influence. Sans Rival, a Filipino version of the French dacquoise, is a delectable cake featuring layers of nutty meringue and rich French buttercream. Silvanas, often referred to as the cookie counterpart of Sans Rival, consist of French buttercream sandwiched between nutty meringue layers and are best enjoyed frozen. They offer a unique taste experience, reminiscent of a blend between a French macaron and an ice cream sandwich. For those interested in trying these exquisite desserts, Tito Parley's can be found online at https://www.titoparleys.ca/ or on Instagram at @titoparleys.

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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 historical facts about Whitby, Ontario is true?

• A) Whitby was originally named after a famous British naval commander.

• B) Trafalgar Castle School, established in 1874, was originally built as an Elizabethan-style castle for a local sheriff.

• C) Whitby was the first Canadian town to establish an official sister city relationship with a Japanese city.

• D) The town's founder was a notable French explorer who settled in the area in the late 1700s.

Answer posted below.

Ontario Tech Celebrates Athletic Successes in a Stellar Fall 2023 Season

2023 was a landmark year for the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks, filled with numerous achievements and milestones. Throughout the year, the Ridgebacks' teams demonstrated exceptional skill and perseverance, setting new records and achieving significant victories. Here's a recap of some of their most notable moments for Fall 2023:

• September 5: The Women's Soccer team achieved a remarkable 'ten-peat' by winning the Campus Cup for the tenth consecutive year.

• September 9: The Men's Soccer team set a program record for the highest number of goals and largest victory margin with an 8-0 win over Laurentian Voyaguers.

• September 10: The Women's Soccer team also set a program record with a resounding 12-0 win over RMC.

• September 13: Omar Marzouk was named Ridgebacks, OUA, and U SPORTS athlete of the week, thanks to his impressive achievement of scoring seven goals in just two games.

• September 22: Ridgebacks alumni Michael Bullion received an invite to the NHL Training Camp from the Las Vegas Golden Knights.

• October 25: The Women's Soccer team made a triumphant return to the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

• October 27: At the OUA Rowing Championship in St. Catharines, Ont., novice rowers earned three bronze medals.

• October 28: The Men's Soccer team made it to the OUA semi-finals for the first time in their history with a dramatic win over TMU.

• October 29: Kendra Orr and Jailyn Joensen were named OUA all-stars following their outstanding performances at the OUA Lacrosse Championship.

• November 1: Katrina Pappas received the OUA East Community Service award, while Tara Sisic and Tia Schaffer were named OUA second team all-stars.

• November 2: Omar Marzouk, named OUA East Most Valuable Player and a first-team all-star alongside Kevon Grant, led the OUA men's soccer award recipients. Jacob Begley and Brett Springer were named second team all-stars.

• November 8: Omar Marzouk and Kevon Grant earned U SPORTS All-Canadian titles.

• November 25: The Men's Basketball team set a new program record with seven wins before the break, including victories over ranked opponents in back-to-back games.

• December 20: Michael Bullion made his AHL debut for the Henderson Silver Knights, impressively stopping 31 of 32 shots in a 2-1 win.

These achievements are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and skill of the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks, making 2023 a year to remember for the university's athletic program. Read more.

Generals Suffer Narrow Loss to Rangers in New Year Classic

IIn a closely contested hockey match at the New Year classic, the Oshawa Generals faced a narrow defeat, losing 3-2 to the Kitchener Rangers, the current leaders in the standings. The game, marking the Generals' first of 2024, showcased a commendable effort by their goaltender, Jacob Oster, who made an impressive 30 saves out of 33 shots, including a remarkable performance in the second period with 15 saves.

The scoring opened with the Generals' Luke Torrance netting the team's first goal of the year. This early lead, however, was soon equalized by the Rangers' Adrian Misaljevic, assisted by a skillful pass from Matthew Sop. Despite Oster's exceptional saves, the Generals' offense struggled, particularly in the second period where they were outshot 15-6.

The third period saw a brief resurgence from the Generals as Matthew Buckley scored his 16th goal of the season, momentarily regaining the lead for Oshawa. Yet, the Rangers' persistence paid off with goals from Simon Motew and Antonino Pugliese, ultimately securing their victory.

The Oshawa Generals will soon be back on their home ice, facing the SOO Greyhounds in their upcoming game. Read more.

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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