Top 5 feature stories in Durham Region in 2024

5 Top feature stories in Durham Region in 2024

A newspaper cannot live on hard news and crime stories alone and when time allows, we like to devote some of our resources to investigative (or fun) feature stories.

Here are the top five feature stories of the year.

No one-size solution to opioid crisis

The worst was in 2021 when there were nearly a thousand suspected opioid overdose calls in Durham, but the crisis is still with us today.

‘Evidence-based strategies’ to cope with the overdose problem and getting life-saving naloxone in the hands of more support groups is the next step in getting addicts the help they need.

Naloxone kits

https://durham.insauga.com/opioid-crisis-in-oshawa-and-durham-needs-action-with-no-one-size-fits-all-solution-available/

Downsized pool not big enough for Oshawa swim club’s needs

A downsized pool component of a $150 million community centre planned for Oshawa’s booming northwest is a blast of cold water for the Oshawa Aquatic Club, who believe cutting the number of lanes from eight to four is not good enough for swimmers with Olympic aspirations.

To make matters worse, the club has been asked to try working a deal with Whitby, who is building a 10-lane pool just to the west.

https://durham.insauga.com/swim-club-calling-for-return-of-6-lane-pool-component-to-new-oshawa-community-centre/

Flavour and fun very much in play at non-alcoholic bottle shop

The principles of inclusivity, community, flavour and fun are behind With Grace Marketplace, a new alcohol-free bottle shop in Frenchman’s Bay run by a former brewery manager that aims to redefine the way Canadians experience and enjoy alcohol-free drinks.

https://durham.insauga.com/celebrating-life-with-flavour-and-fun-and-without-alcohol-at-heart-of-new-pickering-bottle-shop/

Doors Open giving a close-up look at Oshawa’s history and present

From grand downtown theatres and pioneer (and equine) cemeteries, the annual Doors Open event in Oshawa has something for everyone.

https://durham.insauga.com/doors-open-oshawa-inviting-visitors-to-see-spy-camps-cemeteries-theatres-and-churches-oh-my/

‘Lightkeepers’ needed in a mental health crisis

In his darkest hours, paddleboarder turned mental health advocate Mike Shoreman turned to those closest to him to shine a light to help guide him to safe harbour.

Wednesday evening, with the Ontario Shores Mental Health Centre on Whitby waterfront as the backdrop, A room full of lightkeepers showed up to support their own at a book launch from paddleboarder turned mental health advocate Mike Shoreman.

His latest book latest – Lightkeepers – the Power of becoming Safe Harbour in the mental health crisis – is a story of how Shoreman used those closest to him to shine a light to guide him during his darkest hours.

https://durham.insauga.com/the-importance-of-mental-health-lightkeepers-showcased-at-book-launch-at-whitbys-ontario-shores/