DURHAM REGION — Public safety investigations, major municipal planning decisions, infrastructure projects, housing updates, and Indigenous cultural celebrations highlighted another busy week across Durham Region between July 13 and July 16, 2026.
Durham Regional Police remained active throughout the week, issuing several public appeals while continuing investigations into fraud, sexual assaults, illegal firearms, and missing persons.
One of the week’s most significant investigations involved a province-wide arrest warrant issued for a 40-year-old Clarington man accused of defrauding a 78-year-old senior of approximately $33,000 through an alleged home renovation scam. Police believe the suspect may be connected to similar fraud investigations elsewhere in Ontario and continue asking anyone with information to contact investigators or Crime Stoppers.
Investigators also released an updated description in an ongoing sexual assault investigation in Ajax, now identifying the suspect as a man believed to be in his 60s. Officers continue searching for surveillance, dashcam, and cellphone footage from the area near Harwood Avenue North and Rossland Road West.
Meanwhile, another sexual assault investigation remains underway in Whitby after a woman was attacked near Iroquois Beach Park. The victim escaped the suspect and received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. Durham Regional Police continue appealing for witnesses and video evidence.
In Pickering, the Ontario Provincial Police laid numerous weapons charges after discovering a loaded 3D-printed firearm during a collision investigation near the Highway 401 and 412 interchange. A subsequent search allegedly uncovered additional ghost guns, firearm components, ammunition, and a 3D printer. The accused remains in custody.
Police also continue searching for a vulnerable 65-year-old Pickering man who has been missing since July 4.
At the Oshawa courthouse, a Superior Court judge imposed the maximum youth sentence available under Canadian law on the Pickering teenager convicted in the murder of 83-year-old Eleanor Doney, ordering five remaining years in secure custody followed by four years of community supervision.
Municipal governments also announced several significant initiatives.
Ajax Council approved a new secondary plan surrounding Ajax GO Station, supporting future transit-oriented development with mixed-use buildings reaching up to 62 storeys, alongside new housing, infrastructure improvements, and employment opportunities.
In Clarington, municipal officials temporarily disabled comments on the Township’s official social media platforms during the municipal election period to maintain political neutrality while continuing to share important public information.
Infrastructure planning also moved forward in Oshawa, where Durham Region opened the final public consultation period for the proposed widening and urbanization of Ritson Road. Planned improvements include additional traffic lanes, cycling infrastructure, sidewalks, upgraded intersections, and utility improvements. Residents have until July 24 to submit feedback.
Economic news included higher fuel prices across Durham Region, with regular gasoline increasing to approximately $1.729 per litre, while Whitby’s housing market recorded softer prices in June, with the average home selling for $936,392.
General Motors also reported a 14 per cent decline in truck production at its Oshawa Assembly plant following earlier workforce reductions, although the company reaffirmed its long-term commitment to manufacturing in Oshawa.
Around the community, Whitby expanded wildlife monitoring following increased coyote sightings and recent attacks involving children, while the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation prepared to welcome visitors to the 28th Annual Powwow, celebrating Indigenous culture through traditional dancing, drumming, artisan vendors, and family activities.
The week reflected the broad range of issues affecting Durham Region, from public safety and municipal planning to economic development and community celebrations.
