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  • 👫 Community Pulse: Whitby's Development Debate, Ajax Fire Update, Pickering Arrests, Women in Trades & Sports Highlights

👫 Community Pulse: Whitby's Development Debate, Ajax Fire Update, Pickering Arrests, Women in Trades & Sports Highlights

Issue #051

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Whitby Thrive
20 Jan

Issue #051 - January 20, 2024

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In this issue of Whitby Thrive…

☀️ Today’s Weather in Whitby 

✋🏻 Whitby Residents Rally Against Proposed Mid-Rise Development

 🚒 Ajax Community Shaken by Overnight Residential Fire

 🚨 Community on Alert: Armed Home Invasion by Four Suspects

👮🏽 Daring Daylight Pharmacy Robbery in Pickering Ends in Arrests

 🦺 New Venture to Elevate Women's Role in Ontario's Skilled Trades

🏆 Trivia

 🏐 Durham College Volleyball Team Triumphs Over George Brown Huskies

 📅 Whitby Events

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Whitby Residents Rally Against Proposed Mid-Rise Development

Residents of Whitby are rallying against the proposed construction of a five-story mixed-use development by Weston Consulting Group at 114 Winchester Road East and Duke Street in Brooklin/Whitby. The development plan includes 99 residential units, 1,100 square meters of commercial space, and up to 176 parking spaces. Locals are urging city councilors to oppose this project, citing several concerns about its impact on the suburban community.

Critics argue that introducing mid-rise buildings will disrupt the suburban charm and add undue stress on already overburdened hospitals, schools, and public roadways. They highlight the potential increase in traffic congestion, especially around Vipond Park and Arena, posing safety risks to families and children. Additionally, there are fears that the development will overshadow adjacent residential properties and lead to their devaluation. The site is currently zoned as C2-S-BP (Special Purpose Commercial Zone), where residential uses are prohibited, and the maximum building height is limited to 10 meters. Approving this project, residents fear, could set a precedent for similar developments in other parts of Durham, benefiting developers at the community's expense. The community emphasizes the need for thoughtful urban planning that balances growth with the area's capacity and character. Read more.

Ajax Community Shaken by Overnight Residential Fire

In a harrowing overnight incident in Ajax, a fire resulted in two people being hospitalized. On Friday, January 19, 2024, around 4:15 a.m., West Division police officers responded to a residential fire on Dooley Crescent. Upon arrival, they encountered heavy smoke billowing from the front of the house and flames engulfing the rear.

In a dramatic rescue, a female was spotted yelling from a second-story window while holding a child. An officer instructed her to drop the child to him, which she did, allowing the officer to bring the child to safety. The child suffered minor injuries. The woman, after dropping the child, jumped from the window, sustaining serious injuries. She was immediately taken to a Toronto-area trauma center and is now in stable condition.

Simultaneously, a male occupant was found at the front of the house in a critical condition. Firefighters initially provided life-saving measures, followed by officers who continued CPR as firefighters battled the blaze. The male was rushed to the hospital and is in a life-threatening condition.

The Ontario Fire Marshal's office has been involved in the investigation, which currently suggests that the fire was not suspicious.

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. Read more.

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Ajax Community on Alert: Armed Home Invasion by Four Suspects

A home in Ajax was targeted in an armed invasion by four suspects early on January 17, 2024. The intruders threatened the resident and damaged property before fleeing in a grey SUV. Anyone with surveillance or dash cam footage, or information about this incident is asked to contact Det. MacKinnon of the West Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1905.

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. Read more.

Daring Daylight Pharmacy Robbery in Pickering Ends in Arrests

A pharmacy robbery in Pickering involving an adult and four youths ended in their arrest. They stole narcotics and cash from Guardian Drug Store, fleeing in a stolen vehicle before being caught by police. All face serious charges including armed robbery and possession of stolen property.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Crosbie of the Robbery Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2211.

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. Read more.

New Venture to Elevate Women's Role in Ontario's Skilled Trades

Photo credit: durhamcollege.ca

Ontario is set to boost women's participation in Red Seal trades, thanks to over $2 million in federal funding. This initiative, part of the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, is titled Women in Red Seal Trades – Advancing the Career Ecosystem. It's a collaborative effort involving Sheridan College, St. Clair College, Fanshawe College, Durham College, and Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, which contributed an additional $300,000. The goal of the project is to enhance women's engagement and success in skilled trades by addressing and eliminating barriers to their participation. The hope is to develop skilled trades graduates equipped for rewarding careers that positively impact local communities.

Spanning three years, the initiative will focus on raising awareness and creating opportunities for women in career education, networking, and apprenticeships within Red Seal trades. The Red Seal Program, renowned for setting national standards in trades skills assessment, provides the Red Seal endorsement as a testament to a tradesperson's proficiency.

A central component of this initiative is the establishment of a Women in Trades Network, designed to foster community through events and mentorship, both virtual and in-person. Colleges involved will use their industry expertise, contacts, and alumni networks in skilled trades to nurture this community, providing a supportive environment for women to connect, network, and share experiences. Read more.

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Durham College Volleyball Team Triumphs Over George Brown Huskies

Photo credit: durhamlords.com

In a critical Eastern Division matchup, the Brantford Bulldogs maintained their lead against the Oshawa Generals, ending with a score that kept the Bulldogs at the top of the division. Key moments included goals from both teams, strategic plays, and a resilient effort from the Generals that fell just short. The match concluded with the Bulldogs holding onto the top spot in the Eastern Division with 48 points, while the Generals remained in second place with 44 points. Read more.

In the 1840s, a significant road was built from Whitby Harbour to facilitate trade and settlement. This road connected Whitby Harbour to two important lakes. What are these lakes?

  • A) Lake Simcoe and Lake Erie

  • B) Lake Ontario and Lake Huron

  • C) Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay

  • D) Lake Erie and Georgian Bay

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Trivia Answer

Correct Answer: C) Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay

In the 1840s, a road was constructed from Whitby Harbour to Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay. This development was crucial for bringing trade and settlement through the harbour to and from the rich hinterland to the north, thereby enhancing Whitby's economic and strategic importance in the region​​.