In this issue of Whitby Thrive…

☀️ Today’s Weather in Whitby 

🛣️ 407 ETR Unveils New Toll Rates Effective February 2024, Ending Four-Year Freeze

 🚊 GO Transit and UP Express Offer Free Rides on New Year’s Eve in Partnership with Forty Creek Whisky

 🚨 Community Alert: 54-Year-Old Man Missing Since December 26 

 🎆 Celebrate 'Noon Year's Eve' with a Free Skate at Iroquois Park Sports Centre

🏆 Trivia

 🔔 Got a Favourite Whitby Business? Nominate Them for a Feature in Our Community Newsletter!

 🥅 Oshawa Generals' Winning Streak Ends with 5-4 Defeat to Brantford Bulldogs

 📅 Whitby Events

407 ETR Unveils New Toll Rates Effective February 2024, Ending Four-Year Freeze

After a four-year hiatus, 407 ETR has announced an updated rate schedule set to be implemented on February 1, 2024. This decision marks the end of the toll freeze that began in February 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As traffic gradually returns to normal with more people resuming their daily commutes, 407 ETR is adjusting its tolls accordingly.

407 ETR is a critical component of Ontario's infrastructure, facilitating not only smoother commutes for individuals but also serving as a dependable artery for local businesses to transport goods and provide services. The highway has seen significant growth in traffic since 1999, witnessing an increase of over 70%. This growth underscores the highway's reputation as a safe, efficient, and reliable route for commuters.

The updated toll rates for light vehicles will vary, with an increase ranging from one to 11 cents per kilometer, depending on the time and zone of travel. Despite these changes, the average personal customer of 407 ETR is expected to see a modest rise in their monthly bill, estimated to be under $5. This adjustment in rates is part of 407 ETR's broader commitment to maintaining and enhancing the highway's operations. This includes continuous maintenance, 24/7 monitoring, roadside assistance, winter operations, and policing and enforcement.

Since acquiring the highway in 1999, 407 ETR has significantly expanded its reach, extending the highway's length from 68 kilometers to 108 kilometers. Over this period, the company has invested more than $1.6 billion in private funds for highway extensions, expansions, and customer service improvements. Read more.

GO Transit and UP Express Offer Free Rides on New Year’s Eve in Partnership with Forty Creek Whisky

This New Year's Eve, revelers in Ontario can enjoy free transit rides on GO Transit and UP Express, thanks to a special partnership between Forty Creek Whisky and Metrolinx. Starting from 7 p.m. on December 31, 2023, both train and bus services on GO Transit will be free of charge until 8 a.m. the following day.

In an unprecedented move, GO Transit will operate its trains throughout the night and into the morning of New Year's Day, ensuring passengers have a safe and convenient way to travel during the festivities. This includes:

• Regular departures from Union Station on the Lakeshore East and West GO Lines from 12:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

• Regular departures on the Kitchener Line from Union Station from 12:35 a.m. to 5:35 a.m.

• Two additional trips on the Milton Line to Milton GO at 1:25 a.m. and 3:55 a.m.

• Three special trains on the Barrie Line departing between 12:55 a.m. and 4:10 a.m.

• Three special trains on the Stouffville Line departing between 12:40 a.m. and 4:25 a.m.

• One special train on the Richmond Hill Line heading northbound at 1:10 a.m.

Additionally, extra GO Bus service will be available to provide even more travel options. UP Express service will also be free after 7 p.m., with the last trains departing from Union at 11 p.m. and from Pearson at 11:27 p.m.

Customers are reminded to still tap on and off the services, even though they won't be charged. The display will show a $0 fare. For full schedules and the latest details, passengers are advised to visit gotransit.com. Read more.

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Community Alert: 54-Year-Old Man Missing Since December 26

MISSING PERSON ALERT

• Name: Morris, Age 54

• Last Seen: December 26, at approximately 11 a.m.

• Location: Victoria Park Avenue & Sheppard Avenue East area.

• Height: 5'5"

• Build: Medium

• Hair: Short, receding, black

• Eyes: Dark

• Clothing: Black jacket, dark pants, black boots

• Notable Item: Wearing a blue Toronto Maple Leafs toque

If you have any information regarding Morris's whereabouts, please contact local authorities immediately. Timely reporting can be crucial in missing person cases. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Read more.

Celebrate 'Noon Year's Eve' with a Free Skate at Iroquois Park Sports Centre

Come and celebrate the New Year with a twist! Join us for a spectacular 'Noon Year's Eve' free public skate, hosted by CUPE Local 53. This event promises a delightful experience, gliding into 2024 with family and friends. It's a perfect opportunity for people of all ages to come together and enjoy the joys of ice skating.

