• Whitby Thrive
  • Posts
  • 🐔 Durham Debates Backyard Chickens, Enhances Road Safety, and Launches Urgent Search for Missing Woman

🐔 Durham Debates Backyard Chickens, Enhances Road Safety, and Launches Urgent Search for Missing Woman

Issue #069

Author

Whitby Thrive
07 Feb

Issue #069 - February 7, 2024

Email Newsletter Clipped?

In this issue of Whitby Thrive…

🏆 Trivia

Partner with Us to Reach our Local Audience!

Advertising Opportunities are Coming Soon!

Durham Committee Opposes Backyard Chickens Over Health Concerns

The Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee has expressed opposition to the proposal of allowing backyard chickens within the region, citing health and safety concerns. The committee's apprehensions focus on the risk of spreading avian flu and other diseases, as well as the potential for increased pest and predator activity. This position was supported by the Planning and Economic Development Committee and will soon be reviewed by the Regional Council for a definitive ruling. Read more.

Enhancing Road Safety in Durham with Vision Zero Initiative

Photo credit: fb.com/RegionofDurham

As the days grow shorter and commuting hours become darker, visibility on our roads decreases significantly. The #DurhamVisionZero initiative is a comprehensive strategy aimed at creating a transportation system where accidents leading to fatalities or serious injuries are completely eliminated on #DurhamRoads. This initiative encourages all road users to remain vigilant and prioritize safety at all times. For more insights into the steps being taken to enhance safety on #DurhamRoads, visit durham.ca/VisionZero. Together, with the support of the Durham Regional Police Service, Durham Region Health Department, and Durham Region Cycling Coalition, we can make our roads safer for cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians alike.

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

Urgent Search for Missing Indigenous Woman in Oshawa

The search is underway for Deanna, a 34-year-old Indigenous woman missing from Oshawa since November 2023. Last seen in the Glen Street and Porter Street area, concerns for her safety have escalated. Described as 5’2” and 105 lbs, with long brown hair and brown eyes, authorities are appealing for public assistance.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Dellipizzi of the Central East Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2766.

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.

Two Youths Arrested Following Stabbing at Whitby GO Station

Do Not Cross!

Two youths have been detained after a stabbing incident at the Whitby GO Station on February 5, 2024. The altercation occurred during a robbery in the station's parking garage, leading to one victim being hospitalized with serious injuries. The assailants, known to the victim, have been charged with aggravated assault among other offenses. Police assure the public there is no further danger, and encourage witnesses or those with information to reach out.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Marchand of the Central West Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1829.

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.

Coronation Public School Reopens After Bomb Threat Declared Hoax

The bomb threat at Coronation Public School in Oshawa was declared a hoax after a thorough investigation by the Durham Regional Police. The school, previously evacuated as a precautionary step, has been cleared and reopened, ensuring the safety and security of all individuals involved. Read more.

Apply Now to be Part of our Weekly Spotlight!

Happy Dance GIF by Compare the Market

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!

Durham College to Host Prestigious Film and TV Career Fair

Are you mesmerized by the magic of movies? Don't miss the annual Film and Television Industry Career Fair hosted by the Durham Region Film Commission (Film Durham). This event is a golden opportunity for both students and adults intrigued by a career in the film and television sector.

The burgeoning film and television production scene in Canada, especially within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, is creating a plethora of high-quality job opportunities. Durham Region, with its close ties to Toronto's production hub, is at the forefront of this growth, offering a wide array of career possibilities.

This career fair will allow attendees to engage directly with professionals from the industry, explore interactive exhibits, gain a behind-the-scenes perspective of filmmaking, and discover various career paths. These include roles in cinematography, production sound, locations, costume design, hair and makeup, the grip and electrical departments, acting, prop creation, art, animation, visual effects, accounting, directing, and post-production editing, among others.

Event Details:

  • Date: March 25, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

  • Location: Durham College - Oshawa Campus, Recreation and Wellness Centre (21 Avenue of Champions, Oshawa, Ontario).

