Durham News This Week featured several notable local developments, including a serious cycling collision in Whitby, the launch of a dedicated police vessel on Lake Scugog and new business activity in Ajax.
The stories below provide a quick look at some of the developments affecting residents across Durham Region.
Whitby teen seriously injured in cycling collision
A 14-year-old boy was seriously injured after being struck by a pickup truck at Garden Street and Manning Road in Whitby.
Durham Regional Police said the teenager was riding southbound in a crosswalk when he was struck by a southbound pickup truck making a right turn.
The boy was transported to a Toronto-area trauma centre with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The 40-year-old woman driving the pickup remained at the scene.
Members of the Durham Regional Police Collision Investigation Unit attended, and investigators appealed for witnesses, dash-camera footage and surveillance video.
New police boat begins Lake Scugog patrols
Durham Regional Police officially launched its newest marine vessel, Genawaabi, at Port Perry Marina.
The vessel is the first dedicated DRPS marine patrol boat stationed on Lake Scugog in more than 20 years.
The Canadian-made KingFisher 2425 Escape Hardtop is powered by a 300-horsepower engine and was selected partly because of its ability to operate in shallow waterways.
The vessel will support emergency response, search and rescue operations, boating enforcement and public-safety patrols.
Its name, Genawaabi, was chosen by the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and roughly translates to “they watch” or “they observe.”
Ajax welcomes dual-brand restaurant
Ajax was also featured in this week’s regional business and food news with the opening of Ontario’s first dual-brand Applebee’s and IHOP restaurant.
The opening gives Durham residents another dining option and represents the expansion of two major restaurant brands into a combined location.
The Ajax launch is expected to be followed by similar dual-brand restaurants in Windsor and Barrie.
Earwig numbers rise across Ontario
Clarington was among the Ontario communities reporting increased earwig activity this summer.
Experts said a snowy winter and wet spring may have helped more of the insects survive, contributing to increased sightings in homes and gardens.
Earwigs are generally considered nuisance pests rather than a serious threat to people. Residents can reduce indoor sightings by sealing cracks, limiting excess moisture and removing damp leaves, firewood and other hiding places near their homes.
Ontario benefits reach Durham residents
Ontario residents eligible for the Ontario Trillium Benefit were also scheduled to receive their August payment.
The benefit combines several provincial tax credits and is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency.
Eligibility and payment amounts vary depending on household income, family circumstances and the credits for which an individual qualifies.
Durham residents receiving the benefit should ensure their income-tax returns are filed each year to maintain eligibility.
Local stories remain the focus
These stories highlight the range of issues covered in Durham News This Week, from road safety and policing to business openings and seasonal concerns affecting residents.
Readers should continue following official municipal, police and government sources for updates, particularly on active investigations or time-sensitive public-safety issues.
Several of these stories are continuing developments, and additional information may be released as investigations progress or new local announcements are made.