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, December 31, 2023

• Time: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

• Venue: Iroquois Park Sports Centre, 500 Victoria St W, Whitby

• Admission: Free

This event is open to the general public, so bring your skates and your loved ones for an afternoon of fun, laughter, and memorable moments on the ice!

Find more Durham Region New Year’s Eve events here.

We are seeking Amazing Stories

About our Local Area Businesses!

Help us celebrate our Community’s Achievements!

Got a Favourite Whitby Business? Nominate Them to be Featured in Whitby Thrive!

Whitby Thrive, your local community newsletter, is on the lookout for remarkable businesses to feature in our upcoming editions! We're calling on our readers to help us in this endeavour. If you know a local business in Whitby that deserves some recognition, we would love to hear from you. Nominate your favourite local business by sending us an email. This is a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on those businesses that make our community special. Don't miss the chance to help a local business get the spotlight it deserves!

Coming Soon!

Which of the following statements about Highway 407 ETR is true?

• A) The entire route of Highway 407 ETR is operated by the Ontario provincial government.

• B) Highway 407 ETR was first proposed in the 1950s but construction did not begin until 1987.

• C) Highway 407 ETR is the longest freeway in Ontario's 400 series network.

• D) There are multiple toll booths along Highway 407 ETR for distance calculation.

Answer posted below.

Oshawa Generals' Winning Streak Ends with 5-4 Defeat to Brantford Bulldogs

The Oshawa Generals' winning streak came to an end at five games, as they were narrowly defeated 5-4 by the Brantford Bulldogs in their first matchup after the Christmas break.

The game saw impressive individual performances from the Generals, with Connor Lockhart and Stuart Rolofs extending their goal streaks to six and three games respectively. Calum Ritchie notably scored twice, albeit in a losing effort.

The match began with the Bulldogs taking an early lead. Cedricson Okitundu managed to capitalize on a scrambled play in front of Generals' goalie Jacob Oster, scoring the opening goal. The Generals responded in the second period with Rolofs equalizing after a well-executed play involving David Bedkowski and Ritchie. Ritchie then added a short-handed goal, giving the Generals a brief lead.

However, the Bulldogs quickly tied the game again, with Patrick Thomas scoring. Brantford then regained the lead with a spectacular goal from Luca Testa. The Generals fought back to level the score once more, thanks to a goal by Lockhart off a deflection from Ritchie.

The Bulldogs continued to press, with Okitundu scoring his second goal of the game. Jake O’Brien later extended the Bulldogs' lead to 5-3. The Generals managed to reduce the deficit with a powerplay goal by Lockhart, but it wasn't enough to turn the game around.

The Generals are set to play their next game on New Year's Day against the Kitchener Rangers, marking the start of the second half of their season. The game is scheduled for a 2:05 p.m. puck drop. Read more.

December 30th

• Whitby Lights the Night

• Winter Break Activities at the Canadian Automotive Museum - 10:00AM-4:00PM

• Aladdin: A Magical Carpet Ride Pantomime - 2:00PM & 6:00PM

• Darren Frost (Comedian) - Yuk Yuks - 8:00PM

December 31st

• Whitby Lights the Night

• Winter Break Activities at the Canadian Automotive Museum - 10:00AM-4:00PM

• Brother Earth Live at Fionn Maccool's in Oshawa - 7:00PM-2:00AM

• Aladdin: A Magical Carpet Ride Pantomime - 2:00PM

• New Year's Eve Free Public Skate Sponsored by CUPE Local 53 - 12:30PM-2:30pm

• Oshawa Celebrates – New Year’s Eve 2024 - 6:00PM-9:00PM

• Ajax New Year’s Eve Party - 6:00PM-9:00PM

• Pickering New Year’s Eve - 6:30PM-8:30PM

• New Year’s Eve - Yuk Yuks - 10:00PM

January 2nd

• Free Holiday Swim Sponsored by Gerdau - Whitby Civic - 2:30PM-4:30PM

• Winter Break Activities at the Canadian Automotive Museum - 10:00AM-4:00PM

January 3rd

• Free Holiday Swim Sponsored by Gerdau - Whitby Civic - 2:30PM-4:30PM

• Winter Break Activities at the Canadian Automotive Museum - 10:00AM-4:00PM

January 4th

• Free Holiday Swim Sponsored by Gerdau - Whitby Civic - 2:30PM-4:30PM

• Winter Break Activities at the Canadian Automotive Museum - 10:00AM-4:00PM

January 5th

• Winter Break Activities at the Canadian Automotive Museum - 10:00AM-4:00PM

January 6th

• Winter Break Activities at the Canadian Automotive Museum - 10:00AM-4:00PM

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