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If your business or home has character, charm or a unique look inside or out, it might be exactly what film production crews are searching for. Find out if your property could be suitable for film or TV at Film Durham’s Locations Seminar on April 14. 

This free afternoon session at Parkwood Estate National Historic Site will cover the fundamentals of working with film productions, how to market your property for film, protecting your space throughout the process, and the key responsibilities film companies take on during production.

Durham Region is a sought-after filming destination with lots to offer. By opening your doors to production, you not only contribute to the creative momentum, but you also tap into an opportunity that’s fun and can shine a spotlight on local spaces.

The Government of Canada wants to hear ideas about how the Pickering Lands should be used. A public consultation is open until April 17. 

Transport Canada is working with several federal partners to look at different options for the land. These include conservation, recreation, agriculture, and development for homes, businesses, and industry. 

Feedback can be shared through an anonymous online survey, by email or by mailed statement. Once the consultation period ends, the information will be reviewed and shared in a public report.

Join Central Counties Tourism (CCT) on March 26 at noon for a virtual Lunch and Learn session to explore their 2026/27 Partnership Program. Find out how the program can support your tourism initiatives through matched funding opportunities. 

The session will give a breakdown of the program’s four funding streams: CCT Partnered Projects, Destination Development Projects, High Impact Festivals and Events, and Small Business/Organization Marketing Support. It will also go over eligibility criteria, intake timelines, funding allocations, and practical tips.

Advance registration is required.

Free Training While Spots Last

Time is running out to access no-cost training through the Skills That Travel program. Eligible Ontario residents have until March 30, or until programs reach capacity. 

Skills That Travel is offered by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) and provides curated courses and training streams to help individuals build practical experience at any stage of their tourism career. 

The platform also includes resources for businesses and tourism operators to enhance workplace practices, attract job seekers, and help support career development.

The next Host in Whitby Grant Program deadline is April 1. The program provides up to $5,000 in financial assistance to support tourism-boosting events in Whitby.

Funding is open to owner/operators, private event organizers, and not-for-profit organizations hosting events that attract and retain visitors to both their venue and the broader Whitby community. Applications are reviewed quarterly. 

Whether growing an existing event or planning something new, the Host in Whitby Grant Program aims to create welcoming, inclusive, and tourism-driven experiences in Whitby. 

With its extensive recreational trails and mountain biking runs, more cyclists are choosing to ride in Durham Region. Learn how welcoming cyclists can be good for your business at a free webinar on April 8 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Hosted by Durham Tourism and Ontario By Bike, this online session will explain the cycle tourism market, the opportunities that are available, and how to get certified as a bicycle-friendly business. Join the more than 1,700 businesses across 42 plus regions who are part of the Ontario By Bike network.

This is the last chance to submit your vendor application for Pickering’s Spring Fling. The deadline is March 16 to take part in the celebration. Spring Fling is a family-friendly event featuring live music, games, a vendor market, giveaways and more. Join Spring Fling as a vendor.

Whitby is looking for young artists across Durham Region who want to make their mark! Apply to paint and design a waterfront street piano, or a large road mural in downtown Brooklin. Applications are open until March 25 to artists aged 12 to 25. This year’s theme, “Strong and Free” (Canada), encourages artists to showcase national pride. Learn more and apply. 

A new venue for events and weddings opens in Pickering this Spring. The Dorsay Community and Heritage Centre is looking for high-quality vendors for its upcoming Sip and See showcase, which will celebrate the launch of wedding and event rental packages. Apply by March 27.

Petapolooza is gearing up for its May 9 event, and exhibitor space is now open. If your business caters to animals or the people who love them, this is a great chance to connect. Breeders, rescue organizations and commercial vendors in pet fashion, accessories, travel, food and treats, health, pet art and photography are invited to apply. Find exhibitor details.

Picks and Giggles is inviting vendors to be a part of their first market of the year! They’re kicking off market season on June 27 at Maple Grove Orchards and they want local makers and artisans to be part of the excitement. Even better, this will be Picks and Giggles first outdoor market since 2022! Apply to be a vendor.

Small businesses looking to bring their unique, handmade products to a brick-and-mortar space are invited to join Brown Bag Boutique in the heart of downtown Bowmanville. They’re looking for new vendors for their retail space, offering flexible three- or six-month terms for makers who want to try retail without a long-term commitment. Explore vendor options.

Current News & Trends

Mark your calendars for the One Of A Kind Spring Market on April 9! Durham Tourism, in partnership with Durham Farm Fresh, will be hosting a special culinary activation at the Flavours Demo area with Chef Alex Page. Get tickets.

Durham Region got a Disney shout-out! In a social media post, Walt Disney Studios suggested their new Pixar movie “Hoppers” could have a connection to Beaverton. More details on the Durham link.

Town Brewery is on the move. The local craft brewer will be setting up shop in downtown Whitby. Renovations are underway, and their Charles Street location by the lake remains open. Read Town Brewery’s announcement.

Congratulations Trail Hub on becoming Great Place To Work® certified. The globally recognized designation is awarded based on direct employee feedback and evaluation of workplace culture. As part of the independent certification process, 97 per cent of employees said Trail Hub was a great place to work. Read the report to find out why.

Durham Region events won big at this year’s Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) Awards. Whitby’s Home Sweet Home festival and Convergence in Oshawa won Best New Festival or Event. CONVERGENCE Music + Art Festival also ranked in the Top 100 Ontario Festivals and Events alongside, the Whitby Brooklin Harvest Festival and Oshawa’s Indigenous Cultural Celebration, Halloween Boo Bash and Peony Festival. Check out the full list of FEO award winners.

Are you a small business owner trying to keep up with social media trends? Planoly is making it easier with this guide to industry updates. Explore what’s new. 

Destination Ontario's recent Ontario Travel and Tourism Monthly report finds Ontario residents are increasingly choosing in-province trips. Sign up for the Insights Portal to learn more.

CHCH Morning Live highlighted fun winter experiences across Durham Region, including ice fishing on Lake Simcoe with Floyd Hales Fish Huts, sweet treats at The Shortiss in Beaverton, a glamping escape on Scugog Island at Birchwood Luxury Camping and retro-gaming fun at 8-Bit Beans in Whitby. Watch the segment.

Even more Durham Region escapes are highlighted in Narcity Canada. The feature showcases under-an-hour getaways from downtown Toronto—all inspired by Durham Tourism’s Open Skies adventure planner. Read the article to find out how Durham Region was spotlighted.