In this issue of Whitby Thrive…

☀️ Today’s Weather in Whitby 

🚔 Three Arrested in Durham for Mississauga Shooting, Police Seize Firearms

 🤿 Oshawa's Rotary Park Redevelopment Costs Soar to $19 Million

 🚨 Urgent Search for 17-Year-Old Macie Missing Since December in Pickering 

 💼 Navigating Economic Challenges: How Canada's Work-Sharing Program Prevents Layoffs

🏆 Trivia

 🏀 Ontario Tech Ridgebacks Clinch Historic Win Over Carleton Ravens

 🥅 Ridgebacks' Women's Hockey Secures 2-1 Victory in Thrilling Overtime

 🏠 Whitby's Weekly Real Estate Update

🎗️ Whitby Obituaries

 📅 Whitby Events

Quick Links

• Weather

• Local News

• Crime

• Business

• Business Spotlight

• Sports

• Trivia

• Real Estate

• Obituaries

• Events

• Business Directory

• Trivia Answer

Three Arrested in Durham for Mississauga Shooting, Police Seize Firearms

In a significant operation by the Peel Regional Police, three men were arrested and charged in connection with an attempted murder case in Mississauga. The incident, which occurred on November 8, 2023, involved a shooting at the intersection of Matheson Boulevard and Creekbank Road. The victim, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds, was promptly transported to a trauma center and is currently in stable condition.

This shooting led to the initiation of Project Poseidon by the 12 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau. Their investigation culminated in the execution of several search warrants across the Greater Toronto Area on January 5, 2024. The operation resulted in the arrest of Angelo Reid, 34, from Oshawa, Ralphord Shaw, 27, from Whitby, and Anthony Jones, 35, also from Whitby. Along with the arrests, police seized three firearms and a significant quantity of drugs.

Angelo Reid faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited firearm, and possession of a firearm with an altered serial number. Ralphord Shaw is charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, careless storage, and possession for the purpose of trafficking. Anthony Jones is also charged with attempted murder. All three suspects were held for a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.

The Peel Regional Police are continuing their investigation and encourage anyone with information to contact the 12 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Peel Crime Stoppers. Read more.

Oshawa's Rotary Park Redevelopment Costs Soar to $19 Million

The redevelopment of Oshawa's Rotary Park and Pool is now estimated to cost nearly $19 million, significantly higher than the initial $5 million projection in 2019. The project will proceed in two phases, with the first phase costing over $9.6 million. The decision is subject to approval from the committee and council. Source: Durham Region News.

Do you Have the Scoop on a Breaking Local News Story?

Urgent Search for 17-Year-Old Macie Missing Since December in Pickering

In Pickering, a search operation is underway for a 17-year-old girl named Macie, who has been missing since December 16, 2023. Last seen in the Durham Region, Macie's disappearance has sparked significant concern among both police and her guardians. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the growing anxiety over her well-being. Source.

Navigating Economic Challenges: How Canada's Work-Sharing Program Prevents Layoffs

Is your business slowing down after the holidays? Worried about losing skilled workers? Service Canada’s Work Sharing Program is an essential tool for businesses experiencing temporary downturns, allowing them to retain skilled employees and avoid layoffs by adjusting work hours and sharing available work more evenly among the workforce.

Key features of the program include:

• Eligibility for Employment Insurance Benefits: The program supports employees eligible for Employment Insurance benefits who agree to work a reduced work week while their employer recovers. All participating employees must experience at least a 10% reduction in their normal weekly earnings.

• Three-Party Agreement: The program involves a three-party agreement between employers, employees, and Service Canada. Both the employer and employees (and the union, if applicable) must agree to participate.

• Work Schedule: Employees on a Work-Sharing agreement must agree to a reduced schedule of work and share the available work equally over the term of the agreement.

• Duration and Extension of Agreement: Work-Sharing agreements initiated after September 25, 2022, must last a minimum of 6 weeks and can extend up to 26 weeks. Extensions up to 12 weeks are possible, bringing the total to a maximum of 38 weeks. Extensions require an application submitted at least 10 business days before the agreement's end date.

