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The film and TV industry in Durham Region is bigger than ever, and now is the chance to be a part of it.

Join Film Durham on March 17 for the Film and Television Industry Career Fair. Make important connections with industry experts while learning about the over 150 career opportunities in this dynamic field, from production and cinematography to visual effects, costuming and much more.

Hosted at the Durham College and Ontario Tech University Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre in Oshawa, high school and post-secondary students and adults in search of a fresh start are invited to take the first step towards an exciting future. 

Registration for this free event is required. 

Business and property owners in one of Clarington’s historic downtown cores can take advantage of Community Improvement Grants to enhance and revitalize their property.

Clarington offers funding to assist with building improvements and upgrades, including new signage, facade upgrades and accessibility improvements. 

Applications are being accepted now to improve the look and function of buildings in the downtown and main street areas of Bowmanville, Newcastle and Orono. 

Sign up by February 28 to be a part of Durham Farm Fresh. Join the growing list of farmers, food producers, retailers and restaurant owners who are a part of this not-for-profit marketing association.

Benefits of membership include local food marketing initiatives, networking and opportunities to take part in industry workshops. Email Erica Orleni at coordinator@DurhamFarmFresh.ca to find out more. 

Ajax is running its Love Letters for Local campaign for the month of February. It's asking people to send a shoutout to their favourite local business on social media to be entered into a weekly draw to win a $50 gift card to the Ajax business of their choice. Enter now. 

Celebrate Ajax’s International Women’s Day event on March 5. The day includes a panel discussion with Ajax businesswomen and entrepreneurs as well as enlightening classes, artisan and craft vendors and lunch. Learn more and register. 

Apply to be a vendor at the Indigenous Cultural Celebration in Oshawa! Artisan vendors are encouraged to complete an application to be a part of the celebration on May 31. Applications are being accepted until May 1. Apply today. 

Tickets are on sale for the third annual Boujee Bites event on June 19 at The Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa. The upscale culinary event celebrates the top chefs and artisanal producers shaping Oshawa’s burgeoning food scene. Guests will indulge in a curated selection of gourmet tastings while enjoying live music and the vibrant atmosphere of the gallery. Get tickets now. 

Thank you to agriculture businesses and community members who provided feedback on Durham Region’s study to update policies for agriculture-related and on-farm diversified uses in the townships of Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge. 

The agriculture sector is an important component of the local economy—providing food, products, a livelihood and jobs for farmers and their employees. It also helps to support rural businesses that provide products and services, contributing to the agricultural system. 

The study's overall objective is to support a thriving agricultural system and rural economic opportunity, while balancing farmland protection. Your feedback has been valuable in determining the policies and application processes for these uses and activities.

Draft recommendations and an application toolkit will be shared for community feedback between February and March. Here’s how you can provide your feedback: 

• Review the draft documents and respond to an online survey that will be launched on the project webpage during the week of February 17. 

• Attend the public open house on March 3 at 7 p.m., either in person at the Scugog Recreation Centre in Meeting Rooms 2 and 3, or virtually by registering via Zoom.

Chocolate lovers know the place to get their favourite bonbons, bars and hot chocolate is at One More Cocoa in Whitby.

Chocolatier and owner, Kenesha Lewis, began her entrepreneurial journey during the COVID-19 pandemic and saw her business soar when her Hot Chocolate Trio box was chosen one of Oprah’s Favorite Things.

Read our latest Innovation and Inclusivity blog to learn more. 

Cheers to Chronicle Brewing on the opening of their second location in downtown Oshawa!

The new taphouse is open Wednesdays to Sundays and serves both food and their signature brews—giving you not one, but two opportunities to enjoy Chronicle Brewing in Durham Region!

Learn more. 

Tin Restaurant—now known as 9 By Tin—is enjoying its new spot on lower Brock Street in Uxbridge.

This new location offers a mainly Italian menu and is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 4 to 11:30 p.m. for delicious artisan pizzas, fresh pastas and sauces, homemade burgers, steak, and baked in house desserts. Check out their menu. 

Current News & Trends

Momentum Magazine has named Second Wedge Brewing Co. in Uxbridge as one of the top 8 bicycle-friendly bars and breweries in North America. The magazine gave high marks for the availability of bike racks and repair stations, along with the large outdoor patio. Read more. 

Canada’s largest owner, operator and manager of golf and country clubs has acquired Deer Creek in Ajax. The popular destination was purchased by ClubLink Corporation ULC and will continue to serve daily fee golfers, members, tournaments, weddings, banquets and restaurant guests. Learn more about the acquisition.

The Biltmore Theatre in Oshawa has been awarded a micro-grant to support emerging artists. The Setting the Stage pilot program is offered by the Canadian Live Music Association and sponsored by RBC. Read more about the program. 

Navigating the evolving trade and tariff situation can be challenging. To help, Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA) has created tips for industry partners on how to connect with customers. View CTA's advice on how to best support local. 

Have you checked out The Novak Report? This time out, Eric Novak takes a road trip exploring winter adventures in North Durham. Watch the full video. 

Port Perry has been named a must-visit for 2025 by readers of Narcity Canada. The lakeside town is loved for its charming streets and shops as well as its relaxing water views. Read the full article by Narcity Canada.