In this issue of Whitby Thrive…

☀️ Today’s Weather in Whitby 

 😡 Toronto Reports Alarming Rise in Hate Crimes Against Jewish, LGBTQ2S+ Communities

 🎄 Whitby Begins Natural Christmas Tree Collection on January 15

 🚨 Four Arrested Including One from Whitby in Brampton Armed Carjacking by Provincial Task Force

 🚒 Whitby Firefighters Take On NHL Greats in Charity Hockey Showdown

🏆 Trivia

 🥅 Ontario Tech Hockey Stumbles in Home Return Against Ottawa Gee-Gees

 🏀 Ontario Tech Basketball Marks Historic 10-Win Milestone Against McMaster

⛹🏼‍♀️ Ontario Tech Women's Basketball Shows Grit in Loss to McMaster

 🏐 Durham College Volleyball Triumphs Over Canadore in Four-Set Thriller

 📅 Whitby Events

Quick Links

• Weather

• Local News

• Crime

• Business

• Business Spotlight

• Sports

• Trivia

• Events

• Business Directory

• Trivia Answer

Toronto Reports Alarming Rise in Hate Crimes Against Jewish, LGBTQ2S+ Communities

Police Chief Demkiw provided a detailed update on the reported hate crimes in Toronto. According to the data, there was a significant increase in hate crime occurrences in 2023 compared to the previous year. From January to September 2023, the Toronto Police Service averaged 47 hate crime-related calls each month, which sharply rose to an average of 190 calls per month from October to December 2023.

In total, 2023 saw a 42% increase in reported hate crime occurrences, with 353 incidents compared to 248 in 2022. However, there was a notable decrease in December 2023, with 10 reported hate crimes, a 48% reduction from the 48 reported in November 2023.

The most prevalent category of hate crimes reported in 2023 was anti-Semitism, constituting 37% of all incidents. There were 132 anti-Semitic hate crimes reported in 2023, more than double the number in 2022, which was 65. Additionally, there was a significant rise in anti-Muslim/Palestinian/Arab hate crimes, with 35 reported incidents in 2023 compared to 12 in 2022.

Another concerning trend was the 65% increase in reported LGBTQ2S+ hate crimes in 2023, making it the second-highest category. There were 66 such incidents reported in 2023, compared to 40 in 2022.

Between October 7, 2023, and January 10, 2024, the police made 54 arrests and laid 117 charges related to hate crime occurrences. The most common charges were related to Mischief (28 charges, 24%), Assault (22 charges, 19%), and Uttering Threats (17 charges, 15%).

In the early part of 2024, there have been three reported hate crimes in Toronto, with two being anti-Semitic and one targeting the LGBTQ2S+ community. The Toronto Police Service has also received 145 web submissions via the Hate Graffiti Web Form. Read more.

Whitby Begins Natural Christmas Tree Collection on January 15

The collection of natural Christmas trees in Whitby is set to begin today, January 15th. Residents are reminded of the following schedule:

• 🔵 Blue collection areas: Tree collection will take place from January 15th to January 20th.

• 🟡 Yellow collection areas: Collection is scheduled for January 22nd to January 27th.

To confirm the specific pick-up day for your area, residents should refer to the waste collection calendar or utilize the Whitby's Waste Buddy app. For more information and details about the garbage and recycling services in Whitby, you can visit Whitby Garbage and Recycling.

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

Four Arrested Including One from Whitby in Brampton Armed Carjacking by Provincial Task Force

Investigators from the Provincial Carjacking Joint Task Force (PCJTF) and Peel Regional Police have successfully charged four men following an armed carjacking in Brampton. The incident occurred on January 6, 2024, near Mayfield Road and Creditview Road. The victim, while standing near the trunk of his car parked in a driveway, was approached by the suspects and forced back into his residence at gunpoint. The assailants demanded the car keys and subsequently fled with the victim's vehicle. Fortunately, the victim sustained only minor physical injuries and declined medical attention.

The rapid and coordinated response of the PCJTF and Peel Regional Police led to the swift location and arrest of two suspects immediately after the robbery, with two additional suspects found in a nearby residence. The Peel Regional Police Tactical Unit aided in the arrests, which occurred without incident. During the arrest, one suspect was found in possession of a loaded mini Draco AK47 firearm with ammunition, which was seized by the police. The victim’s car was also successfully recovered.

The charged individuals are Elijah Kerridge-Lall, 21, from Whitby, Jaden Jones, 21, from Brampton, Romello Buchanan, 23, from Brampton, and Jaiden Waite, 22, from Brampton. Their charges include Robbery with a Firearm, Wearing a Disguise with Intent, and Possession of Stolen Property, among others. All appeared for bail hearings at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on January 8, 2024.

The rising incidents of auto-related violence in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have led to the formation of the PCJTF, a collaborative effort between various local police services and external agencies including the Toronto Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, and the Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario. This task force aims to disrupt criminal networks involved in violent and high-risk auto thefts and enhance law enforcement efforts against these criminal organizations.

The public is encouraged to contact the Central Robbery Bureau with any information regarding this incident or to provide anonymous tips through Peel Crime Stoppers. Read more.

Whitby Firefighters Take On NHL Greats in Charity Hockey Showdown

The Whitby Professional Firefighters are gearing up to compete against a team of former NHL stars in an entertaining and skillful hockey match. This annual event, known for its blend of high-level sportsmanship and humor, promises to be an enjoyable outing for families. The game is set to take place at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre in Whitby, with doors opening at 1:00 PM and the game starting at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 21, 2024.

