Whitevale in the News
Celebrate spring in Whitevale - Annual Spring Festival coming soon
May 15, 2012 - DurhamRegion.com
Celebrate the season in Whitevale with the upcoming Spring Festival.
Whitevale residents invite everyone to help celebrate their village in the valley with activities for the whole family during the 41st annual Spring Festival on Saturday, May 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Guests can enjoy homemade baking, craft sales, watch sheep get sheared, search for treasure at community yard sales or enjoy children's games and other activities.
Yard sales will be held throughout the village, including a Relay for Life Team garage sale, with all proceeds going to support cancer research. Or follow the delicious smells to 459 Churchwin St. for a bake sale featuring homemade pastries, pies, cakes and bread.
The Whitevale branch of the Pickering Public Library, which was restored with the help of village residents several years ago, will be open to guests until noon, and a wonderful mix of used books will be available for purchase next door at the book sale.
Kids can enjoy face painting, a jumping castle and other children's games at the Church of St. Joseph of Arimathea. Visitors can also enjoy tours of the unique church, built in 1854, or relax with a tea and pastry in the church's Tea Garden.
Guests can also enjoy barbecue and cold refreshments at Whitevale Park, which will play host to the BBQ Gourmet and Hospitality Tent, while local musicians display their talents on the park's Festival Stage and artisans display their craft wares throughout the day.
Kids can also enjoy the festival's petting zoo and the whole family can enjoy traditional games such as sack races, egg and spoon races, tug of war and a toss the wellies competition.
Woman suffers head injury in 2-vehicle crash @ Whitevale Rd. and Brock Rd.
May 11 & 14, 2012 - Toronto Star, DurhamRegion.com & CityTV
An air ambulance has been dispatched to airlift a woman with a head injury following a two-vehicle crash at Brock and Whitevale roads in north Pickering.
Brock between 5th Concession and Highway 7 is expected to be closed for several hours for the investigation, Durham police say.
The accident between a truck and a car occurred just after 6 p.m. on Friday and caused both vehicles to roll over.
The woman is expected to be airlifted to St. Michael's Hospital, while another victim was being transported to a local hospital.
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Durham's rural residents say web access like 'the Dark Ages'
March 18, 2012 - DurhamRegion.com
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs approved $1 million in funding to help construct a $3 million broadband Internet network in rural Durham by August of this year.
But a new report from the Region of Durham reveals the project has been scrapped.
Xplornet Communications -- the company awarded a contract to design, install and operate the network -- wasn't able to purchase a "licensed spectrum," which is a radio frequency band in a defined geographic area that can be used by only one entity.
Ms. Werry says she gets weekly calls about spotty Internet in rural areas, noting Ashburn, rural Clarington, Columbus, Whitevale and parts of Uxbridge are especially hard hit.
Whitevale bridge project to go ahead
February 22, 2012 - DurhamRegion.com
Plans for replacing the Whitevale bridge will move forward despite requests from residents to delay approval of funding for the project.
"This is a massively expensive initiative for a bridge for less than 100 families," said Whitevale resident Julie Schembri during a council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 21.
"I know it's easy to say you can approve $2.4 million and not spend it all but is that really how you want to approve a budget?"
Ms. Schembri said the community mainly wanted a bridge smaller in width than the one proposed.
Whitevale residents oppose bridge plans
February 21, 2012 - DurhamRegion.com
Residents of Whitevale are asking the City to tone down plans for reconstruction of the hamlet's bridge to save money and preserve the area's heritage designation.
The City currently has $2.4 million allocated for the project in its 2012 budget, based on a two-lane bridge with sidewalks. Residents, however, are asking the City to scale the project back and build a smaller bridge similar to the structure there now.
Arrest made in Pickering dungeon mystery
February 14, 2012 - DurhamRegion.com
The arrest, announced Tuesday, came after a lengthy investigation by Durham homicide detectives. The room was stumbled upon Nov. 29 by contractors surveying a Concession 7 house which was slated for demolition.
Police said at the time the only apparent use for the hidden room, which was freshly painted and fortified, was to confine someone.
The mystery deepened when the house, at 140 Concession 7, was destroyed in a night-time fire Jan. 6. Police and fire officials deemed the blaze suspicious.
One injured in Pickering house fire
January 19, 2012 - DurhamRegion.com
One resident is recovering at hospital after a late-night fire destroyed a home on North Road.
Two occupants were home when a fire broke out at 3550 North Rd. just before midnight on Wednesday, Jan. 18. Several fire departments responded to the blaze.
