This Week in Durham Stories

Durham’s own World Champs: meet the Sludgehammers

We all know Durham Region is home to some of the best tap water in the world. But did you know that a team of Durham’s experts, who treat our wastewater and protect our rivers and lakes, is literally the best in the world at what they do?   

The winning four-person team proudly goes by the name Durham Region Sludgehammers, led by coach Andy Griffin, includes Matt Moffat, Kevin Round, Kirk Gonsalves and captain Adam Hubers. The name ‘Sludgehammers’ is a playful nod to sludge—the thick stuff left...

CityStudio: the power of partnership that drives innnovation

Collaboration and innovation are more than just buzzwords words for CityStudio Durham. CityStudio Durham helps connect post-secondary students and institutions with local government to turn great ideas into action.

What is CityStudio Durham?

Sometimes, good ideas get stuck. They become side-of-the-desk projects that don’t move forward without a bit of extra help. At the same time, students and faculty are eager to use their skills and creativity to solve real-world challenges in the community.

What happens after you flush? Meet the team keeping our lake clean

Ever wonder what happens after you flush?

Most of us don’t think twice about what happens to the waste that gets flushed down the toilet—we flush it and forget it, but as Chief Maintenance Operator, Kurt thinks about it every day. For over 20 years, Kurt has been working at Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) in Pickering making sure the waste in your flush doesn’t end up in the lake.

Operated as a partnership between Durham and York Regions, the plant is one of the largest...

Rooted in Durham: Cultivating our agricultural future

Farming is more than fields and barns—it’s the beating heart of Durham Region. Agriculture feeds our community and fuels our local economy.

Fueling the economy

With more farms and agricultural lands than anywhere else in the Greater Toronto Area, Durham Region is home to 1,200 farms that grow grain and oilseeds, raise livestock and produce dairy, eggs, fruits, vegetables and other specialty goods. Farming here isn’t just big—it’s a major part of our economy. As one of Ontario’s leading...

Reel growth: Building a thriving film and television industry in Durham

You wouldn’t expect a Wild West town, stately mansions and post-apocalyptic worlds to coexist—but in Durham Region, they do. With diverse landscapes, studios and strong support, Durham is one of Canada’s most sought-after filming destinations.

In 2025, Durham welcomed Copenhagen, starring Canadian actor Simu Liu and The Testaments, The Handmaids Tale spinoff to its roster. Those follow a blockbuster 2024 with 71 productions, including Reacher, Twisted Metal, The Way Home and Fubar,featuringstars such as...