In this issue of Whitby Thrive…

☀️ Today’s Weather in Whitby 

 🚊 Temporary Lane and Ramp Closures on Hwy 401 in Oshawa for GO Train Project

 🧱 Clarington Municipality Invests in Newcastle Community Hall with $650K Air Conditioning Project

🏊🏼‍♂️ Anne Ottenbrite Pool at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre Reopens

👮🏽 Toronto Police Launch Homicide Probe into Death of 76-Year-Old Man in Jane and Wilson Area 

 📌 Downtown Whitby's BIA: Revitalizing the Heart of the Town with Over 300 Businesses

🏆 Trivia

 🏐 Adidas Cup 2024: Durham Women's Volleyball Team Finishes Fourth

 🏒 Ontario Tech Women's Hockey Team Narrowly Defeated by Guelph Gryphons 4-2

 🏀 Ontario Tech Ridgebacks Fall Short in Tight Game Against Ottawa Gee-Gees

 📅 Whitby Events

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• Trivia Answer

Temporary Lane and Ramp Closures on Hwy 401 in Oshawa for GO Train Project

Motorists in Oshawa should prepare for upcoming night-time lane closures on Highway 401. These disruptions, though temporary, are a necessary part of the ongoing expansion of the GO Train service to the east. This development is a segment of the Metrolinx Geotechnical Investigation works.

The lane closure on the 401 is expected to last for a week and could commence as soon as Monday, January 8. It will occur during off-peak hours, specifically between 10 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., to minimize impact on daily traffic. In addition to the main highway closure, there will be ramp closures at Simcoe Street affecting both westbound and eastbound traffic. These are planned to last for a month, occurring nightly. Similarly, the Stevenson Road off ramp for westbound traffic will also be closed at night for a month.

Bloor Street will also experience a temporary lane closure for a week, scheduled during daytime hours from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Crews will be working in this area throughout the month as well.

Metrolinx has assured that both closures on Highway 401 and Bloor Street won't happen at the same time to facilitate smoother traffic flow. These closures are dependent on weather conditions, ensuring that the work progresses efficiently and safely. Source: Durham Region News.

Clarington Municipality Invests in Newcastle Community Hall with $650K Air Conditioning Project

Clarington's Municipality is stepping up its commitment to community development with a substantial investment in the Newcastle Community Hall. A key part of this initiative is the allocation of $650,000 for the installation of a new air conditioning system in the hall, an action that aligns with the objectives outlined in Clarington's "A Plan for Growth: Clarington’s 2024-27 Budget."

The Newcastle Community Hall, a significant heritage site that recently marked its centennial, serves as a vibrant hub for a wide array of events, including weddings, concerts, and markets. The introduction of air conditioning is poised to enhance the hall's functionality significantly. Not only will it ensure safer temperature control and improved air quality, but it will also contribute to the preservation of historical features like the wood panelling. Furthermore, this upgrade is expected to boost the hall's rental potential, thereby increasing its revenue generation capabilities.

Mayor Adrian Foster of Clarington expressed his enthusiasm for this project, highlighting the hall's importance as a community landmark and a central gathering point in Newcastle. He emphasized that this investment would greatly enhance the comfort and usability of the hall for both community groups and the public.

The Newcastle Community Hall 100th Anniversary Committee, under the leadership of Chair Theresa Vanhaverbeke, has also shown great support for this initiative. The Committee is contributing a significant sum of $325,000 towards the project, underscoring their dedication to enhancing community spaces. Vanhaverbeke pointed out the historical significance of the building, a gift from the Massey family, and its role as a key community hub.

Clarington's forward-looking budget plan aims to guide the Municipality in managing growth, maintaining high living standards, and providing exceptional services. For more details on this budget and its implications for the community, visit www.clarington.net/budget. Read more.

Anne Ottenbrite Pool at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre Reopens

The Anne Ottenbrite Pool at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre in Whitby, located at 500 Victoria St. W., is now open again. This reopening comes after a period of closure for annual maintenance. For those interested in using the pool, full details regarding swim schedules, fees, and descriptions of the facilities can be found on the Town of Whitby's official website. This link will provide all the necessary information: Whitby Pools and Swimming.

