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- 🗾 Ontario's Education Safeguard Plan, Whitby's Entrepreneurial Boost, and Local Heroics: Service Dog Saved and Artistic Vision Celebrated
🗾 Ontario's Education Safeguard Plan, Whitby's Entrepreneurial Boost, and Local Heroics: Service Dog Saved and Artistic Vision Celebrated
Issue #058
Whitby Thrive
27 Jan
Issue #058 - January 27, 2024
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Ontario Government Unveils Plan to Safeguard Postsecondary Education Integrity
The Ontario government has announced a comprehensive plan to enhance the integrity and quality of postsecondary education in the province. These measures aim to safeguard students, particularly international ones, from predatory recruitment practices and misinformation, while aligning educational programs with Ontario's labor market needs, focusing on critical sectors like health care and skilled trades.
Key initiatives include:
Reviewing programs with significant international student enrollment to ensure they meet labor market demands and maintain Ontario’s educational reputation.
Instituting a moratorium on new public college-private partnerships, pending improved oversight.
Enhancing response rates to student outcome surveys for better academic results.
Requiring colleges and universities to guarantee housing for international students.
Strengthening oversight of career colleges through integrated enforcement efforts and improved data management and compliance investigations.
Minister of Colleges and Universities Jill Dunlop emphasized the need for collaborative action to address issues like inadequate student housing and false promises of employment. The government is also working with sector partners and the federal government to tackle exploitative recruitment practices and to maintain Ontario's appeal as a study destination.
Additionally, the government is reviewing recommendations from a blue-ribbon panel on postsecondary financial stability, with further details expected by the end of February. This review is part of ongoing efforts to ensure stability and certainty for institutions and students. Read more.
Whitby Entrepreneurs Receive Boost from Provincial RAISE Funding
The RAISE program is supporting seven Whitby businesses with $10,000 each, aiming to reduce economic barriers for Indigenous, Black, and racialized entrepreneurs. The funding will aid in business development, job creation, and community enhancement.
The businesses benefiting from this round of funding are:
Some Creative Agency
AZON Bookkeeping Services Inc.
Efairs Ltd.
Sheldonlevene.com Inc.
Taltis Foods Inc.
Watkin Development Inc.
Vegan Delights by Lisa-Ann
Congratulations! Read more.
Do you Have the Scoop on a Breaking Local News Story?
Violent Attempt to Steal Service Dog Leads to Stabbing in Pickering
In a shocking incident in Pickering, a man was violently attacked during an attempted robbery targeting his service dog. The event unfolded in a secluded, wooded area on Saturday, January 20, 2024, when the victim stopped to allow his dog to urinate. Suddenly, a black, older model Ford F-150 pulled up, and two assailants emerged. Brandishing knives, they demanded the victim's service dog. A struggle ensued, resulting in the victim suffering a stab wound to his leg. Despite their aggressive efforts, the attackers failed to seize the dog and hastily retreated in their vehicle.
The victim, managing to drive himself to a Toronto hospital, reported the incident to the police, having sustained minor injuries. The assailants remain at large, with the first described as a slim, white male in his 30s or 40s, sporting dark shoulder-length hair and a beard, and clad in dark attire and black construction boots. His accomplice, also white and slim, is noted for his red hair and long beard, standing at 6'1", and wearing a burgundy construction jacket and black pants. The vehicle, an older black Ford F-150, featured tinted windows and large 20-inch tires.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Broome of the West Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2871.
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.
Four Suspects Wanted in Connection with Toronto Assault, One Whitby Man Charged
The Toronto Police Service is actively seeking public assistance to identify suspects involved in a serious assault case. The incident occurred on Sunday, November 19, 2023, around 4:15 a.m. near Queen Street West and Denison Avenue in Toronto.
According to the allegations, a group of five men engaged in a verbal altercation with the victims, which escalated into a physical assault. During this assault, one of the suspects reportedly used a firearm to attack a victim, leaving him unconscious. Following the incident, the group fled in an undetermined direction.
In connection with this case, Nathaniel Wallis, a 29-year-old from Whitby, was apprehended and charged on Saturday, December 2, 2023. His charges include firearm possession without a license, pointing a firearm, assault with a weapon, aggravated assault, assault causing bodily harm, breach of probation, and possessing a firearm while prohibited. Wallis appeared in court at the Ontario Court of Justice on December 3, 2023.
The police are still searching for the four remaining suspects, described as follows:
Suspect #1: Muscular build, long hair in a bun, full beard.
Suspect #2: Heavy build, light complexion, long hair in braids, full beard.
Suspect #3: Medium build, short dark hair, short beard.
Suspect #4: Medium build, short dark hair, thin goatee.
Images of the suspects have been released to aid in their identification. The Toronto Police urge anyone with information to contact them at 416-808-1400, anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or online at www.222tips.com. Read more.
Capturing the Essence of Whitby: A Close-Up with Photographic Touch and Its Visionary Founder, Gale D’Souza
Gale D’Souza - Photographic Touch
In Whitby, Ontario, a creative force is reshaping the landscape of portrait photography. Photographic Touch, nestled in the heart of this vibrant community, is not your typical photography studio. Founded in 2018 by the dynamic Gale D'Souza, this full-service photography business has become a beacon for those seeking to capture life's moments in the most authentic and artistic way possible.