  • Purpose: Highlighting Durham Region's vital contribution to Ontario’s multi-billion-dollar film and television industry, thanks to its strategic location, skilled workforce, supportive businesses, and diverse filming locations.

  • Registration: Interested parties can sign up for the Film and Television Industry Career Fair at FilmDurham.EventBrite.ca.

For additional details on the vibrant film and television scene in Durham Region, including its production sites, unique filming locations, and the Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF), visit InvestDurham.ca/film.

Durham Region boasts an impressive film and television production landscape, featuring everything from urban to rural settings, industrial to pastoral scenes, and cultural heritage sites perfect for various film projects. It also hosts the DRIFF and supports emerging filmmakers through the DRIFF Emerging Filmmaker Incubator, promoting a dynamic and inclusive film culture in the area.

Winter Warmth Drive for Durham's Rescue Animals: Donate Towels and Blankets

Whisker Warrior, a key connector for rescue centres and volunteers in the Durham Region, is calling on the community for support during the month of February. The mission is to gather new or gently used clean towels and blankets to aid rescue animals—including dogs, cats, and wildlife—who are in dire need. This call to action comes in the wake of a surge in abandoned pets following the holiday season, leaving many animals outside, hungry, and injured.

Donation Requirements: To ensure the safety and comfort of the animals, Whisker Warrior specifies the need for blankets that are not knitted, as the animals' paws, claws, or nails can become entangled in the fabric. Additionally, gently used towels are sought to help keep these animals clean and warm through the winter months.

Why Your Help Is Needed: The cold winter has left countless homeless animals in need. Your donations will serve multiple critical purposes at rescue centers throughout the Durham Region:

Bedding: Providing a warm and comfortable place for animals to rest, whether in cages, pens, or for wrapping injured animals.

Towels: Essential for warming, cleaning, drying off animals after baths, and providing extra comfort. Towels are also crucial in emergency situations for animals that are injured or have been hit by cars.

How You Can Contribute: Whisker Warriors, in collaboration with Maid Mart cleaning services, will clean, package, and distribute the donations to various rescue centers and humane societies across the region. This coordinated effort ensures that your contributions directly support animals in emergency situations and foster care, among other uses.

Get Involved: Gather support from neighbours and friends for this noble cause. For donations, please contact Beverley directly for pick-up arrangements.

Contact Information:

Ontario Tech Ridgebacks Secure Talented Fullback Karlia Jean-Baptiste for 2024

Photo credit: goridgebacks.com

Karlia Jean-Baptiste, a promising fullback from Markham, Ontario, will join the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks women's soccer team in the 2024 season. With a background in rep-level soccer and experience in the U17 OPDL and U19 League 1 Reserves, Jean-Baptiste brings speed and skill to the team. Recognized for her defensive and offensive capabilities, she also represented the U-17 Ontario girls provincial Xcel team in 2023. Jean-Baptiste will enroll in the Health Sciences program at Ontario Tech, demonstrating her commitment to both her sport and academics. Read more.

Ontario Tech Men's Basketball Achieves Historic National Ranking

Photo credit: goridgebacks.com

The Ontario Tech men's basketball team has achieved a historic milestone by being ranked nationally for the first time, securing the number 9 spot in the U SPORTS weekly rankings. This accolade reflects the team's exceptional performance this season, including victories over five ranked opponents. Head coach Deluxshan Pathmanathan praised the collective efforts of the players, coaches, and administration in reaching this level of success. The team looks forward to their remaining games and the playoffs, aiming to continue their impressive run. Read more.

What is a significant natural feature of Lynde Shores Conservation Area in Whitby?

  • A) Its large sand dunes

  • B) Its migratory bird sanctuary

  • C) Its rare butterfly habitat

  • D) Its freshwater marshlands

February 4th

February 5th

February 6th

February 7th

February 8th

February 9th

February 10th

February 13th

February 14th

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.

Trivia Answer

Correct Answer: B) Its migratory bird sanctuary

Lynde Shores Conservation Area is well-known for its migratory bird sanctuary, making it a popular spot for bird watching and nature enthusiasts.