In this issue of Whitby Thrive…

☀️ Today’s Weather in Whitby 

👮🏽 Ex-Hospital Guard Sentenced for Washroom Surveillance at Ajax-Pickering

🚔 First-Degree Murder Charge Filed in Vaughan Infant's Death

 🚊 Major Step Forward for Lakeshore GO East Extension to Bowmanville

 🔔 Alert Issued for Dangerous Individual in Toronto Sex Trafficking Investigation

 🚨 Homeowner Assaulted in Brock Break-In: Suspect Sought by Police 

 🧮 Whitby's LaframboiseMortgage.ca Leads with Innovative Mortgage Solutions

 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Inspiring Change: Durham’s IMPACT Youth Forum Brings Together Esteemed Speakers

🏆 Trivia

 🏒 Oshawa Generals Mourn the Loss of Legendary Coach Paul Theriault

 📅 Whitby Events

Ex-Hospital Guard Sentenced for Washroom Surveillance at Ajax-Pickering

In a recent case of privacy violation, an ex-employee of Ajax-Pickering hospital was sentenced to six months of house arrest following a guilty plea for voyeurism. The incident, which occurred in March 2022, involved the discovery of a hidden cell phone, set to record, underneath a sink in a staff washroom. Ingeniously concealed using a Styrofoam cup to prop it against the piping, the phone was initially recovered by hospital security.

Twists in the case emerged when it was revealed that the perpetrator was a security guard at the hospital. He initially seized the device, but subsequent investigations led to his confrontation by a hospital manager and eventual arrest. The individual, identified as 23-year-old Steven Medard, faced charges of voyeurism to which he pleaded guilty in March 2023.

Justice Peter C. West delivered the sentence on December 21, imposing a six-month house arrest on Medard, complete with GPS monitoring. Post house arrest, Medard will undergo a six-month curfew, followed by two years of probation, marking a significant repercussion for the breach of privacy and trust. Source: Durham News Radio.

First-Degree Murder Charge Filed in Vaughan Infant's Death

A tragic incident in Vaughan has led to a first-degree murder charge following the death of an infant. Emergency services were dispatched to a residence near Centre Street and Dufferin Street on Thursday evening, shortly after 6 p.m., where the child was found in an unresponsive state.

The infant was rushed to the hospital but was sadly pronounced dead. The York Regional Police are investigating the case and have confirmed that no other suspects are being sought at this time. The specifics of the incident have not been extensively disclosed by the authorities.

In their pursuit of justice and to aid the ongoing investigation, the police are appealing to the public for any relevant information.

Anyone with information can call York’s homicide unit at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7865, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477. Read more.

Major Step Forward for Lakeshore GO East Extension to Bowmanville

John Henry, the Regional Chair and CEO of The Regional Municipality of Durham, has released a statement regarding a significant advancement in the Lakeshore GO East Extension project. Following the completion of the Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP), the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has issued a Notice to Proceed for the extension to Bowmanville. The TPAP, an environmental assessment, ensures the protection of natural, social, cultural, and economic environments from potential negative impacts.

With the TPAP concluded, Metrolinx is set to continue its plans to extend GO rail service. The extension will stretch from the Durham College Oshawa GO station to Bowmanville, incorporating four new stations. This development marks a crucial milestone in the project, promising enhanced connectivity across Durham for students, residents, and visitors, and fostering more connected communities. Read more.

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Alert Issued for Dangerous Individual in Toronto Sex Trafficking Investigation

The Toronto Police Service has issued a public notice seeking assistance in locating Tyrel "TK" McLean, 23, who is wanted for violating his release order related to an underage sex trafficking case. McLean, who was convicted of several charges at the Superior Court of Justice on October 31, 2023, breached the terms of his bail while awaiting sentencing.

The Human Trafficking Unit, with support from the Waterloo Regional Police Service, initiated an investigation on December 30, 2023, after discovering that McLean had removed his ankle monitor and fled his house arrest location in Waterloo. Described as 5'9" with a thin build and light complexion, McLean is considered dangerous and violent. The public is advised not to approach him but to contact 9-1-1 immediately if he is spotted.

McLean is known to frequent areas in the Greater Toronto and South-Western Ontario regions.