The journey of Photographic Touch is a tale of passion evolving into professional mastery. Gale, initially captivated by the allure of wildlife photography, soon discovered a profound connection with portrait photography. This pivot was inspired by a life-changing workshop, igniting a journey towards becoming a Portrait Master. From boudoir to branding, headshots to model portfolios, Photographic Touch offers a wide range of services, each infused with Gale's unique artistic vision.
What truly sets Photographic Touch apart is its commitment to personalized, out-of-the-box photography sessions. Gale is not just a photographer; she's a storyteller, capturing the essence of each subject. Her resourcefulness and creativity have earned her accolades, including being a published and award-winning photographer. Gale's aspiration to become an associate with the Portrait Masters speaks volumes about her dedication to her craft.
But Photographic Touch is more than just a business; it's a vital part of the Whitby community. Gale's love for connecting with local entrepreneurs shines through her regular hosting of networking events. Her involvement in family days and contributions to charity auctions with photoshoot certificates highlight her commitment to giving back to the community that has embraced her business.
Looking to the future, Photographic Touch is not resting on its laurels. Gale is currently diving into conceptual work to create content, competing with other photographers from around the world. With the associated recognition and awards, Gale will continue to propel herself towards becoming an associate with the Portrait Masters. Collaborating with models, she is on a mission to showcase her evolving talent and vision, aiming to enrich her portfolio in headshot and branding photography.
For those in Whitby and beyond looking to capture their personal or professional milestones, Photographic Touch stands out as a gem. To experience Gale D'Souza's photographic magic, reach out to her at at 905-809-1100. You can explore more of her work at www.galedsouza.com and connect with her on social media including Instagram (@gale_photographic_touch), Facebook, and LinkedIn.
In a world where moments are fleeting, Photographic Touch offers a chance to hold onto them forever, through the lens of a photographer who sees not just the person, but their story.
A designed album with your custom portraits
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Whitby Non-Profits Receive Significant Provincial Funding Boost
Photo credit: durhamregionnews.com
Five non-profit organizations in Whitby, Ontario, have received a significant boost from the provincial government, with a combined funding of $475,400. This financial support was announced by Neil Lumsden, the provincial minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, during an event at the Whitby Curling Club.
The grants, delivered through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) capital grant stream, are allocated as follows:
Sunrise Developmental Support Services: $150,000
Whitby Curling Club: $107,900
WindReach Farm: $128,500
Conseil des organismes francophones de la region de Region: $78,500
County Town Singers: $10,500
Lumsden emphasized that these capital grant funds will enable community organizations to purchase essential equipment and improve local facilities, thus enhancing community spaces and building a sense of pride in the province.
Amber McKinley, program supervisor at Sunrise Developmental Support Services, highlighted the impact of the funding, stating that it would be used to purchase three new vehicles. These vehicles symbolize freedom and dignity and will help expand their services in Durham Region, enhancing the quality of life for those who rely on them.
Whitby MPP Lorne Coe and Mayor Elizabeth Roy also spoke at the event, acknowledging the crucial role these organizations play in the community. They expressed gratitude for the funding, which will enable these organizations to better serve the people of Whitby and continue making a positive difference.
The Whitby Curling Club mentioned that its portion of the grant would be used for the replacement of the club's compressor in the coming year. Read source.
Team Red Triumphs in 2024 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game
Photo credit: Daniel St. Louis
In an exhilarating match at the 2024 Kubota CHL / NHL Top Prospects Game in Moncton, N.B., Team Red clinched a 3-1 victory over Team White, marking their first triumph in this event since 2018. The game, a highlight of the annual showcase featuring NHL Draft-eligible talents, saw 19 OHL players participating, with Team Red fielding eight and Team White 11.
The match kicked off with an intense goaltender duel between Team White's Owen Sound’s Carter George and Team Red's Ryerson Leenders. The deadlock was broken early in the second period by Spitfires' captain Liam Greentree, who scored with a precise snipe, aided by assists from Storm's Jett Luchanko and Oshawa's Beckett Sennecke.
Team Red's Ben Danford, ranked 32nd among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, leveled the score soon after with a skillful one-timer, capitalizing on an exceptional backdoor pass. The decisive moment came when Baie-Comeau's Raoul Boilard netted the game-winner for Team Red in the third period, later sealing the deal with a second goal into an empty net, set up by Brantford's Marek Vanacker. Team White’s goalie, Carter George, displayed commendable skill, stopping 11 of the 12 shots he faced. Read more.
Ontario Tech Soccer Welcomes Top Prospect Athol Munro for 2024 Season
Photo credit: goridgebacks.com
Athol Munro, a highly talented soccer player, has joined the Ontario Tech men's soccer team as their first recruit for 2024. Munro brings a strong background from playing with the Oakville OPDL, Toronto FC academy, North Mississauga Soccer Club, and Burlington Soccer Club. Read more.
Whitby's downtown area underwent significant redevelopment in which decade?
A) 1960s
B) 1980s
C) 2000s
D) 2010s
January 27th
Saturday Studio Winter 2024 - 10:30AM-2:30PM
Raechel Wastesicoot: Kenatentas Opening Reception - 2:00PM-3:30PM
Live Music by Urban Rednecks - 8:00PM
Jon Steinberg Comedy Show - 8:00PM
February 1st
Fostering Harmony Between Domestic and Wild Canids - Zoom Webinar - 6:30PM
February 3rd
Afternoon Tea - Chanterell Bistro - 11:30AM-2:00PM
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Trivia Answer
Correct Answer: C) 2000s
The downtown area of Whitby experienced significant redevelopment in the 2000s, enhancing its appeal and functionality.