Council Highlights from the March 25, 2024 meeting

Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan moves forward

Council received a progress update on the Municipality’s proposed Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan.

Clarington engaged with residents to ask them about their priorities for parks, recreation and culture. Residents shared their opinions and recommendations online, at public open houses and in stakeholder focus groups. 3,203 surveys were submitted, representing over 8,000 people across all age groups.

Clarington’s parks, recreation, and culture is viewed as a strength of the community that attracts new residents, visitors and economic development. Responses indicated that it should continue to be a high priority.

Staff are reviewing that feedback as part of an analysis of community needs, which is part of the next phase in developing the draft Master Plan.

Residents have made it clear that they want more parks and green space in Clarington. The Municipality faces significant challenges in meeting that demand due to changes in Provincial housing and development legislation, particularly the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022, also known as Bill 23. Considering these challenges, the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan will be an important tool for Clarington to be able to continue supporting an exceptional quality of life for its residents. Read more about the impact of this legislation.

Clarington to develop an encampment response strategy

Clarington is replacing its Parks By-law with a rewritten Public Spaces By-law to modernize how it enforces and responds to encampments in public spaces, ensuring compliance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by connecting people to the supports they need within the Regional shelter system.

Council also directed staff to develop a protocol that clearly articulates a framework for Municipal Law Enforcement Officers to address encampments in consultation with the Region of Durham and the Durham Regional Police Service to ensure a human-centred, housing-first, health-focused, rights-based approach.

If people see someone in need, they can contact Durham Region’s Outreach Team 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at HomelessHelp@Durham.ca or call 905-666-6239 ext. 5510. 

Clarington streamlines and modernizes advisory committee framework

Clarington is implementing changes to how its advisory committees operate.

Council adopted a standardized framework for Clarington’s advisory committee terms of reference, reflecting advances in technology, governance and accountability. The standardized template will provide better governance and improved effectiveness. For example, it requires that all committees prepare an annual report and work plan with initiatives and activities for Council to review.

Staff have been directed to work with members of Clarington’s Task Force on Affordable Housing to prepare a new Terms of Reference for the task force and explore how it can continue to advise the Municipality on affordable housing in our growing community.

As a result of these changes, there will be new opportunities for volunteers on the Accessibility Advisory Committee and Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Management Advisory Committee for interested residents.

Bowmanville Dog Park to get upgraded lights

Bowmanville’s furry residents will be able to enjoy an improved experience at the Leash-Free Dog Park thanks to a hardwired lighting system. Council directed staff to include the installation of the lighting system in the 2025 capital budget request.

The lighting will enhance opportunities for members of the community to get together and connect in an inclusive, safe and well-lit location while providing their pets with recreation and socialization space.

Clarington calls on the Province to review its funding approach for municipalities

Clarington and other municipalities spend, on average, about a third of their finances on services in areas of Provincial responsibility—and the cost is outpacing Ontario’s contributions to municipalities by nearly $4 billion a year.

While the current arrangement does not adequately address municipal financial pressures, the Province and municipalities have a long history of close collaboration to support their communities. That is why Council is calling on the Province to commit to working with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario to conduct a comprehensive social and economic prosperity review of that arrangement, with the goal of promoting the stability and sustainability of municipal finances not only in Clarington, but across Ontario.

Shaw House will be future home of Clarington Emergency and Fire Services (CEFS) administration

The renovations of Shaw House at 156 Church Street in Bowmanville are underway, and the refreshed heritage building will be the new home to CEFS administration.

The property was originally intended to host a small business and innovation incubator. Council directed staff to explore other opportunities for the incubator, including the possibility of using the Sarah Jane Williams building, as Shaw House’s size and layout is not ideal for the business needs of an incubator.

The Shaw House renovation will cost an additional $325,000. Council approved additional funding of $131,170 from the Community Services Building Refurbishment Reserve Fund, with the remaining funds coming from savings achieved from other completed capital projects.

Planning and development updates

As Clarington continues to grow, Council is taking proactive steps to promote responsible and balanced growth that develops the economy while protecting the environment.

Find out more about planning and development through the Growing Clarington Together newsletter, including Council decisions from the March 25 meeting. You can subscribe to the newsletter to receive these updates directly in your inbox.

Read more and stay connected

Minutes and video of all Council meetings are available on the Council Meeting Calendar page. The next regular Council Meeting is on April 22, 2024.

Catch up on recent Council highlights.

Find out more about the Mayor and Council, and get in touch with your local councillor, at www.clarington.net/Council.