News Releases

Health Department celebrates World No Tobacco Day, May 31

Whitby, Ontario – May 31 is World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) and Durham Region Health Department will mark this event by reminding everyone that it’s never too late to quit smoking and bringing awareness of the harms of tobacco marketing that targets youth.

Vaping is an emerging trend among youth. As of 2020, research indicates that 17 per cent (5.2 million) of Canadians 15 years and older had tried vaping.

Researchers note that youth are at risk of becoming addicted to nicotine in e-cigarettes, as...

Access for all: Durham celebrates National AccessAbility Week

Whitby, Ontario – The following statement is being issued on behalf of John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham:

“From 1985 to 1987, Rick Hansen wheeled more than 40,000 kilometres through 34 countries to raise awareness about the potential of people with disabilities, and the importance of creating accessible and inclusive communities.

This journey—the Man In Motion World Tour—led to the creation of an annual celebration to reflect on how we...

Medical Priority Dispatch System launches in Durham Region

Whitby, Ontario – Starting today, the Region of Durham Paramedic Services (RDPS) and Oshawa Central Ambulance Communications Centre (CACC) are implementing the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) to enhance how 9-1-1 medical emergencies are assessed and how paramedic services are deployed in the region.

With MPDS, people calling 9-1-1 will be asked more detailed questions by Ambulance Communications Officers to accurately determine the nature and urgency of the medical emergency. This will...

Region of Durham Paramedic Services celebrates Paramedic Services Week, May 18 to 24

Whitby, Ontario – Region of Durham Paramedic Services (RDPS) is honouring National Paramedic Services Week, May 18 to 24, by recognizing the contribution of paramedics, both locally and nationwide, who dedicate their lives to supporting our communities.

Celebrating the theme, "We Care. For Everyone.", and marking 25 years as a service of the Regional Municipality of Durham, local paramedics will observe the week by hosting an open house on May 24 at RDPS headquarters, 4040 Anderson St., Whitby,...

New study and ‘Beyond the Music’ series amplify and empower Durham Region music scene

Whitby, Ontario – In late 2024, Invest Durham engaged local musicians, industry stakeholders and eager audiences to help guide and grow the music industry in Durham Region. Their input, combined with the research support of consulting firm Nordicity, has been instrumental in shaping the insights found in the recently released Durham Region Music Industry Analysis.

Live music is everywhere in Durham Region. In 2023, Durham Region’s music industry generated $162 million in gross domestic product...