Friday, November 24, 2023 5 Brooklin Town Crier established a grist mill, Way Mill, along Lynde Creek. Records indicate that a sign on his mill stated "Cash for Wheat." Over time, the creek earned the name Bickell's Creek. His influence extended beyond the mill as he owned multiple local farms and was prominent in the Brooklin area. Active roles Bickell's impact extended into governance and societies. He served as Whitby Township Councillor for several years, holding the position of Reeve multiple times and being elected Warden of Ontario County in 1868. During these years, he played an active role by engaging in various societies from Masonry to the Grand Lodge of Canada. The fire that razed the Bickell Mill in 1881 led him to partner in Toronto's tannery business, a venture cut short by his death in 1891. By purchasing the dilapidated Way Street estate, Merrill and Rilda Ross breathed life into a piece of Brooklin's history. After Merrill passed away in 1994 and in the years that followed, the property was divided into lots and gradually sold to developers. The once historical landmark reached the end of its era and all traces of the Way Street Mill removed from the landscape. Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) officially kicked off their 2023 Festive R.I.D.E (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign. Over the next six weeks the R.I.D.E team will be out ensuring roadways are safe. Last year's campaign saw a total of 9,907 vehicles stopped, with 77 drivers charged with drinking and driving offences - an increase in the number of impaired drivers from 2021 where 6,761 vehicles were stopped and 65 charged. Increased incidents Chief Peter Moreira helped kick-off this year's campaign and had a message for motorists. "Impaired driving will not be tolerated on our roadways. The consequences of impaired driving are devastating, leading to tragedies that affect countless lives," he said. "In 2022, Durham Regional Police Service had 826 impaired driving incidents, up from 745 in 2021. So far this year we have had 745 impaired driving incidents, a five per cent increase from the 709 we had last year. We are especially concerned that impaired motor vehicle collisions involving death or injury more than doubled in 2022 over 2021. This is unacceptable." Partnered with OPP, MTO, Durham EMS, and various fire and emergency services to make a unified plea to the community - if you see something, say something. We are in this together and rely on the public to not only drive sober, but also help ensure others make the right choice. Impaired driving is a life-or-death emergency - if you suspect someone is driving impaired, dial 9-1-1, it may save a life. Sober driving MADD also launched its annual "Project Red Ribbon" campaign to promote sober driving during the holiday season and remind Canadians about the importance of planning ahead for a sober ride home. MADD Durham Region is urging people to take a few minutes to plan ahead. If you're going to be consuming alcohol, cannabis or other drugs, arrange a sober ride. Visit, MADD Chapters.ca/Durham or follow them on social media @ MADDDurham. DRPS Launches 2023 Festive R.I.D.E. continued from page 4