In this issue of Whitby Thrive…

☀️ Today’s Weather in Whitby 

 🔋 Durham College Unveils Vanhaverbeke Family EV Training Centre

⭐️ Ontario Tech Shines with Gold in Sustainability Achievements

📚 Empowering Young Minds: Ontario's New Language Curriculum Unveiled

 🚨 DRPS RIDE Operation Nets Two for Impaired Driving, Including One at Triple the Legal Limit

 💡 Apply Now to be Part of our Weekly Spotlight!

 🌳 Green Your Space: Subsidized Tree Planting Program Launches for Homeowners

⛸️ Free Family Day Skating Event Sponsored by Hinchey Homes at Delpark Homes Centre

🏆 Trivia

 🥅 Ridgebacks Gear Up for Queen's Cup Playoff Showdown Against Ottawa Gee-Gees

🎖️ Ontario Tech Celebrates Barnet and Baker as Student-Athletes of the Week

 🥇 Durham College Honours Oke and Hamlet as Student-Athletes of the Week

 📅 Whitby Events

Return to Top

Durham College Unveils Vanhaverbeke Family EV Training Centre

Durham College inaugurates the Vanhaverbeke Family EV Training Centre, named in honor of philanthropists Edmond and Sylvia Vanhaverbeke's substantial donations, totaling $1 million. This state-of-the-art facility, located at DC's Whitby campus, underscores the institution's dedication to innovative and sustainable automotive technology education. Read more.

Ontario Tech Shines with Gold in Sustainability Achievements

Ontario Tech University's ongoing commitment to sustainability has been recognized with a Gold rating by AASHE's STARS for 2023, marking continued excellence in green campus practices. Managed by the OCIS, the university's sustainability efforts span multiple areas, from energy efficiency to academic integration. Upcoming Sustainability Month events aim to further promote environmental responsibility among the university community. Read more.

Empowering Young Minds: Ontario's New Language Curriculum Unveiled

The Ontario Language Curriculum for Grades 1-8, updated in June 2023, integrates recommendations from the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read report, aiming to enhance students' language and literacy skills. Organized into four key areas—Literacy Connections and Applications, Foundations of Language, Comprehension, and Composition—the curriculum emphasizes the joy and importance of literacy. It advocates for active parental involvement in children's literacy development, offering practical tips for families to engage with their children in meaningful literacy activities. This initiative underscores the collaborative role of educators and families in fostering a conducive learning environment that prepares students for academic success and lifelong learning. Read more.

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

Return to Top

DRPS RIDE Operation Nets Two for Impaired Driving, Including One at Triple the Legal Limit

In a overnight operation on Super Bowl Sunday, the DRPS RIDE team conducted a significant traffic initiative, stopping a total of 313 vehicles as part of their efforts to combat impaired driving. The operation led to the arrest of two drivers on charges of impaired driving. Alarmingly, one of these individuals was found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 230mg, which is triple the legal limit. Authorities continue to urge the public to play a vital role in ensuring road safety by reporting suspected impaired drivers to 911. The campaign is part of the broader #durhamvisionzero initiative, aiming to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries on the road. Read more.

Return to Top

Apply Now to be Part of our Weekly Spotlight!

Return to Top

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!

Green Your Space: Subsidized Tree Planting Program Launches for Homeowners

In an exciting initiative aimed at greening our communities, homeowners are now offered a chance to participate in the subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program this spring. This program, supported by various regional municipalities and organizations, encourages residents to enhance their outdoor spaces by planting trees at a reduced cost. Participants will benefit from expert guidance provided by certified arborists, including a personalized consultation, to-your-door delivery of the tree, mulch, and comprehensive planting and care guides. The program offers flexibility with both Full Service and Do-It-Yourself planting options to cater to different preferences.

This initiative is part of a collaborative effort to promote urban forestry and contribute to a healthier environment. It is supported by The Regional Municipality of Durham, the City of Toronto (Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation), York Region (The Regional Municipality of York), and several other local governments and organizations, including Ontario Power Generation. Homeowners interested in making their contribution to a greener future are encouraged to learn more and apply for the program to book their consultation. Read more.

