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Industry Report - December 2024

First Recipients Of Para Sport and Recreation Grant 

The Region of Durham has named the first recipients of the Durham Region Para Sport and Recreation Opportunities Fund, in partnership with Durham Community Foundation

  

Congratulations go to:  



  • Durham College Athletics toward the purchase of sitting volleyball nets. Durham College is partnering with ParaSport Ontario to host the inaugural college/university sitting volleyball competition in March 2025 during the Canadian College Athletic Association Women’s Volleyball Championship.

 

  • J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate and the Durham District School Board toward the purchase of a racing wheelchair so that more students with disabilities may participate in track and field competitions. Last year, J. Clarke Richardson brought 11 para athletes to the provincial high school championships. 


  • Abilities Centre and the Abilities Centre Eagles wheelchair basketball program for a wheelchair basketball tournament for three development groups. This will provide teams the opportunity to apply the skills learned at practice. 


  • Lacrossing Barriers in partnership with Their Opportunity toward the launch of their All Abilities and All Possibilities Adaptive and Inclusive Lacrosse Program in Durham Region. 

 

The Durham Region Para Sport and Recreation Opportunities Fund was launched in September 2024 alongside the Durham Region Para Sport and Recreation Legacy Fund as a legacy of the Durham Region 2023 Ontario Parasport Games. 

Learn more about the funds and application process

Scugog Launches New Tourism Website 

The Township of Scugog’s new tourism website is up and running. 

 

ScugogTourism.ca is designed as a one-stop shop for visitors, highlighting all the local shopping and dining options as well as special events. It also includes fun day trip ideas and a local directory of places to stay. 


Check out ScugogTourism.ca

Connect And Learn At The

Central Counties Tourism Symposium 

Early bird tickets are available until December 20 for the 2025 Central Counties Tourism Symposium. Hosted in partnership with Tourism Vaughan, the symposium is open to those businesses/organizations that grow the visitor economy across York, Durham and Headwaters. 


This year’s theme is “beyond the obvious”—finding new and innovative ways of attracting visitors. On February 10, 2025, enjoy a mix of speakers and panel sessions along with opportunities to network, share ideas and learn. Also take advantage of an exclusive bonus—a complimentary professional headshot for attendees.  


Learn more about the symposium

Grow Your Business With

The Starter Company Plus Program 

Apply now to be part of the Starter Company Plus Program with Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD). 


A new cohort starts January 2025, and the program is a great resource for entrepreneurs looking to start, purchase or grow their business. The program includes 3 mandatory training days over two weeks and the chance to receive up to $5,000 in seed funding to kick off a new business or expand your current business. 

Learn more and find out how to apply

Local Business Highlights

Market at 70 King is bringing great eats and new life to downtown Oshawa. The 95-year-old building that used to house the Genosha Hotel has been refurbished to its past glory with a food hall that rivals some of the best in the world. Read more about the transformation in Durham Tourism’s Downtown of Durham’s blog

A well-deserved shout-out to Durham Distillery for making Ontario Culinary’s The Great Taste of Canada 2024 Holiday Gift Guide. As the first craft distillery in Durham Region, the Ajax distillery is known for producing premium spirits with ingredients from Ontario farms. 

Ontario Culinary has chosen downtown Whitby as one of 3 holiday adventures in Ontario’s downtowns for people to experience. The article highlights a number of restaurants, cafes and shops to help promote visitors during the holiday shopping season.

Congratulations to The Springwood in Whitby for making Open Table’s Top 100 Restaurants for 2024. The top ranked spots are decided based on reviews by Open Table users from across the country. The Springwood is highly rated for its farm-to-table dishes, attentive staff and cozy atmosphere. Book your table.

Discover more local business news

🤸‍♀️ It’s shaping up to be a great summer in 2025 with Rose Valley Community Park in northeast Oshawa nearing completion. Pickleball courts and the installation of two playground areas are complete with more work to follow early next year. Read more about the construction.  

Find more sport updates in Durham Region

Current News & Trends

The Township of Scugog has received national recognition as one of the top participating communities in this year’s Culture Days celebrations. Scugog placed second nationally in the category of Towns and Rural Communities. Learn more about Culture Days and how to take part

 

Oshawa Tourism and Convergence Music and Art festival has been named a finalist for the annual Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Awards. The winners will be announced in February. Read more about the honour


Don’t wait for the New Year, get on trend now with Pinterest Predicts. The social media giant dropped its annual trend report for 2025. Some of the predictions? Think nautical-inspired looks, cherry-tinted everything and pickles—lots of pickles. Of course, here in Durham we’re ahead of the curve. If you haven’t had a chance, check out our pickle lover’s guide to Durham Region.

 

Ontario Culinary’s 4 Getaways for Ontario Cider Lovers profiles some of Durham Region’s exceptional cideries. Slabtown Cider, Pingle’s Farm Market, Trail Hub and Urban Pantry were recognized for their perfect mix of cider and countryside setting. Another plus—all these stops are Feast On®-certified. 

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For unique trip ideas or to plan your perfect day, visit DurhamTourism.ca, or call 1-800-413-0017. If this information is required in an accessible format, contact Durham Tourism.