Seaton plan draws fire from Pickering residents
January 12, 2012 - DurhamRegion.com
Traffic issues in rural hamlets and the loss of valuable farmland in Pickering dominated discussion surrounding a proposal for Seaton's employment lands.
Plans for the lands were presented as part of a zoning amendment application during a public information meeting on Jan. 9 in Pickering council chambers. The proposal covered only a small portion of the future Seaton community, detailing plans for 61.6 hectares of developable land for "prestige employment" uses, including office and retail, and another 14.6 hectares for "prestige employment node uses," including non-office and retail. The lands surround Hwy. 407 on the north and south between Sidelines 26 and 22, and plans include areas for natural heritage buffer zones.
Replacement of Whitevale Bridge - NOTICE OF STUDY COMPLETION
January 4, 2012 - City of Pickering
The preferred solution resulting from the study is to replace the existing 2 lane Whitevale Bridge with a new 2 lane bridge. The new bridge would incorporate 2 lanes for vehicular traffic, horizontal recovery zones adjacent to the two lanes and sidewalks on both the north and south side of the bridge. The replacement of the bridge will improve safety for vehicular traffic and pedestrians using the bridge. Replacement of the bridge will be scheduled after the completion of design, receipt of approvals and permits, and approval of the necessary funds.
Pickering ready to throw its Doors Open
September 17, 2011 - DurhamRegion.com
"Largely Whitevale Road looks like it did 100 years ago. One thing I think Pickering doesn't recognize enough is its heritage, and I think that's because a lot of it is more north. For me it's important for people to know there's heritage up here and realize that there is value in preserving it."
Lights, camera, Unionville
August 18, 2011 - YorkRegion.com
Uncle Jesse is in town.
And if you ask him nicely, chances are he’s more than happy to pose for a photograph or two with you and your friends on Main Street Unionville.
“I love it here — it’s great,” said John Stamos, the American actor best known for his starring role as Jesse Katsopolis on the ABC sitcom Full House.
Concrete problems: $100 billion needed to fix up Ontario communities
June 22, 2011 - DurhamRegion.com
The Whitevale bridge, crumbling, pylon-lined and reduced to one lane, isn't the best symbol of the heritage community in which Marion and Lloyd Thomas take pride.
The bridge, leading into the quiet hamlet with a population of around 300, has taken a beating over the years.
Whitevale residents fight for Pickering hamlet
May 04, 2011 - DurhamRegion.com
Whitevale residents aren't willing to give up their quiet, quaint community without a fight.
The small hamlet on Concession Road 5, nestled just east of Altona Road, is also set to neighbour the future Seaton development. Seaton is a provincial development that's expected to attract 70,000 people and 35,000 jobs and will include schools, neighbourhood parks and mixed-use buildings.
Historic Whitevale building on fire
February 24, 2011 - DurhamRegion.com, CP24.com &TheStar.com
Pickering firefighters are battling a serious blaze at a historical Whitevale building.
They responded to a call at 490 Whitevale Rd. just after 7 a.m. and were still working to suppress the fire at 10:30 a.m.
Deputy Chief Gord Ferguson said the building is a coffee house. The Regency Coffee Company is listed at the address, with a residence in the back. The building was formerly the Whitevale general store.
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Seneca College teacher, two students killed in north Pickering plane crash
November 18-20, 2010 - DurhamRegion.com & TheStar.com
Three people are dead after a small plane crashed near Pickering Thursday night, police said.
“Our helicopter found the wreckage” shortly before 8 p.m., said Staff Sgt. Loxley Colquhoun.
Sgt. Nancy van Rooy confirmed that the three people on board the four-seater plane were killed.
Read full story...(Nov 18, DurhamRegion.com)
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Big fat Greek corn roast in Pickering
September 21, 2010 - DurhamRegion.com
The annual corn roast in Whitevale this weekend will have a new twist this year.
The former Whitevale United Church, which was bought by St. Joseph's Orthodox Church in late 2009, is maintaining the tradition of hosting a community corn roast each fall, but is adding souvlaki into the mix.
Whitevale bridge replacement moving ahead
September 14, 2010 - DurhamRegion.com
Two years after a rain storm put the Whitevale bridge under water, the City is planning for a full replacement.
The Whitevale bridge in the centre of the hamlet, along with Whitevale Road and a lot of land, was under water from massive flash flooding in July, 2008.
Spring into the Whitevale Festival
May 18, 2010 - DurhamRegion.com
There's a legend it's never rained at the Whitevale Spring Festival, and volunteers hope that holds true once again this year.
