5 biggest news stories in Durham Region in 2024

The news never sleeps and there have been plenty of major news stories happening in Durham Region this year, from crime and the plight of the homeless to the idea of cable cars in the sky to ferry transit passengers up and down city streets.

Here are the 5 biggest news stories in Durham in 2024:

Cable cars recommended as transit of choice for Simcoe Street corridor

A transit study looking at the best future options for the Simcoe Street corridor chose elevated cable cars as the way to go.

The option beat out several other contenders, including dedicated bus lanes and a monorail, but also drew widespread public ridicule.

https://durham.insauga.com/elevated-cable-cars-preferred-transit-option-to-serve-simcoe-street-corridor-in-oshawa/

Cable cars as a transit option for Oshawa?

Living Wage region swap instantly makes Durham more ‘affordable’

The Living Wage Network switched Durham from the GTA to the East Region in their annual living wage study, which meant on paper those living on the margins could magically get by on $21.65 an hour, rather that the $26 an hour assigned as the wage needed to live in Toronto.

Bookkeeping abracadabra aside, it is becoming more difficult to make a living anywhere in Ontario while making the minimum wage.

https://durham.insauga.com/living-wage-now-21-65-after-oshawa-and-durham-switched-from-gta-to-east-region/

14-year-old strangled by seatbelt in mall parking lot

In a strange case that devastated a Whitby family and puzzled police investigators, a teenage boy strangled to death on a seatbelt while alone in a car in the Oshawa Centre parking lot.

https://durham.insauga.com/family-in-shock-after-14-year-old-dies-in-strangulation-incident-in-oshawa-mall-parking-lot/

‘We have a responsibility to show compassion’ – Oshawa Mayor wants province’s help on homeless issue

Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter wants more help from the provincial government in dealing with the opioid crisis and the homelessness issue, what he called the “worst health care crisis of our generation.”

“I’m not willing to stand by and see people die,” he said.

https://www.insauga.com/im-not-willing-to-stand-by-and-see-people-die-oshawa-mayor-on-asking-ford-for-help-on-health-crisis/

Unsanctioned demolition at former Goodyear plant has mayor fired up

Developers looking at turning the century-plus former plant in Bowmanville set off a firestorm when they began demolition work at the site without a permit.

https://durham.insauga.com/premature-demolition-at-goodyear-property-in-bowmanville-has-clarington-mayor-fired-up/

Former Goodyear plant in Bowmanville. Image Drozwick Drones