• Cooling-off Period: After an agreement ends or is terminated, a mandatory cooling-off period is required, equal to the number of weeks used in the previous agreement, up to a maximum of 38 weeks​​.

Read more and apply here.

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Ontario Tech Ridgebacks Clinch Historic Win Over Carleton Ravens

In a momentous basketball matchup, the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks showcased an impressive performance to secure their first win of 2024 against the Carleton Ravens, with a decisive score of 85-69. The Ridgebacks exhibited remarkable teamwork and strategy right from the start, quickly establishing a commanding 20-point lead by halftime. Ayub Nurhussien from Hamilton, Ontario, was a standout player, contributing significantly with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist. He was well-supported by Keon Baker from Whitby, Ontario, who added 22 points and demonstrated a strong defensive game with 3 steals.

This victory marks a historic milestone for the Ontario Tech Men's basketball team, as it is their first-ever triumph over the Carleton Ravens. Additionally, this win represents a continuation of what is the best stretch in the Ridgebacks' program history. The team is currently positioned as the second-ranked squad in the OUA East, boasting eight wins this season. Read more.

Ridgebacks' Women's Hockey Secures 2-1 Victory in Thrilling Overtime

The Ontario Tech women's hockey team kicked off the new year with an exhilarating 2-1 overtime victory against the Brock Badgers. This significant win coincided with the Ridgebacks' inaugural Hockey Gives Blood night, a commendable initiative where both the men's and women's Ridgebacks hockey teams participated in blood and stem cell donations.

The game's first goal was scored by Lauren Beaulieu from Caistorville, Ontario, with assists from Katie Mikkelsen of Oshawa, Ontario, and Emily Davis-Tope from Bendigo, Australia, setting a positive tone for the Ridgebacks in the first period. The game remained a tight contest, with Brock's Rayna Franklin leveling the score four minutes into the third period, prolonging the suspense and competition.

In a tense overtime, the Ridgebacks intensified their efforts, creating several scoring opportunities. It was Harrie Jones from Ottawa, Ontario, who finally broke through, scoring past Brock's goalie Kenzie Harmison, clinching the victory for Ontario Tech. Goalkeeper Zoe McGee was a key player for the Ridgebacks, impressively stopping 30 of the 31 shots she faced. Read more.

Which of the following is NOT an annual event in Whitby, Ontario?

• A) Whitby in Bloom Gardening and Speaker Series

• B) Whitby Ghost Festival

• C) Harvest Festival

• D) Doors Open

Answer posted below.

Whitby's Weekly Real Estate Update

1. 44 James Rowe Dr, Whitby, ON L1R 2X7

   • Sale Price: $1,530,000, Bedrooms: 4, Bathrooms: 4.5

   • Size: 6589 sq ft

2. 24 Velvet Dr, Whitby, ON L1P 0P6

   • Sale Price: $1,050,000, Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 2.5

   • Size: 1981 sq ft

3. 22 Creekwood Cres, Whitby, ON L1R 2K2

   • Sale Price: $830,000, Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 2.5

   • Size: 2340 sq ft

4. 18 Inkpen Lane, Whitby, ON L1R 2H2

   • Sale Price: $800,000, Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 3.0

   • Size: 3299 sq ft

5. 9 Macmillan Ave, Whitby, ON L1R 3H4

   • Sale Price: $755,000, Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 2.5

   • Size: 1963 sq ft

6. 4 Yewtree Way, Whitby, ON L1R 0E2

   • Sale Price: $735,000, Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 2.0

   • Size: 1291 sq ft

Source: Redfin.ca 

• Average selling price of the homes listed is $950,000.00

• Note: sq ft of homes may be estimated

Whitby Obituaries

• Yasmine Greenidge: Born on April 23, 1976, and passed away suddenly on December 23, 2023, at the age of 47 while on vacation. Yasmine is survived by her husband Lincoln, children Alyssa and Tyler, mother Cecilia, and siblings Yasma, Kirma, MacLean, Shandra, Garfield, Kirden, and Darren.