"It's a wonderful day in the country. It really is like a moment out of time," said Tricia McCallum, one of the many volunteers who helps put on the annual event.
Breakfast in Whitevale for good cause
April 07, 2010 - DurhamRegion.com
Dedicated women from Whitevale hope to reel in some hungry bellies for their annual Fisherman's Breakfast to benefit a good cause.
The annual breakfast will begin at 8 a.m. and will go until around noon on Saturday, April 24, at the Whitevale Community Centre, 405 Whitevale Rd., to mark the annual first day of the fishing season.
A new congregation in an old Pickering church
January 29, 2010 - DurhamRegion.com
The church's centre pews have been removed, the stage has been replaced, a new paint job has spruced up the inside and a new community is about to arrive in Whitevale.
The Whitevale United Church went up for sale in December, 2008, and while the Whitevale community planned to purchase the 125-year-old church, an Orthodox church made a successful offer last summer.
Illegal hunting in Pickering fires up resident
December 12, 2009 - DurhamRegion.com
A councillor and a wildlife expert are fed up with the illegal hunting and poaching in Pickering.
Mr. McKinnon was glad to report he hadn't seen any illegal hunting in five days when he and Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell met the News Advertiser. The interview took place at a cemetery in Whitevale since Mr. McKinnon had spotted ladders with platforms attached to a tree in close proximity to the cemetery, a public place, for hunting purposes. It was still there at the time of the interview.
Whitevale church sold
November 17, 2009 - DurhamRegion.com
A church that a group of residents hoped to purchase in Whitevale has officially been sold to an outside buyer.
The former Whitevale United Church will now be named St. Joseph of Arimathea Orthodox Church. A group of residents was in the midst of fundraising to purchase the building when they learned the Orthodox church placed an offer in the summer. The Orthodox church officially closed on the sale last week, said Michael Plomaritis, of Coldwell Banker, representing the church.
Whitevale church has potential buyers
September 01, 2009 - DurhamRegion.com
The annual Whitevale Corn Roast was in full swing this year.
But the allocation of funding, which was originally meant for the community's purchase of Whitevale United Church, may have to change.
Shortly before the well-attended corn roast, which featured corn, hamburgers, hot dogs, homemade pies and music, local residents got word that a potential buyer put in a bid to purchase the 125-year-old building and convert it to a Christian Orthodox Church.
Tasty food being served to save Whitevale church
August 20, 2009 - DurhamRegion.com
In an effort to save the Whitevale United Church, villagers invite anyone and everyone to come out and enjoy some good home-cooking on Thursday.
On Aug. 27 from 5 to 8 p.m., the community will hold the annual corn roast on the church grounds. Also, this year is a homecoming for former Whitevale residents and church members.
Wireless cell tower planned for Whitevale
July 09, 2009 - DurhamRegion.com
The planning and development committee has approved a location close to the Whitevale Heritage District as the site for a 40-metre Rogers wireless cell tower.
The tower will be installed 600 metres north of Whitevale Road on an unopened road allowance, Sideline 34, to satisfy growing demand for reliable wireless service, especially due to the poor service currently around Hwy. 407 and York-Durham Line, said Terri Daniels of Rogers in a letter.
Hope remains for Whitevale church
April 22, 2009 - DurhamRegion.com
It was all smiles at Pickering City Hall Monday night after Whitevale residents received good news from council.
The community recently learned Whitevale United Church will soon go up for sale. The biggest worry: that the 125-year-old church could be sold into private hands and no longer be available for public use. So, the Whitevale and District Residents' Association formed a rescue group, Save Whitevale Village Church, with the intention to purchase it. Longtime resident Gordon Willson presented the plans and asked for council's support.
Whitevale home-cooked breakfast for a good cause
April 17, 2009 - DurhamRegion.com
The official first day of the fishing season will bring eggs, sausages, home fries, coffee, danishes, orange juice and more to Whitevale for a good cause.
The women of Whitevale's Relay for Life team will host the annual massive breakfast on Saturday, April 25, from 6 a.m. to around noon (or until the food runs out) at the Whitevale Community Centre, 405 Whitevale Rd. All proceeds from the hamlet's long-time event will go to the Canadian Cancer Society. Traditionally, fishermen and hikers who use the Seaton Trail attend the event to fill up for the long day, but all are welcome to enjoy the home-cooked fare.
Church is heart of the community
March 31, 2009 - DurhamRegion.com
To the editor:
Our church has been the heart and soul of Whitevale for over 145 years since it was built by the original community called Major.