Free Family Day Skating Event Sponsored by Hinchey Homes at Delpark Homes Centre

Celebrate Family Day with a free public skate sponsored by Hinchey Homes Real Estate Company - Re/Max 

• Location: Delpark Homes Centre, Pads 1 and 3

• Date: February 19th, 2024

• Time: 12:00PM to 2:00PM

For more details, visit Oshawa.ca/Skate

Return to Top

Ridgebacks Gear Up for Queen's Cup Playoff Showdown Against Ottawa Gee-Gees

The 112th Queen's Cup playoffs are set to ignite with the Ridgebacks facing the Ottawa Gee-Gees in a thrilling three-game series. The Ridgebacks aim to build on their regular-season comeback, led by top scorers James White and Cullen McLean, against the defensively strong Gee-Gees, led by Luka Verreault and goaltender Franky Lapenna. The series begins at the Campus Ice Centre, moving to Ottawa for the concluding games, promising high-stakes collegiate hockey action. Read more.

Ontario Tech Celebrates Barnet and Baker as Student-Athletes of the Week

Adra Barnet and Keon Baker have been named Ontario Tech's student-athletes of the week, showcasing standout performances in basketball against Lakehead. Barnet's all-around excellence and Baker's crucial role in a comeback victory highlight their contributions. Upcoming games against Carleton and Ottawa also promise exciting matchups and a chance to celebrate the graduating seniors. Read more.

Durham College Honours Oke and Hamlet as Student-Athletes of the Week

Chelsea Oke and Kevin Hamlet have been named Durham College's student-athletes of the week, thanks to their significant contributions in volleyball and basketball, respectively. Oke excelled in the Lords' qualifying volleyball game, while Hamlet led his basketball team to end the season on a high note. The women's volleyball team is eyeing success in the upcoming OCAA championship quarter-finals, and the men's basketball team is preparing to host a crucial qualifying match. Read more.

Return to Top

Which country is believed to have originated the tradition of exchanging love notes and gifts on ❤️ Valentine's Day ❤️, a practice that has become popular worldwide?

• A) France

• B) Italy

• C) England

• D) United States

Answer posted below.

Return to Top

February 11th

• JERSEY NIGHTS - A VALENTINES TRIBUTE TO FRANKIE VALLI AND THE FOUR SEASONS - 4:00PM-6:00PM

• Oshawa Generals vs. London Nights - 7:05PM-9:05PM

• Cribbage 55+ - 7:00PM-9:30PM

February 12th

• Cribbage Tournament - 1:00PM-4:00PM

• Galentines Day At The Brewery - 6:00PM-10:00PM

February 13th

• Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - 5:00PM-7:00PM

• Chess 55+ - 7:00PM-9:30PM

• Brock Street Partner Yoga Date Night - 7:00PM-8:00PM

February 14th

• Craft Group 55+ - 1:00 - 3:30PM

• Duplicate Bridge 55+ - 2:15PM-4:15PM

• Darts 55+ - 7:00PM-9:30PM

• Brock Street Trivia - 7:00PM

• Valentines Day Candle Making Workshop - 7:00PM-8:30PM

February 15th

• Duplicate Bridge 55+ - 12:45PM-4:00PM

• Bid Euchre 55+ - 6:30PM-9:30PM

• Bingo 55+ - 6:30-9:30PM

• Brock Street Euchre - 7:00PM

• Disney On Ice - Into The Magic

February 16th

• Darts 55+ - 7:00PM-9:30PM

• Live music by Dino Stakos - 8:00PM

• Bobby Warrener Comedy Show - 8:00PM

• Disney On Ice - Into The Magic

• Oshawa Psychic & Crystal Fair - 2:00PM-6:00PM

February 17th

• Brock Street Yoga - 9:30AM

• Live music by Accoutis J's- 8:00PM

• Bobby Warrener Comedy Show - 8:00PM

• Disney On Ice - Into The Magic

• Oshawa Psychic & Crystal Fair - 2:00PM-6:00PM

February 18th

• Disney On Ice - Into The Magic

• Oshawa Psychic & Crystal Fair - 2:00PM-6:00PM

February 19th

• Oshawa Free Family Skate - 12:00PM-2:00PM

Return to Top

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.

Return to Top