This sporting event serves a noble cause, supporting the Durham Regional Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers plays a crucial role in enhancing community and school safety by aiding police in solving crimes. They incentivize community members to anonymously provide information that can help solve crimes, find wanted individuals, and recover stolen property or illegal drugs. Contributors providing helpful information are eligible for cash rewards, especially if their tips lead to the recovery of stolen items, drug seizures, or arrests.

Tickets for this exciting match between the Whitby Professional Firefighters and former NHL players can be obtained by calling the ticket and information line at 1-800-516-5810 or by purchasing them online. Read more and to get your tickets.

We are seeking Amazing Stories

About our Local Area Businesses!

We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Whitby area residents in an upcoming issue of Whitby Thrive?

✅ Own a Local Business? Apply Now to be Featured!

Coming Soon

Ontario Tech Hockey Stumbles in Home Return Against Ottawa Gee-Gees

In their comeback game at the Campus Ice Centre, the Ontario Tech men's hockey team faced a challenging defeat, losing 4-1 to the Ottawa Gee-Gees on Saturday night. The game started with Ottawa taking the lead, thanks to a goal from Nick Bowman in the first period. The Ridgebacks' Sean Ross, hailing from Bracebridge, Ontario, managed to even the score during the second period. However, the Gee-Gees regained their lead in the third period with a goal from Mathieu Desgagnes. As the Ridgebacks pushed to turn the game around, Ottawa capitalized on two empty-net opportunities, securing their victory. Read more.

Ontario Tech Basketball Marks Historic 10-Win Milestone Against McMaster

The Ontario Tech men's basketball team achieved a historic milestone on Saturday night, securing their first-ever 10-win season by defeating the McMaster Marauders 85-72. This landmark victory was underpinned by the Ridgebacks' cohesive and effective offence, with all starters scoring in double figures.

Keon Baker from Pickering, Ontario, spearheaded the team's scoring efforts with an impressive 26 points. Zubair Seyed of Cambridge, Ontario, contributed significantly with 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Ayub Nurhussien from Hamilton, Ontario, added 13 points and four rebounds to the tally, while Levi Ogbonna of Toronto was close to achieving a double-double, ending the game with 14 points and nine assists.

Caleb Kassa, hailing from Brampton, Ontario, stood out not only for his evolving role as a defensive powerhouse but also added 12 points to the team's score. Read more.

Ontario Tech Women's Basketball Shows Grit in Loss to McMaster

The Ontario Tech women's basketball team put forth a commendable effort with strong performances from their starters, yet faced a challenging 94-64 defeat against the McMaster Marauders at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre. Despite the loss, the Ridgebacks had a significant evening, participating in the annual U SPORTS Shoot for the Cure event, raising funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. Additionally, the team hosted the Scarborough Blues U14 girls for a halftime game and a special visit to the locker room.

The Ridgebacks managed to keep the game competitive in the early stages. By the end of the match, four starters had scored in double digits: Amarachi Achioso from Vaughan, Ontario, and Elliot Cowan from Chatham, Ontario, each contributed 10 points. Adra Barnet from Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Felicity Villarin both added 12 points each. Allie Dunnett from Sussex, New Brunswick, also made a notable impact, scoring 14 points coming off the bench. Read more.

Durham College Volleyball Triumphs Over Canadore in Four-Set Thriller

Durham College's men's volleyball team started their winter semester with a win against the Canadore Panthers in a four-set match. Key players like William Egan, Will Doucet, and Carter Reid contributed significantly to the victory, with the team showing resilience and skill. Read more.

Whitby, Ontario, has a unique connection to a specific type of transportation infrastructure. In the 1870s, what notable railway was constructed starting from Whitby Harbour?

• A) The Trans-Canada Railway

• B) The Port Whitby and Port Perry Railway

• C) The Whitby-Ottawa Mainline

• D) The Great Lakes Coastal Railway

Answer posted below.

January 16th

• Momma & Baby Yoga - 11:15AM-12:00PM

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

January 17th

• Older Adult Information and Active Living Fair - Clarington - 9:00AM-1:00PM

• A Taste of Italy - Oshawa - 1:30PM-3:00pm

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

• Trivia - Brock Street Lounge - 7:00PM

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

• Euchre - Brock Street Lounge - 7:00PM

January 19th

• Rise and Shine Breakfast - Oshawa - 8:30AM-10:00AM

• Dylan Gott Comdey Show - 8:00PM

• 80's Night at Bullocks Pub - 9:00PM-12:00AM

• Live Music with Dino Stakos - Brock Street Lounge - 7:00PM

January 20th

• Afternoon Tea - Chanterelle Bistro - 11:30AM-2:00PM

• World Religion Day - 2:00PM-4:00PM

• Saturday Studio Winter 2024 - 10:30AM and 1:00PM

• Dylan Gott Comdey Show - 8:00PM

• Live Music with Cale Crow - Brock Street Lounge - 7:00PM

January 21st

• Whitby Firefighters vs NHL Hockey Heroes Charity Game - 2:00PM

• BMO Free Public Skate - 2:00PM-3:45PM

January 25th

• Wellness for Weight Loss Program with Sylvia - 1:30PM-2:30PM

February 3rd

• Afternoon Tea - Chanterell Bistro - 11:30AM-2:00PM

We'd love to hear your thoughts on Whitby Thrive! Are there any specific topics or features you'd like to see more of in our newsletter? Please click the button below to share your suggestions and feedback with us.

Coming Soon