• Paul Godfrey Loder: Born on October 6, 1948, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Paul passed away on December 26, 2023, at the age of 75. He was predeceased by his parents Dr. Peter and Joan Loder.

• Diane Elizabeth Gilbert: Diane was born on October 13, 1951, and passed away peacefully on January 4, 2024, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. She was predeceased by her husband Garnet Gilbert and stepson Adam, and is remembered by her children Kirk, Jennifer, and Cheryl, and several grandchildren.

• Lawrence “Larry” Perkins: Born on November 21, 1941, Larry passed away on January 4, 2024, at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife Sharon, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage, and his son Robert.

• Marilyn Olmstead (nee Woodward): Marilyn passed away peacefully at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on December 28, 2023, at the age of 87. She was the beloved wife of Eric Olmstead and the late Edward (Ted) Woodward, and a loving mother and grandmother.

• Carole Mary Villemaire: Born on August 4, 1937, Carole passed away on January 3, 2024, at the age of 86 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. She was predeceased by her husband Gordon (2018) and is survived by her children Kevin, Karen, and Kim, and several grandchildren.

• Dale Scott: Born on February 27, 1948, Dale passed away on January 2, 2024, at the age of 75 after a lengthy illness. He leaves behind his wife Margaret, children Sarah and Jonathan, and granddaughter Claire.

• Sharon Marie Fernley: Sharon, born on September 3, 1942, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2024, at Lakeridge Health Ajax-Pickering. She was the beloved wife of the late Edward (Ted) and a loving mother and grandmother.

• Everett “Albert” Finney: Born on March 5, 1930, Albert passed away peacefully on January 2, 2024, at Lakeridge Hospital in Oshawa. Predeceased by his wife Donelda and son Kevin, he is remembered by his family.

• Rosemary Azzopardi: Born on January 13, 1942, Rosemary entered into the presence of the Lord on January 2, 2024, at Toronto General Hospital. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert Azzopardi and a loving mother and grandmother.

• Marc Thiebaud: Born November 21, 1942, Marc passed away on January 2, 2024, at 81, after a 32-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He is survived by his wife Cheryl of 46 years, children Michelle, Marc, Jennifer, stepchildren Nancy and Deborah.

• Eric Hedley Fisher: Eric, in his 100th year, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children at the Deep River & District Hospital on January 2, 2024. He was the beloved husband of the late Nellie Fisher (nee Curry).

• Marjory Dawn Dennis: Marjory Dawn Dennis passed away peacefully at Fosterbrooke Long Term Care on January 1, 2024, at the age of 88. She was the beloved wife of the late Nick Dennis.

• Jane Deremo Baron: Jane Deremo Baron of Brooklin passed away surrounded by loved ones at Lakeridge Oshawa. She was the beloved mother of Rob, Melanie, and Sandra.

• Gordon Franklin Werry: Gordon Franklin Werry passed away peacefully at home after a short battle with ALS. He is remembered for his kind heart and a smile that brought happiness.

• Barry Hugh McQueen: Barry Hugh McQueen passed away at his home on January 2, 2024. He was born in 1959 and is remembered by his family.

• Ashley Bramwell Perry: Born December 17, 1932, Ashley passed away on January 1, 2024, at 91. He was predeceased by his wife Georgina and son Glen, and is survived by his children Wayne and Gary.

• Robert Charles Brownson: Robert Charles Brownson, a longtime Rotarian in Bolton and Port Perry, passed away after a short battle with cancer on January 1, 2024, at 82. He was the beloved husband of the late Patrica (nee Arnold).

• Bill Wesselius: Bill Wesselius passed away on January 1, 2024, at The Wynfield Long Term Care at the age of 97. He was the beloved husband of Alice.

• Bonnie Flora Soley: Bonnie Flora Soley passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on January 1, 2024, at 83. She is deeply missed by her sister Cheryl, nieces Debbie and Andrea, and other family members.

• Catherine (Rena) Marie Hutchison: Catherine (Rena) Marie Hutchison passed away on January 1, 2024. She was born on January 26, 1937.

