This Week In Durham Region

This Week In Durham Region Local News graphic

📅 Celebrating Black History Month 📅

Access the latest Durham Region news at durham.ca/newsroom

Regional Chair statement on celebrating Black History Month

John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, released a statement on recognizing Black History Month in Durham Region.

“On February 1, we recognize the beginning of Black History Month in Durham Region. The theme this year is Together We Rise Durham: Excellence Through the Arts.

Throughout our nation’s history, Black Canadians have contributed significantly to making Canada the culturally diverse and prosperous country it is today. We celebrate their achievements, not only throughout the month of February, but all year round.

I encourage everyone to take some time this month to reflect, learn and come together for an enlightening and educational Black History Month.”

Read the full statement for details.

Durham Region 2023 Ontario Parasport Games and Opening Ceremony

This weekend (February 3 to 5), more than 300 para athletes will compete during the Durham Region 2023 Ontario Parasport Games! The Games kick off with an Opening Ceremony at Abilities Centre (55 Gordon Street, Whitby) on February 3 at 7 p.m., followed by a weekend filled with competition and sport demos at nine venues across the region. The Opening Ceremony will feature the parade of athletes, official welcomes, an Indigenous smudging ceremony and drumming, musical entertainment and the torch lighting of the Games cauldron.

Admission is free to the Opening Ceremony and all sporting events! Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations in support of Feed the Need in Durham. For a full list of sporting events, schedules and venues, visit DurhamRegion2023.ca.

An exterior shot of Durham Region Headquarters during the winter.

Durham Region continues to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion

It is important that the Region of Durham is a place where diversity is embraced and each one of us is valued and included. Creating a strong sense of belonging helps us harness everyone’s potential to drive leadership, co-operation, innovation and service excellence.

Throughout 2022, Durham Region advanced diversity and inclusion efforts by building on past achievements and launching new initiatives. Read the full statement.

An animated image of people using a path along the meadoway trail in a variety of ways including walking biking and running.

Have your say on the vision for the Durham Meadoway

The Durham Meadoway is a proposed pedestrian and cycling route and linear park that will connect people to destinations across more than 27 kilometres of Durham Region. In addition to providing a significant east-west recreational facility and active transportation spine, the Durham Meadoway also has the potential to become a multi-faceted space for people that includes ecological enhancements, public art and community amenities.

Did you miss the open houses in January? Visit YourVoice.Durham.ca/Durham-Meadoway to complete the survey and provide input on the vision and guiding principles for the project. The survey will remain open until 9 a.m. on February 13.

An icon of an orange and white striped road closed sign on a navy background.

Upcoming closure of Harmony Road North in Oshawa

Harmony Road North, from Winchester Road East to Conlin Road East, in the City of Oshawa will be closed from February 13 to 17 to install a sanitary sewer.

Learn more at durham.ca/newsroom.

Animated graphics of colourful wine bottles and glasses.

Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health released

The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction has released Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health. This guidance provides Canadians with the latest evidence-based advice on alcohol to support them in making informed decisions about its use and reduce the risk of alcohol-related harms.

Learn more about alcohol and your health, visit durham.ca/alcohol.

If you require this newsletter in an accessible format, please contact Newsletters@durham.ca