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

Toronto Police Launch Homicide Probe into Death of 76-Year-Old Man in Jane and Wilson Area

The Toronto Police Service is actively investigating a homicide case following a distressing incident in an apartment building near Jane Street and Wilson Avenue.

On the morning of Friday, January 5, 2024, police officers responded to a call from the said location. Upon arrival, they discovered a tragic scene: a 76-year-old man, Trevor Alphonse Campbell of Toronto, was found deceased in one of the apartment units. The initial investigation revealed that the victim had suffered bodily trauma. Following an autopsy, the authorities have confirmed that Campbell's death was a homicide.

The police are now appealing to the public for assistance in piecing together the circumstances leading to Campbell's death. They are particularly interested in any information regarding Campbell's activities and interactions in the days surrounding January 5, 2024. This request extends to anyone who might have known Campbell or been aware of his whereabouts during that period.

The Toronto Police Service urges anyone with relevant information to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with knowledge about the case can contact the police directly at 416-808-7400. For those who wish to provide information anonymously, they can reach out to Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or submit tips online at www.222tips.com. Read more.

Downtown Whitby's BIA: Revitalizing the Heart of the Town with Over 300 Businesses

The Business Improvement Area (BIA) in Whitby stands as a distinct section within the town's downtown core, recognized for its strategic importance in local development. This area is unique as businesses within the BIA's boundaries contribute to its initiatives through a mandatory tax levied by the municipality.

These contributions are channeled towards making Downtown Whitby a vibrant and appealing destination. The funds are allocated to a range of activities including hosting events, enhancing the area's beauty, and providing support to local businesses. The operational backbone of the BIA consists of two full-time staff members, a voluntary Board of Management, and two committees that also work on a voluntary basis.

The BIA's primary goal is encapsulated in their mandate: "Feet on the street, and dollars in the door." This objective is to increase foot traffic and economic activity in Downtown Whitby. With a diverse collection of over 300 businesses, Downtown Whitby offers a variety of experiences, ensuring there's something appealing for every visitor. Read more.

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Adidas Cup 2024: Durham Women's Volleyball Team Finishes Fourth

Durham College recently hosted the 2024 Adidas Cup, where their women's volleyball team, the Lords, finished fourth. The tournament saw the Lords initially losing to MSVU but winning against André-Laurendeau and Conestoga. Despite a strong performance, the Lords fell in the third-place match against CMU. The championship was clinched by Humber against MSVU. Notable players like Leah Serlin, Kennedy Williscroft, Cela MacLellan, Amy Neustater, and Amanda Larsen received individual honours. The Lords are now set to continue their season in the OCAA. Read more.

Ontario Tech Women's Hockey Team Narrowly Defeated by Guelph Gryphons 4-2

The Ontario Tech women's hockey team faced a tough defeat against the Guelph Gryphons, losing 4-2 this Saturday night. After falling behind 2-0, Ontario Tech scored through Emily Davis-Tope and Julianne Davidson, bringing the score to 3-2. A last-minute effort to tie the game led to a missed shot and a final empty net goal by the Gryphons. The Ridgebacks will next play the Western Mustangs on January 13. Read more.

Ontario Tech Ridgebacks Fall Short in Tight Game Against Ottawa Gee-Gees

The Ontario Tech men's basketball team was narrowly defeated by the Ottawa Gee-Gees with a score of 65-75. Despite leading in the first half, the Ridgebacks lost momentum, and the Gee-Gees made key plays in the final quarter to win. Keon Baker and Ayub Nurhussien were standout players for Ontario Tech, while Kevin Otoo led the scoring for Ottawa. The Ridgebacks' next game is against the York Lions on January 12. Read more.

Which of the following is not a park in Whitby, Ontario?

• A) Lynde Shores Conservation Area

• B) Rotary Sunrise Lake Park

• C) Whitby Meadows Park

• D) Kiwanis Heydenshore Park

Answer posted below.

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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