Staff at Oshawa Hospital’s maternity ward welcomed the city’s first baby of 2026 shortly after the New Year began.
Rielly Patricia Thornton was born at 12:13 a.m. on January 1, becoming Oshawa’s first newborn of the year. Proud parents Haley O’Donnell and Brandon Thornton said Rielly arrived just a little later than expected but was well worth the wait.
“We feel so blessed to open 2026 on such a profound note,” O’Donnell said. “We know Baby Rielly is a lucky girl, and we’re excited for the many wonderful moments ahead.”
Rielly weighed 3.86 kilograms (8 pounds, 8 ounces) at birth. She is the first child for Haley, while big sister Kinsley, age six, is already excited to welcome her new sibling.
The baby’s name holds special meaning, honouring a close friend from Newfoundland as well as both grandmothers, reflecting strong family and friendship ties.
Elsewhere in Durham Region, the first baby born in Ajax arrived at 1:15 a.m. at Ajax Pickering Hospital, welcomed by parents Angela Yen Wang and Calvin Wong. In Scugog, the first newborn of the year was delivered at 9:22 a.m. at Port Perry Hospital’s New Life Centre.
With birthing suites in Oshawa, Ajax Pickering and Port Perry, Lakeridge Health operates one of the largest maternity programs in Ontario, supporting more than 4,600 births in 2024–2025.
Photo Credits : Insauga
