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Industry Report - January 2025

Scugog Special Event Planning Guide 

Planning a special event in the Township of Scugog? The Special Event Planning Guide is your ultimate resource. 

 

Whether you're planning a small community gathering or a large festival, this guide walks you through every step of organizing a successful event, from obtaining necessary permits, food vendor requirements, alcohol regulations to waste management. 

 

With detailed checklists and contact information for township liaisons, you'll have all the support you need to navigate the planning process smoothly. 

Download the Scugog Special Event Planning Guide

Fuel Travel Inspiration And Growth In Ontario 

Make Durham Region the destination of choice for travelers everywhere.  

Destination Ontario is looking for help inspiring travelers from home and abroad to explore the beauty and diversity of Ontario. Tourism partners are invited to contribute to Destination Ontario’s content marketing initiatives. 

 

Businesses can contribute in two ways: 


  • Sharing owned or published planning content for possible amplification by Destination Ontario. 
  • Sharing product and/or experience ideas (collections or singles) for possible content creation by Destination Ontario. 


Submissions may be featured in organic and paid media campaigns, media relations and broadcast activities, trade itineraries, business development training, and recommendations from travel counsellors and contact centre staff. 


Fill out Destination Ontario's intake form

Guide To Homelessness Support In Durham Region 

The Region of Durham is committed to ending chronic homelessness and your business can play a crucial role. Here’s how you can help: 


  • See someone in need of shelter or support? Contact the Homelessness Outreach Program at 311 ext. 5510 or email HomelessHelp@durham.ca. Available 24/7. 
  • Know someone who needs a meal? Direct them to durham.ca/FoodSupports for info on food banks and support programs. 
  • Concerned about someone's mental health? For urgent issues, call 911 and mention it's a mental health emergency. If the situation is not urgent, contact: 
  • Durham Mental Health Services: 905-666-0483 or 1-800-742-1890 (24/7) 
  • Primary Care Outreach Program: 289-979-9428 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily) 
  • Mental Health Outreach Program: 289-927-1979 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays) 


Your support can make a significant impact in our community.

How your business can support the homeless

 Transform Your Sales 

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Business Advisory Centre of Durham (BACD) wants to help you excel at the art of selling. If you have a product or service in need of marketing, consider taking BACD’s six-week coaching program, The Sales Blueprint. Weekly two-hour sessions will equip you with the tools, mindset, and strategies to sell confidently. Learn how to excel at authentic selling while staying true to your personal and business mission. 

  

This program is ideal for: 

 

  • Entrepreneurs ready to elevate their sales game. 
  • For those who want sustainable revenues. 
  • Small business owners looking for authentic, client-centered sales techniques. 
  • Professionals seeking to align sales strategies with their values. 

 

The next cohort starts February 13

Learn more and find out how to apply

Local Business Highlights

An amazing job by Eat My Shortbread for their work in helping to create Canada’s largest shortbread village. The Oshawa bakery partnered with Gay Lea Foods to bake the holiday pop up experience at The Well in downtown Toronto. 199 pounds of butter was used to create the village along with 4,500 shortbread people. If you missed it, watch the story on CityNews

The City of Pickering is positioning itself as a year-round health and wellness destination. Not only does it boast beautiful outdoor spaces, but the city also credits recent business openings such as Valeō Pilates and Wellness Studio, Archer’s Battlefield, Step By Step Fitness Club and With Grace Marketplace for contributing to a vibrant community aimed at enhancing physical and mental health. Read more in the National Post. 

Ajax’s Biscuits to Baskets was profiled in the New York Times. The article traces owner Suzanne Smith’s beginnings from selling chocolates and gift baskets out of her home to last April’s life-changing visit by food influencer Keith Lee. Read the New York Times article.

Applications are being accepted for the 2025 season of the Whitby Farmers’ Market and the Brooklin Farmers’ Market. Spots are open for farmers, artisans, bakers, crafters and more. Buskers looking to entertain visitors, and volunteers willing to help with set up and take down are also invited to reach out. View the application form

Vendors and performers are encouraged to apply for this year’s events in Oshawa! Applications are being accepted for food vendors, musical performers, and artisan vendors until February 2 for events including the Peony Festival, Canada Day, Bright and Merry Market and Oshawa Celebrates. 

The Whitby Chamber of Commerce invites you to a meaningful and inspiring event on February 7 as it honours the incredible contributions of Black-owned businesses to Durham Region. The event at the Ajax Convention Centre features a keynote speaker, panel discussion and breakfast. Register to secure your spot

Discover more local business news

The City of Oshawa is accepting nominations for its Community Legend award. The recognition goes to individuals, groups, and organizations who have positively touched the community. Nominations will be accepted until January 31. Nominate a Community Legend.  



The Raptors logo featured at the Indigenous Heritage Game on January 6 was designed by artist Luke Swinson, a member of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. Check out the logo and learn more about Luke’s work. 


Whitby’s Olivia Smith was named one of Canada Soccer’s 2024 Young Players of the Year. The award recognizes outstanding performances by players born in 2004 or later.

Read more about the honour


The Oshawa Generals have sent Brady Smith, their first-round pick of a year ago, and eight draft picks to Sault Ste. Marie for Team Canada defenceman Andrew Gibson.

Learn more about the trade

Find more sport updates in Durham Region

Current News & Trends

Get your company’s social media on point for 2025. Planoly, the visual planning and scheduling tool, is offering predictions for the coming year. Check out its top picks for what’s next in social media marketing and what’s going to be big in the world of

content creators and influencer marketing.

 

Stay ahead of the curve with these 25 opportunities and tourism trends for 2025. Predictions include a rise in wellness and retreat tourism, solo travel and even sleep tourism.  


Other travel trends expected to take hold this year include Noctourism—that’s nighttime travel experiences like watching the northern lights—and Calmcations—think quiet escapes that let travellers connect with nature. Check out the other predictions


In case you missed it, get on trend with Pinterest Predicts: 20 bold trends for 2025. Some of their top predictions: wacky celebration cakes and a twist on soda pop.  


Looking to tap into your business audience? Get the most out of your business-to-business (B2B) marketing strategies with HubSpot’s Ulitmate Guide to B2B Marketing.  

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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.