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Durham Region is undertaking a study to update policies for agriculture-related and on-farm diversified activities, and the application and approval processes for these activities within the townships of Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge. The overall objective is to support a thriving agricultural system and rural economic opportunity, while balancing farmland protection. There are many opportunities for the agriculture community, rural businesses and residents, and other interested parties to participate in the study, including:

• Attend Durham Region Federation of Agriculture and Public Open House meeting on June 18 at Sandford Community Centre in Uxbridge, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. No registration is required for the open house, but if you wish to attend by Zoom, please register now.
• Complete the online survey on the Enabling Agriculture-Related and On-Farm Diversified Uses project engagement page by July 5.

The Region of Durham, in partnership with area municipalities and community partners, invites you to celebrate Bike Month this June. Bike Month is an annual month-long celebration of cycling that brings families, employers, commuters and community organizations together at hundreds of events across the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA). Durham Region residents are invited to participate in fun and educational cycling activities throughout the region, including the Bike Month Pledge, Region-wide Cycling Challenge and Bike Month Bingo!

Visit durham.ca/BikeMonth to learn how you can win great prizes by getting outside on your bicycle in June!

The Business Count Returns to Durham Region

Become a Rainbow Registered Business

Rainbow Registered is an accreditation program for businesses that are committed to providing a safe, inclusive space for 2SLGBTQI+ people to visit, work and feast. Businesses will be assessed based on their policies and practices, training, commitment to inclusive leadership, and culture of inclusivity, with those meeting the program standards being accredited and receiving access to a wide range of program benefits.



Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), alongside Tourism HR Canada, have collaborated to launch the Rainbow Registered Accreditation Program for 2SLGBTQI+ friendly businesses and organizations.

Local Business Highlights

Congratulations to the Trail Hub on being named one of the 2024 Best Bicycle Friendly Businesses in Ontario! A winner was selected from each of the 13 tourism regions in Ontario, and Trail Hub topped the list for all of York Durham Headwaters! Located trailside to Durham Forest’s biking and hiking trails, the Trail Hub provides outdoor enthusiasts and cyclists with all the amenities they need, including food and beverages, a bike and outdoors shop, parking, and—new for 2024—e-bike rentals. Learn more about this award. 

Welcome to the neighbourhood, M & L Motors Café! This boutique coffee house, located at 928 Brock Street North in Whitby at the Esso station, is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy delicious scones and madeleines baked fresh daily! Learn more about M & L Motors Café. 

Congratulations to Applewood Farm and Winery on their All Canadian Wine Championships (ACWC) Award! The winery’s MacMeade was recently awarded [another!] Gold Medal. Made of freshly picked apples and Applewood wildflower honey, it's the perfect sparkling drink for the patio. View the 2024 ACWC Award results. 

A series of updates to Google Search amount to a dramatic upheaval to the Internet's most powerful tool, complete with an unprecedented AI feature.  According to BBC, the recent Google changes will be a benefit to the web, and changes to the search algorithm are just the start. Learn how you can improve your Google business ranking.

Wanting your brand to be successful online starts with a multi-channel strategy. In today's digital landscape, it's key to have a robust content strategy with actionable steps to reach and engage with your target audience. With the ever-expanding list of platforms available, it's crucial to understand your audience on each platform. View Planoly’s guide to expand your content strategy across different platforms effectively.

According to City Nation Place, Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) can drive the social and community well-being of a destination through a common challenge, social connections, maximizing opportunities, and partnership. Tourism has the power to change the world, for the better. Read more or download a copy of Redefining Success: How DMOs can Drive Social & Community Well-Being.

Tourism Economics released its 2023 Economic Impact of Visitors in Toronto Report. This report was prepared for Destination Ontario, in partnership with Destination Toronto, Greater Toronto Hotel Association, Toronto Global, City of Toronto and Toronto Region Board of Trade. The report provides useful information to explain the impact of tourism and the visitor economy, and an analysis of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area visitor economy, which includes Durham Region. View the 2023 Economic Impact of Visitors in Toronto Report.