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January 2026

Durham Region Named 2025 Intelligent Community of the Year

Durham Region has been recognized as a leader on the global stage; named Intelligent Community of the Year by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF). This award highlights the Region’s commitment to innovation, connectivity and collaboration, with a strong talent pipeline to support local businesses.  

ICF evaluates communities on six factors: broadband, connectivity, knowledge workforce, innovation ecosystem, digital inclusion, sustainability, and engagement. 

From broadband expansion to clean energy and workforce development, Durham Region is building a community that is ready for the future. This award is not just about technology; it's about creating opportunities for people, businesses and communities to thrive. This honour reflects the incredible collaboration of our community partners, including all eight local municipalities: Ajax, Brock, Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge and Whitby, along with 1855 Accelerator, Brilliant Catalyst, Durham College, Ontario Tech University, Trent University Durham GTA, and local Boards of Trade and Chambers of Commerce. 

Durham Region was one of seven communities in the running for the 2025 Intelligent Community of the Year award—alongside cities in Brazil, Türkiye, the United States and Spain. 

Durham CEO Scores Forbes 30 Under 30 Spot

Oshawa native Zechariah Thomas has made Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Sports list for 2026. The 23-year-old is founder and CEO of Swift Hockey, a company based in Whitby that manufactures and sells affordable, pro-level carbon fibre hockey sticks. 

Zechariah started the company based on his own journey as a talented hockey player and his desire to make hockey more affordable for young players. He notes that affordability is an obstacle that keeps many kids out of the game. Swift Hockey now sells around 200,000 hockey sticks every year and has a second office in Syracuse, New York. 

Durham’s Institutions Earn Top Ranks

Durham Region’s powerhouse post-secondary institutions have been recognized by Research Infosource in its annual rankings. 

For the third consecutive year, Ontario Tech University was ranked number one research university among Canada’s undergraduate universities. Learn more about what’s driving Ontario Tech’s momentum. 

Durham College was named one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges and a leader in artificial intelligence applied research. Discover Durham College’s achievements. 

Trent University was recognized as top undergraduate university in Canada for international grants. It was also recognized for its strengths in publishing research on natural sciences and climate change. Read more about Trent's recognitions. 

Start the New Year Strong

If your goal for the New Year is to start or grow a business in Durham Region, then you’re in good company. There’s a strong, collaborative ecosystem here to support entrepreneurs at every stage.

Durham’s innovation network includes specialized support from Spark Centre, Brilliant Catalyst and 1855 Whitby. 

For many, the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) is often the first stop for training and guidance. Whether you’re refining a business idea or looking for training and workshops, they support entrepreneurs across all sectors and experience levels. Their programs, advisory services, and events help new and growing businesses build a strong foundation. 

As of January 1, 2026, Blue Box recycling collection previously provided to small business customers, including those located in local Designated Business Areas will be discontinued.

Small businesses may use private recycling collection services to continue managing Blue Box materials. Regional collection services for garbage, green bin and leaf and yard waste are unaffected. Residences within these areas will continue to receive recycling collection.

This transition aligns with provincial changes which shifts recycling responsibility from municipalities to the producers of the materials recycled in the Blue Box. Ontario’s Blue Box Regulation 391/21 requires producers to take responsibility for recycling. Under this provincial rule, municipalities no longer manage Blue Box programs. As part of this transition, Circular Materials, an organization representing producers, took over Blue Box collection. The Region continues to advocate for small businesses to be included in future provincial regulations.  

For the month of January interim, dedicated loads of Blue Box materials can be recycled at any Regional Waste Management Facility and fees will not be charged. This measure is in place while Regional Council considers the 2026 budget request to permanently waive fees for Blue Box recycling. Regional Council will make a final decision on the budget at its January meeting.

Owners and occupants must not place garbage containing Blue Box materials out for collection in accordance with by-laws. For more information please visit durham.ca/SmallBusinessRecycling and durham.ca/WMF for details on accepted materials and facility hours.

At Durham College’s Whitby campus, the Centre for Craft Beverage Innovation (CCBI) quietly shapes the future of craft beverages. Since 2018, CCBI has worked with producers to develop new products, refine recipes, and solve production issues. A recent name change—from ‘Craft Brewing’ to ‘Craft Beverage’—reflects its support to include makers of cider, wine, kombucha and non-alcoholic drinks. 

CCBI is also tapping into artificial intelligence (AI) through a collaboration with Durham College’s AI Hub. Their work together resulted in a West Coast India Pale Ale that was entirely formulated by AI. Following that success, CCBI is developing AI tools to help producers optimize efficiency and reduce waste. 

Events and Partnerships

Beyond the Music, an event series supporting Durham Region’s music community, returns on February 3. This next session at the Biltmore Theatre in Oshawa from 4 to 9 p.m. breaks down available major funding opportunities for performers, musicians and industry professionals. Experts will explain how to maximize grants, programs and supports to help advance music-related projects. 

Connect with others in the local music scene over light refreshments, then cap off the night with the Songwriters Open Mic, hosted by Crosswalk Entertainment. Interested performers are asked to pre-register for the open mic by emailing trg.crosswalk@gmail.com by February 2 at 4 p.m. Separate registration is required for Beyond the Music.

This event is presented in partnership with Invest Durham, the Biltmore Theatre, and Crosswalk Entertainment. Beyond the Music launched in 2025 as part of Invest Durham’s commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant music ecosystem in Durham Region.

Recent Business News

Invest Durham is hiring a Business Development Specialist – Investment Attraction. The Business Development Specialist will drive bold, industry-leading initiatives to attract investment and stimulate economic growth in Durham Region. Learn more about the role and apply. 

Ontario is proposing new regulations for businesses and workers to operate across provincial borders. That includes accepting goods and services approved in other provinces and speeding up licensing for certified workers. Read more about the draft regulation.

The governments of Ontario and New York have signed an agreement to accelerate the development of affordable, reliable and clean nuclear power. Learn more about the deal. 

The Township of Scugog has launched a survey to gather input on the future of the Port Perry fairgrounds. Read more about the process. 

Contact Us

Toll-free: 1-800-706-9857

InvestDurham.ca 



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