The notice also highlights the serious nature of human trafficking crimes, emphasizing the coercive methods often used against victims, including violence or threats. The Human Trafficking Unit of Sex Crimes is committed to investigating these crimes and supporting the victims. Police urge affected individuals to report such crimes and assure access to support services and an exit strategy, regardless of their decision to proceed criminally.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-4838 or [email protected]a, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at http://www.222tips.com.

Read more.

Homeowner Assaulted in Brock Break-In: Suspect Sought by Police

In a recent home invasion incident in Brock Township, police are actively searching for a male suspect involved in an assault on a homeowner. The event unfolded on the morning of Wednesday, November 22, 2023, when North Division officers were called to a residence near Simcoe Street and Zion Road following a break-and-enter report.

The intrusion occurred while the homeowner was away. Upon returning, the homeowner encountered the intruder, leading to a physical altercation where the homeowner sustained minor injuries. The suspect managed to escape before the police arrived at the scene.

The suspect is described as a white male, aged approximately 30-40 years, of average height and build, with an unshaven appearance. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect's identity or details of the incident to contact Detective Constable Burns of the North Division Criminal Investigations Branch.

Anyone who can identify the suspect or has any new information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Burns of the North Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2676.

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.

Whitby's LaframboiseMortgage.ca Leads with Innovative Mortgage Solutions

LaframboiseMortgage.ca, founded by Denise Laframboise, is revolutionizing the mortgage industry with a client-focused approach. Based in Whitby, the firm offers personalized mortgage solutions, partners with multiple lenders to secure competitive rates, and actively engages in community activities. Recognized for its exceptional service, the company has received numerous industry accolades.

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Inspiring Change: Durham’s IMPACT Youth Forum Brings Together Esteemed Speakers

The Durham Regional Police Service is gearing up for the 4th annual IMPACT Youth Forum, set to take place on January 13, 2024. This year’s forum, a celebrated community event, invites young individuals aged 13-24 to engage in a day filled with leadership and empowerment activities. The 2024 edition of the forum is especially noteworthy for its focus on initiating and amplifying change, encapsulated in the theme "act."

The forum boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, each bringing a unique blend of experience and inspiration. Tracy Schmitt, a remarkable four-way amputee, athlete, author, and speaker, will share her incredible journey, offering motivation to overcome personal challenges. De-Mario Knowles, a global speaker, poet, and researcher, will discuss his involvement in the IMPACT movement alongside his medical career and advocacy for education and social equality. Mike Shoreman, known for his achievements in mental health advocacy and sports, will talk about his experiences as a disabled athlete who crossed all five Great Lakes for a noble cause. Finally, Sunjay Nath, a speaker with a background in Mathematical Engineering and business, will share insights from his rich experience in public speaking.

While in-person registration is now closed, virtual participation is still open, offering a valuable opportunity for those who cannot attend physically. All attendees, both in-person and virtual, will be rewarded with up to seven volunteer hours for their participation.

The event promises a full day of inspirational talks and interactive sessions, running from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Interested individuals are encouraged to register before the deadline of January 8, 2024, at 11:59 PM. Updates and further information are available on the IMPACT Youth Forum’s social media channels and through direct contact with the Youth in Policing initiative.

Date: Saturday, January 13, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

To participate virtually please register: https://forms.gle/voSry2PaCscoV8FZ7

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 athletes, a native of Whitby, Ontario, won a bronze medal in hurdles at the 2008 Olympics?

• A) Priscilla Lopes-Schliep

• B) Lori Melien

• C) Anne Ottenbrite

• D) James Neal

Answer posted below.

Oshawa Generals Mourn the Loss of Legendary Coach Paul Theriault

The Oshawa Generals hockey community is mourning the loss of Paul Theriault, a revered figure in the hockey world. Theriault's distinguished career marks him as the longest-serving coach in the history of the Oshawa Generals Hockey Club. His legacy extends beyond Oshawa, having served as head coach for the Erie Otters and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

His coaching excellence was recognized with the 1986-87 Matt Leyden Trophy, awarded for being the OHL Coach of the Year. Theriault's remarkable tenure included winning two OHL Championships over a decade and earning a spot in the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame.

Theriault's contributions to hockey spanned various leagues. He was an assistant coach for the Buffalo Sabres in the National Hockey League during the 1996-97 season and also led the Flint Spirits in the International Hockey League.

The Generals’ organization extends its heartfelt condolences to Theriault’s wife and family, honoring his enduring connection with the team and the sport, encapsulated by the sentiment, "Once a General, always a General." Read more.

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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