Council Highlights from the February 26, 2024 meeting

Council recognizes Clarington Public Library Board on winning two Ontario awards

Council was proud to congratulate the Clarington Public Library Board on being recognized for its outstanding work in the community at the Ontario Library Association (OLA) Super-Conference on January 25, 2024.

The Board was recognized with the OLA’s Les Fowlie Intellectual Freedom Award, given to individuals and organizations who demonstrate courage in defending the rights of library users to be able to freely access information.

The Board also won the Ontario Library Board Association’s (OLBA) Joyce Cunningham Library Board of the Year Award, which recognizes collaborative and innovative efforts to produce outstanding results for library patrons.

The awards were given to Durham Region’s public libraries and the Durham Children’s Aid Society (CAS)for working together to host, promote, and celebrate Drag Queen Storytimes in 2023.

Members of Clarington Council and Library, Museums, and Archives staff

Taking action to address intimate partner violence

Clarington is implementing measures to improve supports for individuals and families affected by the epidemic of intimate partner violence (IPV).

Council endorsed an action plan that directs staff to provide training, resources and safe spaces for people experiencing IPV. The plan builds on Council’s recognition in 2023 that IPV is an epidemic—and takes measurable steps to help create a safe, diverse, inclusive, and vibrant community by supporting community safety and well-being.

Read the press release for more details.

Building permit fee study

Clarington recently conducted a building permit fees study that found that present permit fees do not adequately cover the costs of administering and enforcing the Ontario Building Code. As a result, the Municipality is increasing building permit fees by 8.99 per cent in 2024, which equates to an increase of $1.38 per square metre for a single-family dwelling. Starting in 2025, the fee will be indexed at three per cent annually.

The revenue from the fee increase will cover the anticipated direct and indirect costs to the Municipality for administering and enforcing the Building Code currently and in the coming years. It will also contribute to the reserve fund to help maintain services should an economic downturn occur. This measure will provide certainty to the building industry to be able to budget for the applicable building permit fee.

Clarington to collaborate with Durham Region to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and grow sustainably

Council has agreed to work with Durham Region to integrate the concept of a district energy system into the Courtice Transit-Oriented Community secondary plan. A delegation from the Region presented information about the system and its benefits.

Under this system, waste heat from Regional infrastructure at Clarington Energy Park would be redirected to provide energy and heating for the future Courtice GO Station. This could result in a reduction of Durham Region’s greenhouse gas emissions by more than 15 percent by 2050.

This commitment to collaborate with the Region builds on the pre-feasibility study developed by Clarington and Durham Region in 2022 and demonstrates Clarington’s ongoing leadership and commitment to innovative green development.

Moving forward on key initiatives

As Clarington continues to grow, Council is taking proactive steps to promote responsible and balanced growth that develops the economy while protecting the environment—and enabling Clarington residents to have an exceptional quality of life.

Actions taken at the February 26 meeting include:

Approved a proposal to build 43 townhouse units at 3051 Courtice Road, in a development that would feature a private lane, visitor parking, a private outdoor amenity space and a pedestrian walkway to access a future public trail along Black Creek.
Received public input on a proposal for a 446-residence development at 1525-1585 Bowmanville Avenue, Bowmanville. The development would include two apartment buildings and a block of townhomes within walking distance of the future Bowmanville GO Station. The proposal was referred to staff for review and consideration.
Granted the CAO authority to award a contract to design and build the highly anticipated South Bowmanville Recreation Centre. Construction is anticipated to be completed in summer 2026.
Granted the CAO authority to award contracts for the construction of two outdoor skating rinks, one in Newcastle and one in Courtice.
Awarded a contract for the Orono Arena and Community Centre indoor rink replacement and renovations.

View minutes and video of the February 26 meeting. The next regular Council Meeting is on March 25, 2024.

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