From land cleared of the surrounding pine forest, boulders were hauled for the foundations and logs were sawn in the water-powered mills on the Duffin Creek. Bricks were made at a local brickworks. Hard work, dedication and a strong community spirit achieved this solid and well-designed building which has served many succeeding generations. We are deeply indebted to our early citizens.
For sale: Whitevale United Church
March 18, 2009 - DurhamRegion.com
Built almost 125 years ago and nestled in a heritage-designated village in north Pickering, the Whitevale United Church has seen its fair share of history.
"It's always been referred to as the jewel of Whitevale," says resident Ann E. Ward, youth leader of Whitevale United Church.
But its fate is currently unknown as it will soon go up for sale.
Pickering group wants sewage facility stopped
December 29, 2008 - DurhamRegion.com
A group of Pickering residents is raising a stink about a proposed sewage odour control facility (OCF) to be built near their subdivision.
The OCF is part of the York-Durham Sewage System (Big Pipe) extension and would be located just south of the Cherrywood West subdivision, near Altona Road and Concession 3 in Pickering.
Residents unhappy with latest Seaton plans
October 23, 2008 - DurhamRegion.com
The terms of reference for the Seaton neighbourhood planning program were passed Monday night without debate.
The community of Seaton is expected to have about 70,000 residents in north Pickering and create 35,000 jobs.
Whitevale church lends a helping hand to the hungry
September 24, 2008 - DurhamRegion.com
With Thanksgiving fast approaching, Heritage United Church in Whitevale plans to help the hungry in Ajax and Pickering.
The church hosts its fourth annual Food Bank Drive and Rummage Sale this Saturday. Although the church collects food from parishoners during regular services, it's an opportunity to expand the collection to the rest of the community, said the church's youth leader, Ann Ward.
Road work continues after rainy weekend
July 29, 2008 - DurhamRegion.com
This weekend's rain brought more water problems to some already drowning Pickering roads.
All are "passable", but work is continuing on Whitevale and Greenwood area roads damaged by last week's downpour and further impacted by this weekend's rainstorms.
"We are still fixing the washouts, shoulders, and ditches," said Tom Quinn, Pickering's chief administration officer, during an interview on Monday.
Whitevale road closure update
July 25, 2008 - DurhamRegion.com
Work continues on Whitevale-area roads and bridges, after a rainstorm caused significant flooding damage on Wednesday.
While Whitevale Road has reopened, only the northbound lane of the Whitevale Bridge is open. As a result, it can only accommodate light traffic. Trucks and heavy vehicles are not permitted.
Pickering roads remain closed
July 25, 2008 - DurhamRegion.com
Parts of the 5th Concession remain closed to traffic following Wednesday afternoon's downpour.
"It's like a patchwork quilt," Chief Administrative Officer Tom Quinn said.
Major flash flooding hit in the vicinity of Bulmer Bridge in Greenwood (on the 5th Concession, just west of Church Street) and Whitevale Bridge in the centre of the village. Staff were on the scene throughout Wednesday night and into Thursday to ensure only local traffic goes through since the roads experienced major erosion from the sheer impact of the water.
Pickering under water
July 23, 2008 - DurhamRegion.com & CityTV.com
Mother Nature caused some severe flash flooding Wednesday, resulting in erosion on the Fifth Concession in Pickering.
The Whitevale Bridge in the centre of the village, along with Whitevale Road and a lot of land, was under water from massive flash flooding.
Read full story... (DurhamRegion.com)
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Whitevale resident wants to stay put
November 29, 2007 - DurhamRegion.com
It doesn't bother Valerie McNaughton that her floors are slanted or that her doors are crooked. In fact, she thinks it adds character to her home. What bothers her is the fact that she can't open her windows and that her furnace doesn't work properly.
"The floors are wonky, but I love my house," she said. "I just want them to fix it."
And she definitely doesn't want to move. Ms. McNaughton moved into the Henry Major House in Whitevale, which was built in 1820, in 2000. The property was expropriated by the provincial government in the early 1970s and tenants have rented the home ever since.
Seaton's green dream
October 28, 2006 - TheStar.com
t's a cluster of tumbledown barns and rotting farmhouses that nosedive into fields that are fighting a losing battle to encroaching scrub brush.
Boarded up, overgrown and neglected for more than 30 years, Seaton looks like a giant B-movie set.
But that's not what Pickering's Mayor Dave Ryan sees when he looks out over those softly rolling hills.
What Ryan sees is his city's future, a town with thousands of neatly laid-out, energy-efficient homes and families scurrying off to nearby jobs and schools. A place where Seaton's 70,000 residents can walk to the corner store or bike along paths meandering over streams and through lush green spaces.
