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BROOKLIN -- A home on Sandhill Court in Brooklin suffered about $500,000 in damage as a result of a fire earlier this month. The fire broke out at about 1 p.m. on Sept. 4 at a house located in the area of Ashburn Road and Columbus Road West. All five of the Whitby fire department's trucks were on scene to assist in battling the blaze. "We were in a defensive mode once we discovered there was no one in the house, and we were able to stop it from spreading," said Whitby Fire Chief Dave Speed. With Whitby firefighters tied up at the scene for most of the afternoon, Oshawa Fire Services was called in through a mutual aid agreement to stand by at one of the town's local halls in order to provide coverage to the rest of the town. "We also had one of Oshawa's aerials come over to the scene and provide support that way," Chief Speed added. The home isn't habitable as most of the upper level was destroyed. A cause has not yet been determined. Craig Vine, who lives next door, said he was out when neighbours started calling him. "I was informed by my neighbours the house (next door) was on fire." Mr. Vine raced home and "found a gaggle of people on the street. My neighbour was out (of the house). That's what I was concerned about. He was out and sitting on the street." The Vines's home suffered some damage to the siding. "A little bit. It's something that can be fixed. It's not as bad as their situation." He's spoken with his insurance company and "they'll assess what's damaged" and then have it fixed, Mr. Vine added. The Vines have lived in their home for 12 years. There were no injuries to residents of the home or to firefighters. durhamregion.com The Citizen September 17, 2015 7 Upper level destroyed as Brooklin home suffers $500,000 in fire damage Kyle MacDonalD kmacdonald@durhamregion.com WHITBY -- A crowd was eager to walk through the doors at the grand opening of Whitby's newest store, Farm Boy, in August. A line of more than 50 people stretched across the front of the building before the doors opened, eager to be some of the first to visit the store. An opening ceremony Aug. 27 featured speeches from Farm Boy president and CEO Jeff York, Tracy Hanson from the Whitby Chamber of Commerce, and Whitby Mayor Don Mitchell. Before the ribbon was cut and guests were welcomed inside, Farm Boy presented Kevin Empey, president and CEO of Lakeridge Health, a cheque for $5,000 to health and nutritional programs. The ribbon was cut and the crowd made its way through the front entrance. The new 28,000-square-foot store prides itself in offering fresh and wholesome food, convenience and friendly service. The store opening created 150 full- and part-time jobs in the community. Farm Boy offers fresh produce, both grown locally and organic. The Whitby store is the 18th location in Canada, and Farm Boy plans to expand in future. Farm Boy Whitby is located at 360 Taunton Rd. E. Farm Boy opens to rave reviews in community BROOKLIN -- Whitby fire and emergency responded to a massive house fire on Sandhill Court near Ashburn Road and Columbus Road West at about 1 p.m. on September 4. All five of the department's vehicles were required at the scene. Ryan PFeIFFeR / MeTRolanD