• Mary Rashotte: Mary Rashotte, nee Lee, passed away peacefully at Glen Hill Strathaven in Bowmanville on January 1, 2024. Born on February 22, 1938, in Bobcaygeon, she was the daughter of George Wesley and Margaret (Hickson) Lee.

• Alexander Jeffrey Hamilton: Alexander Jeffrey Hamilton, born on February 22, 1972, passed away on December 31, 2023, after a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his loving son and daughter, Jakobus and Isla.

• June Marie Gould: June Marie Gould, nee Mortensen, passed away peacefully at her home on December 31, 2023, at 92. She was the loving mother of Kimberly Brown - Petitti and Lorri Jesse.

• Gertrud Scheefer: Gertrud Scheefer passed away on December 31, 2023, at 85. She was the beloved wife of the late Wolfgang Scheefer, mother of Heidi and Thomas, and Oma of Whitney, Breigh, and Alexandria.

• Barbara Ann Dawson: Barbara Ann Dawson passed away on December 31, 2023, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa after a brief battle with cancer. She leaves behind her husband John and son Bernard.

• Mary Coukell: Mary Coukell passed away peacefully at the Uxbridge Hospital on December 31, 2023, at the age of 88. She was the beloved wife of the late Bill.

• Shari Gobin: Shari Gobin, aged 60, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 31, 2023. She was the beloved wife of Randy for 40 years.

• Goomtie (Shanti) Koongebeharry: Goomtie (Shanti) Koongebeharry passed away at Markham Stouffville Hospital on January 1, 2024. Born on September 16, 1948, she leaves behind her sisters Dularie - Dooley (Duane) Doak, Basmatie, brother Deo, niece Kami Doak, and long-time friend Ed Ostroskie.

• Bruce Harwood: Bruce Harwood, born on February 10, 1936, passed peacefully at his home north of Sandford in his 88th year on December 31, 2023.

• Kathleen 'Kathy' Smith: Kathy Smith, born on May 14, 1929, passed away peacefully at the Uxbridge Hospital on December 31, 2023, at the age of 94. She was the cherished wife of Derek for 71 years and a loving mother to Martin, Trudy, and Colin.

• Ella Marie Gallant: Ella Marie Gallant, born on October 7, 1938, passed away at the age of 85 on December 30, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Tony Gallant and leaves behind her sons Mike, George, Rick, and Francis, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

• Rauni Gail Johnstone: Rauni Gail Johnstone passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer on December 30, 2023, at the Lakeridge Health Centre in Oshawa, at age 63. She will be missed by her friend Mike.

• Mira Ovari: Mira Ovari, born on March 22, 1958, passed away on December 30, 2023.

• Elizabeth Langley: Elizabeth Langley passed away peacefully at Glen Hill Strathaven on December 29, 2023, at the age of 94. She was the beloved wife of the late Dillon and a loving mother to Tim and Peter.

  Source: canadianobituaries.com 

January 7th

• Whitby Lights the Night

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

• Clarington Mayor’s Levee New Year’s Celebration - 12:00PM-3:00PM

January 8th

• Planet Fitness Whitby Club Grand Opening - 10:00AM - 12:00PM

January 9th

• -

January 10th

• Metrolinx Pop Up - Information Session - 10:00AM-1:00PM

• Beecraft 101 by Craig Kelman - 7:00PM-8:00PM

January 11th

• Wellness Seminar - Self Management Skills (55+) - 10:00AM - 11:30AM

• Ontario Tech Men's Hockey vs. York Lions - 7:00PM-10:00PM

January 12th

• The Neighbours Project ART HIVE - 12:00PM-3:30PM

• An Evening of Culture: Sweet Jazz Serenade - 6:00PM - 7:30PM

January 13th

• -

January 14th

• OPG Sunday: Blast from the Past - 10:30AM-12:30PM

January 15th

• -

January 16th

• Durham College Program Information Night - Oshawa - 5:30PM-7:30PM

January 17th

• Durham College Program Information Night - Whitby - 5:30PM-7:30PM

January 18th

• Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain Workshop (55+) - 9:30AM-12:00PM

• Quick and Healthy Snack Foods with Sylvia (55+) - 1:30PM-2:30PM

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