Council Highlights from the May 27, 2024 meeting

At the May 27 Council meeting, Clarington debuted new video technology. The new technology improved the quality of the live stream. It also shows close-up shots of speakers with their names and titles. You can watch the recording and see the meeting minutes on the Council Meeting Calendar page.

Bracing for more legislative changes with the proposed Bill 185: Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act 2024

Council received a staff report about the Province of Ontario’s proposed Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act 2024 (Bill 185).

The Bill includes some changes to development charges to support new developments paying for costs associated with studies related to growth (such as official plans, road needs studies, master plans, and other studies).

It also confirms earlier Provincial direction that upper-tier planning responsibilities will be downloaded to local municipalities. The removal of Durham Region from Planning Act processes means that Clarington will assume responsibility for all planning matters. This will place increased pressure on existing municipal staff to carry out these functions.

The Bill includes an additional suite of proposed legislative, regulatory and policy changes, which would impact the Planning Act, Development Charges Act and Municipal Act. Staff submitted comments to the Province outlining concerns and challenges related to the proposed bill.

Cub scout activity in Clarington

The Bowmanville Cub Scouts updated Council on their recent Scouting activities. Mayor Foster, members of Council, and Regional Chair John Henry presented the youths with certificates of congratulations for their service to the community.

Updates to user fees

Council approved changes to Clarington’s User Fee By-law, which outlines how much the Municipality charges for various customer services.

In addition to some administrative changes, various user fees were updated to reflect inflationary and administrative costs.

Notably, adoption fees at the Clarington Animal Shelter will be updated to better reflect the cost of animal care and bring the fees in line with comparable municipalities. Clarington will also implement a voucher program for puppy adoptions, in which the adopter is eligible for a rebate with proof that the adopted puppy has been spayed or neutered. Clarington already had this program in place for kittens.

The new fees will come into effect on July 1, 2024.

Commitment to ending homelessness

Council moved a resolution to commit to ending homelessness in the community in collaboration with the Region of Durham, and both the Provincial and Federal governments.

The resolution also calls on other levels of government to increase action and support for the creation of more affordable and supportive housing for people in need, as well as evidence-informed substance use prevention initiatives.

Planning and development updates

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

Find out more about Council’s planning and development decisions in the Growing Clarington Together newsletter, including:

• Proposed policy updates to ease restrictions on Additional Dwelling Units
• Bill 185 and new proposed Provincial Planning Statement
• 2023 was a record year for building activity in Clarington

You can subscribe to the newsletter to receive these updates directly in your inbox.

The next regular Council Meeting is on June 24, 2024.

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